Your Pet's Surgery

Whether performing a routine surgery or an emergency procedure, you can have confidence that the veterinarians and staff at Critter Doctor Animal Hospital will work hard to ensure each procedure is thorough, done with the utmost expertise and is as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.

At Critter Doctor Animal Hospital, we fully understand the decision to allow your pet to undergo surgery is never an easy one. To that end, we are happy to answer any questions regarding your pet’s specific surgery. In fact, a pre-surgical consultation is an essential part of the process. Additionally, our medical staff is happy to provide you with information on postoperative care to ensure a rapid return to your pet’s happy, healthy self.

State-of-the-Art Veterinary Facilities

Critter Doctor Animal Hospital’s state-of-the-art surgical facility ensures procedures are both as safe and efficient as possible. Veterinary technology is advancing at a rapid pace. These advancements, combined with our expertise, greatly reduce the risk for complications and allow us to perform surgical procedures quickly and accurately.

Pet’s Pre-Surgery Exam

Before your pet undergoes any surgical procedure, a thorough examination takes place. This exam includes a pre-surgical blood screen, which, along with your pet’s anesthetic history, breed, preexisting conditions and age, will be used to determine a unique anesthesia protocol. These tests have the added benefit of establishing a baseline for the comparison of future blood tests, should your pet require any.

Anesthesia

For most surgical procedures, anesthesia is required. While under anesthesia, your pet is continuously monitored by both our staff and specialized anesthesia monitoring technology. Your pet’s blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature and oxygen level are all tracked during surgery. We also use a temperature-controlled operating table to assist in maintaining a constant body temperature during the procedure.

Pain Management

Just as with humans, pain has many negative effects on pets that go beyond physical discomfort. Pain after surgery can slow healing and worsen diseases like arthritis. And, because our companion friends don’t understand why they are experiencing pain, pain can cause behavioral issues and interfere with the bond between you and your pet.

To minimize your pet’s discomfort, we typically use a combination of local anesthetics, NSAIDs and narcotic pain relievers. The exact protocol is tailored to each animal and is dependent upon a number of factors that are determined by the pre-surgery exam and the procedure itself.

Postoperative Care

The amount of time your pet will need to monitored after surgery varies. In some cases, animals will need to be monitored overnight; in others, they can be sent home the same day. When your pet is discharged, your veterinarian will provide you with information on proper home care after surgery. Often, your pet will be prescribed medication; in this case, we will explain how and when to administer it. We will also be available to answer questions after your pet arrives home. Contact Critter Doctor Animal Hospital at (425) 823-6762 with any questions or concerns following surgery and we will be more than happy to help you.

Want more information on what to expect when your pet needs surgery? Visit the AAHA Owner’s Guide to Anesthesia