Dog Surgery

If your beloved dog is in need of surgery, you may have many concerns. As veterinarians, we understand that the thought of your pet undergoing surgery can be frightening, and that’s why we’re here to help you navigate the process. At Main Street Veterinary Hospital, we strive to deliver the highest quality medicine and best service to pet owners. Our team of experienced veterinarians is dedicated to providing the best care for your pet and ensuring the best possible outcome. In this article, we will discuss what you need to know before your pet has surgery, the value of pre-surgery lab work, any specialists who may need to be involved, the safety measures taken while your pet is under anesthesia, the recovery process, and what you can do to help your pet heal at home.

What Do I Need to Know Before My Dog Has Surgery?

Before your dog has surgery, it’s important to understand why the operation is necessary. Some surgeries are unavoidable due to accidents or severe health conditions, while others may be elective and non-life-threatening. If you have any questions regarding the reason for the surgery, please talk to one of our veterinarians. On the day of surgery, it is important for your pet to be properly prepared for surgery. Preparation includes withholding food and water for a certain period before the procedure, perhaps bathing your pet for good hygiene, and notifying the vet of any medication given with the 24 hours leading up to the surgery. Your pet also typically needs to be up to date on vaccinations at the time of elective surgery.

Will My Dog Need Lab Work Done Prior to Having Surgery?

While pre-operative lab work is never a mistake, there are patients that absolutely require it before surgery. Pre-operative labs help us identify any potentially hidden health issues that may complicate surgery or anesthesia. Typically, lab work includes a complete blood count (CBC) which evaluates red cells, white cells, and platelets and a chemistry test, which evaluates blood sugar, proteins, kidney and liver function. Even if a pet appears healthy, the consequences of not performing these tests can be severe if an undetected condition is present. And as a pet ages, it is much more common to find abnormalities in the labs.

Does My Dog Need to See a Specialist for Their Surgery?

The need for a pet to see a specialist for surgery depends on several factors including the type of surgery, its complexity, and the pet's overall health condition. When the surgery involves complex, advanced, or uncommon operations such as orthopedic, soft tissue, and oncologic surgeries, we may refer you to a board-certified veterinary surgeon for their expertise and access to more specialized equipment.

A board-certified veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has completed additional training in a specific area of veterinary medicine and passed an examination that evaluates their knowledge and skills in that specialty area. They have met rigorous schooling requirements and have extensive experience. Typically, we will evaluate your pet and recommend a boarded surgeon for those cases that we believe will benefit from that level of expertise.

What Will My Veterinarian Be Looking For In The Pre-Surgery Lab Work?

The pre-surgery lab work looks at several components of the pet’s blood. The CBC evaluates red and white blood cells, platelets, and other their precursor cell lines. These tests detect potential factors such as anemia, an elevated or decreased white cell count, and/or a low platelet count that could lead to surgical complications. The chemistry test looks at various parameters in the blood which help us assess organ function for the liver and kidneys. This added knowledge helps us determine how anesthesia may affect your pet.

Who Will Be Monitoring My Dog While Under Anesthesia?

The safety of your pet during surgery is paramount. Our team of veterinary professionals works together to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet while under anesthesia. The veterinary nurses will record the patient's history, including information about any health issues, previous anesthetic episodes or surgeries, and medications. With this information and the information gained from pre-anesthetic lab work, the veterinary surgeon will design the anesthesia plan. 

Both the veterinary surgeon and the veterinary nurses will provide sedation, general anesthesia, and pain management during procedures. The pet's ECG, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure and carbon dioxide level will be monitored the entire time they are under general anesthesia. There will also be a trained veterinary nurse monitoring your pet for the entire procedure. These professionals are essential for ensuring that pets stay safe while under anesthesia.

How Long Will My Dog Need To Recover After Having Surgery?

The recovery period after surgery can vary greatly among dogs, depending on factors such as the type of surgery, the dog's overall health, age, and the specific condition being treated. Recovery can take anywhere from a day or two as in the case of a kitten neuter to several months as in the case of an ACL repair. It's important to follow our veterinary surgeon's instructions carefully and monitor your dog’s progress to ensure a successful recovery. We welcome recheck visits, phone calls, e-mails or texts if you have any post-operative concerns

How Can I Help My Dog Recover at Home After Surgery?

Helping your dog recover at home after surgery is an important part of the process. However, it is essential to follow your vet’s instructions regarding E-collars (i.e. "the cone of shame,") wound care, medication, feeding, and activity restrictions. You should provide your dog with a quiet and warm space to rest and ensure they have access to clean drinking water at all times. Additionally, it’s important to keep any bandages dry and isolate your dog from other pets and children. Finally, regular check-ups, if recommended, with the vet are essential for monitoring your pet’s recovery process and addressing any potential complications before they become serious.

Conclusion

Undergoing surgery can be a scary experience, both for pet owners and their dogs. It is essential to understand why the procedure is necessary, the process itself and all the safety measures taken to ensure your dog's well-being. At Main Street Veterinary Hospital, we strive to deliver the highest quality care and best service to pet owners and their beloved pets. If you live near Norman, OK, and have any questions or concerns about your dog's surgery, please do not hesitate to contact us at (405) 329-6555.