What You Need to Know Before Your Pet's Upcoming
Surgery

Many people have questions about various aspects of their pet's surgery, and we hope this information will help.  It also explains the decisions you will need to make before your pet's upcoming surgery.

Laser Surgery?
We were the first clinic in Southern Illinois to offer the Laser Surgery.  Laser Surgery is less painful, causes less bleeding, less discomfort, a reduced chance of infection, and in most cases, a quicker recovery and return to normal activities.  Laser Surgery uses an invisible beam of light that can remove a precise layer of tissue at one time.  It does not crush, tear, or bruise the tissue like a scalpel, because there is no physical contact with the tissue.  Laser should be the only option when choosing surgery for your cherished pet.
 
Is Anesthesia Safe?
Today's modern anesthetic gases and monitors have made surgery very safe.  Here at LITTLE EGYPT VETERINARY CLINIC, we do a thorough physical exam on your pet before surgery to try to detect any abnormalities.  We also adjust the amount and type of anesthetic used depending on the age, size, breed, health, and general condition of your pet.

Preanesthetic Blood Testing?
 Every pet needs blood testing before surgery, just as our doctor would do for us.  Testing helps ensure your pet can properly process and eliminate an anesthetic, giving you peace of mind.  Even healthy-looking pets may be hiding symptoms of a disease or ailment.  Blood testing helps detect this kind of illness so we can avoid problems with anesthesia.  If results are normal, we can proceed with confidence.  If not, we can alter the anesthetic procedure or take other precautions to safeguard your pet's health.  These tests become part of your pet's medical record, providing aa baseline for future reference.    

Can My Pet Eat Before Surgery?
It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia.  You will need to withhold all food for at least 10 to 12 hours before surgery.  Water can be left down for the pet until time to leave for the clinic the morning of surgery.

Will There Be Stitches?
We will use either absorbable or non-absorbable sutures, or staples.  Non-absorbable sutures or staples will need to be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery.  Absorbable sutures will dissolve on their own, and do not need to be removed later.  With either type of suture, you will need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge.  Most dogs and cats do not lick excessively or chew at the incision, but this is an occasional problem you will also need to watch for.  If they do lick or chew excessively, please contact us immediately.  You will also need to limit your pet's activity level for a time, and make sure the surgical site stays clean and dry for 10 to 14 days.

Will My Pet Be In Pain?
Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals.  Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it.  Pain medications needed will depend on the pet and the surgery performed, with major procedures requiring more pain relief than things like minor lacerations. We use either oral or injectable medications  at the time of surgery, and for several days after to lessen the risk of discomfort and swelling.  You wouldn't consider surgery without pain medication for yourself, and it shouldn't be an option for your pet either.

What Other Decisions Do I Need To Make?
While your pet is under anesthesia, it is the ideal time to perform other minor procedures, such as dentistry, ear cleaning, microchip insertion, or even a nail trim.  If you would like an estimate for these extra services, please call ahead of time.  This is especially important if the person dropping the pet off for surgery is not the primary decision maker for the pet's care.

When you bring your pet in for surgery, we will need 5 to 10 minutes of time to fill out paperwork.  Likewise, when you pick up your pet after surgery you can plan to spend about 10 to 15 minutes to go over your pet's postop care.