Our surgery suite is equipped with a SurgiVet vaporizer for isoflurane gas. Isoflurane is one of the safest gas anesthesias that is used by veterinarians. We do everything we can to ensure your pets safety during surgery.
Our hospital is capable of doing many soft tissue surgeries, including mass removals, canine dewclaw removal, spay (Ovariohysterectomy) & neuter (Castration) as well as dental cleaning, polishing and tooth extractions.
What to expect when your pet is spayed or neutered
Surgery admittance for pets is between 7:15 am and 8:00 am the day of the scheduled procedure (s). Drops offs the evening before can be arranged with prior notice. Allow yourself 10-15 minutes for admission that morning, we will need for you to sign several forms. At check-in you will have the chance to speak with the surgery technician and have any questions you may have answered.
The forms that will need to be signed include authorization for anesthesia, surgery and preanesthetic testing. Preanesthetic testing is a requirement for any surgical procedure involving general anesthesia. These blood tests help detect metabolic or organ related deficiencies that could increase the risks associated with general anesthesia. There can be rare potential anesthetic complications such as (but not limited to ) cardiac arrest, breathing abnormalities and CNS (brain) lesions. Patients with metabolic abnormalities (e.g.. diabetes) and /or anatomical abnormalities (e.g.. brachycephalic facial conformation-flat faced breeds, obesity) can have an increased anesthetic risk. To help avoid stressing the pet, a few may need light sedation prior to drawing the blood for preanesthetic testing. If your pet’s blood work shows abnormal results, he/she may be given intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, a different anesthetic protocol may be used, or the procedure may be canceled.
You will also be given the option to have your pet receive a Microchip at the time of surgery with a discounted cost to you. This microchip will ensure that your pet has permanent identification in the event that he/she is lost without identifying name tags. If your pet is taken to a shelter and scanned for a microchip the identification number will be read by the scanner to aid employees at the shelter with identifying you pet, the number can be called into the Recovery Service’s 24 hour hotline and then be traced to your file from the information that you supplied with your registration. While under anesthesia we can place a Microchip just under the skin of your pet’s shoulder blades. You will then need to fill out and send your registration material to the Recovery Service. If you choose to have the microchip placed at the time of surgery you will receive a $10.00 discount. If you reside in Pennsylvania and wish to use the microchip as a means of obtaining the lifetime license for your dog, we will send the appropriate forms with you to send to your local courthouse at the time of discharge.
You can expect your pet to be hospitalized most of the day. Our surgical technician will call you at your contact number in the afternoon to give you a progress report and to schedule a surgery discharge time for your pet.
A preanesthetic injection consisting of medication to help relax the pet prior to surgery and pain medication are given. The general anesthesia will then be administered and the surgery performed. During the surgical preparation for the spay, your pet’s abdominal area will be shaved. The uterus and ovaries are completely removed during this procedure. For neuters, the scrotal area will be shaved and the testicles removed. Our surgical technicians monitor your pet closely during the procedure with the use of Pulse Oximetry measuring the patients heart rate and oxygen saturation level.
Your pet will recover from surgery on warm blankets on a heating pad, and will be placed back in his/her kennel once he/she is able to walk. Our technicians continue to monitor the pet closely post surgery to observe for any pain or potential complications that may occur.
The most common complication associated with a spay is abdominal bleeding during or post surgery. The risk is increased when the surgery is performed during estrus (heat) and pregnancy or in older obese dogs. Cats can be spayed during estrus with minimal increased risks. Weight gain may occur as a result of this procedure but can be easily controlled with proper diet and exercise.
The most common complications associated with castration are scrotal dermatitis (inflammation of the scrotum) and scrotal bleeding in the cat. If the pet licks the area swelling may occur. Placement of E-collar (Elizabethan collar), topical medication, and compresses can aid in the decrease of the swelling.
If your pet is attempting to lick the incision post surgery an E-collar ( Elizabethan Collar) will be placed and charged to your account. If your pet is not licking the incision here you will be given the option to purchase a E-collar or a Cover Me at discharge time. The E-collar should be worn for 10 to 14 days post surgery.
At your scheduled discharge time, allow 10-15 minutes for surgery technician to review all discharge care instructions with you. We will review all instructions and take care of the charges prior to bringing your pet out to see you.