Will my dog need lab work done prior to having surgery?
Yes, usually we do require lab work prior to any surgeries. That may be in the form of blood work, ECGs, those type of things.
Dr. Jim Martin
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
Does my dog need to see a specialist for their surgery?
Not always, not all pets require a specialist to do it. Here at Loch Haven, we do surgeries such as neuter, spays, soft tissue surgeries, cystotomies, things like that that don't require a specialist.
What will my veterinarian be looking for in the pre-surgery lab work?
In the pre-surgery lab work that we do, we look for things like, do they have the proper clotting factors. We look at their kidney values, electrolytes, and blood sugar. We look to make sure they're a good candidate for anesthesia and surgery.
Who will be monitoring my dog while under anesthesia?
Here at Loch Haven, we have a dedicated anesthesia technician who monitors the patients. We give them a template and a grid. They will take all the vitals, they monitor them, they inform the doctor of all the changes in the vitals. So it's kind of a combination between a dedicated anesthesia technician and the doctor.
How long will my dog need to recover after having surgery?
That depends. Some surgeries recover quickly, they may recover in 24 hours, some take a little longer. It just really depends on which type of surgery that is performed.
How can I help my dog recover at home after surgery?
Usually after surgery, we recommend that you keep your dog comfortable in a very climate-controlled environment. Keep their exercise levels down, reduce their activities, and basically just making sure that they're not overexerting themselves.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Surgery - FAQs 1
Dr. Jim Martin
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
How can I prepare my dog for surgery at home?
It's essential to prepare your dog for surgery properly. Primarily, fasting is a key part of this process.
Does my dog need to fast before surgery?
Yes, all dogs must be fasted before surgery, especially if they're going under anesthesia. Fasting prevents regurgitation or vomiting during and after the procedure.
When can my dog come home after surgery?
It varies. Some dogs can go home within 2-4 hours after surgery, while others may take a bit longer. However, almost all dogs go home the same night. It's rare for us to keep a pet overnight.
What should I know about taking care of my dog after surgery?
After the surgery, keep your dog in a climate-controlled environment and remain calm. Reduce its exercise and minimize activities to help it recover.
When can my dog return to normal feeding and activity after surgery?
Usually, your dog can eat on the same day of the surgery in the evening. We may request you to reduce the food volume, but they typically eat the same evening.
Will my dog need post-surgery pain medication?
We always provide post-surgery medication to reduce discomfort. The type of medication depends on the surgery, but we usually send home something for pain relief.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Surgery - FAQs 2
Dr. Jim Martin
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
Do certain dog breeds have higher risk factors when in surgery?
Yes, certain breeds, such as brachiocephalic breeds, do have higher risk factors. These risks are mainly related to anesthesia. We monitor these patients closely and administer the proper medications before and during the anesthetic procedure.
How can the risks of my dog's surgery be minimized?
The primary way to reduce the risk of any anesthetic mishaps is to ensure we have a good candidate for anesthesia. This is achieved through a thorough physical exam and proper lab work, such as blood work or perhaps an ECG. It's also important to have skilled technicians monitoring the patient.
Is anesthesia always necessary for my dog to have surgery?
Yes, anesthesia is always necessary. It can be in the form of local anesthesia or general sedation, but these are all forms of anesthesia. We use anesthesia to minimize any discomfort and pain for the dog.
How will you ensure the safety of my dog during the surgery?
Ensuring the safety of your dog during surgery involves a good physical exam prior to the surgery, pre-anesthetic diagnostics such as lab work and ECGs, and having the proper team monitoring your dog when it's under anesthesia.
What are the side effects and possible complications of surgery?
Side effects may include your dog being a little sedated or sleepy, or still feeling the effects of the anesthesia when they go home. Possible complications of surgery can be discomfort and pain. We do our best to minimize these effects.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Surgery - FAQs 3
Dr. Jim Martin
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
Will my dog go under anesthesia during surgery and who will monitor them?
Yes, your dog may need to undergo anesthesia, particularly if it is an invasive type of surgery. We have dedicated surgery technicians to monitor your dog, under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
Will my dog be intubated for surgery?
If your dog has to go under general anesthesia, they will be intubated. This means we put a tube down their trachea to allow the exchange of gas and oxygen.
How will my veterinarian communicate with me during my dog's surgery?
We aim to maintain effective communication throughout the surgery. Typically, the doctor will call you immediately after the surgery to update you. Furthermore, our technicians will be in touch with you via call or text messages throughout the day.
Will my dog be in pain during and after surgery?
We strive to minimize any discomfort and pain for your dog. We administer pain medications before, during, and after surgery. We also provide additional pain medication for you to give your dog at home to help minimize any discomfort or pain after the procedure.
How effective is surgery in dogs?
Surgery can be very effective in correcting many health problems in dogs. If we believe surgery can improve your dog's health and lifestyle, then it can indeed be a very effective solution.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram