Each of our doctors has a scheduled surgery day during the week. Surgery drop-offs are scheduled the morning of surgery between 7:15 am – 7:45 am. Emergency surgeries take priority, and we will always do our best to accommodate such surgeries during our hours of operation.

Most of our surgeries are done on an outpatient basis. You will usually drop your pet off in the morning for surgery and then return to pick him or her up later in the afternoon or evening. The doctor will call you after the surgery is done to update you on how your pet is doing and confirm a good pick up time. Some surgeries, such as TTA and cat de-claw procedures; will spend the night in our hospital.

We will ask you to withhold your pet’s food after midnight the night before surgery. It is also suggested that you provide clean bedding which is better for the incision. If your pet is going to be limited on their mobility go ahead and section of an area of the house or prepare their crate so it’s ready when you get home.

Establishing that your pet is 100% healthy prior to being anesthetized is our goal. Bloodwork, checking vitals organs and ECG/Echocardiogram checking cardiac function is what we prefer to do.

Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately six months of age. Your pet will be given an exam prior to surgery to help determine if they are healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery. We work with you and your pet to help manage any pain after surgery.

Procedures involving sutures routinely require them to be removed about 7 – 10 days following surgery. Some of our patients will have internal or buried sutures which do not need to be removed. Our staff will advise you on proper suture care and schedule a removal appointment when your pet is discharged. If your pet was sent home with an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking the incision area, definitely use it.

If you pet has either removable or buried sutures, you should wait until the sutures are removed before you bathe your pet or allow swimming of any kind.

Your pet may attempt to mask the signs of pain as a survival instinct. However your doctor will work with you to prescribe the appropriate medication to help your pet manage any pain after surgery. Signs of discomfort your pet might show are hiding, limping, crying out, lethargy, poor appetite, depression, and aggression. If you should see any of these symptoms then you should contact our office immediately (704) 892-0207