Please read the this material carefully and let us answer any questions you have about your pet’s procedure.

I. Other procedures before or during anesthesia
II. Client instructions for pre-anesthesia
III. At home after anesthesia
IV. Convalescence- surgery to suture removal
V. Suture removal
VI. Fees

PRE-ANESTHETIC BLOOD TESTS, including a complete blood count (CBC) and organ profile are highly recommended for those pets over 7 years-old or with a history of health problems, and suggested for all pets. These tests will give the doctors information on how your pet’s major internal organs are functioning, and the status of red and white blood cells and platelets. While many test results are normal, a problem may be uncovered and possible complications avoided. These tests should be scheduled at least two days before surgery.

MICROCHIP ID: a tiny chip containing a unique identification number is placed under the pet’s skin while he is asleep. Afterwards you will not be able to feel the chip, but it can be read with scanners available at most clinics, humane societies and shelters. Many lost or stolen pets have been returned due to these chip.

Check-in Time: Between 8:30 and 9:00 AM on the day of the procedure.

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Be sure that we have a number where you can be reached if the doctors have questions during the procedure.

NO FOOD AFTER midnight on the night before surgery.

Allow your pet to have his normal amount of water during the night before surgery.

Take his water away when you get up in the morning.

NO FOOD or WATER on the morning of surgery.

Many pets are able to return home late in the afternoon on the day of surgery. Please call the clinic after 4:00 PM to check on your pet, and remember that we close at 6 PM ( or 7:00 PM on Thursday).

Peace and quiet: Your pet may be groggy , off-balance and irritable tonight, and may not return to completely normal behavior for a few days. Keep him confined to a small area tonight so that he can’t hurt himself. You should monitor his interactions with children and avoid rough handling, loud noises and sudden movements.

Go Slowly with food and water. Anesthesia can make your pet nauseous. One or two hours after your pet returns home, you may give him a few ice cubes to lick, or a small amount of water (no more than a spoonful at a time). If the water stays down, you can feed your pet one-third of his normal dinner, but if he seems nauseous don’t resume food or water until morning.

Chewing the sutures or Licking excessively at the surgery site can be a problem with some pets. Please call us if this happening. A special collar is available if needed.

IV. Convalescence: Between Surgery and Suture Removal:

Check your pet's incision site frequently for excessive redness or swelling drainage, gaps or missing sutures. A small amount of redness and swelling may be normal.

Restrict your pet’s exercise Increased motion may delay healing and increase the likelihood of complications. Unattended pets may open or soil their incision. Remember, your pet will be convalescing for approximately 7 to 14 days.

Keep the incision site dry. Your pet should not be bathed or allowed to swim until the sutures are removed.

After a cat declaw: For the first week after surgery, use shredded paper, or “Yesterday’s News” (available in pet stores) in the litter box to lessen the chance of infection. Cats which refuse to use the paper can be given their regular litter. In either case watch the toes for swelling, drainage or increased pain.

VI. Fees: Full payment is due when your pet is released. We accept checks, Visa, Mastercard and Discover. Please feel free to ask for an estimate of charges before any procedure.

Please call us if you have concerns or questions before or after anesthesia.