When surgery is the right or only option

No one - neither pet nor human - likes to go under the knife. But sometimes, surgery is the right (or even only) option. If your pet needs surgery, it’s important you understand exactly what will happen during the procedure, but also what you need to do before, during and after surgery to help your precious pet make a smooth recovery.

Anaesthesia

Completing procedures under a general anaesthetic allows your vet to treat your animal safely, calmly and most importantly, pain-free. As a full anaesthetic carries some risk, your vet will have carefully weighed up the various pros and cons before presenting you with this option. After all, they want the very best for your treasured pet, just as you do.

Before Surgery

One

Discuss with your vet any:

  • Queries you have about your pet’s procedure
  • Concerns about your pet’s current or previous illness, particularly how that could affect the anaesthetic or surgery
  • Additional procedures while your pet is anaesthetised, ie nail clipping or other grooming

Two

Do any requested preliminary blood tests (your vet may request this to get more information about your pet’s health status before surgery)

Three

Stick to any fasting instructions given by your vet prior to any procedure (sedation, general anaesthetic or surgery). Generally, this will be from 8pm the night before surgery

Four

Prepare a quiet, confined environment for your pet when they come home

During Surgery

Pre-medication

Before anything else is done, your vet will thoroughly check your furry friend is fit and healthy for surgery. If so, they will give them medication designed to calm and sedate them before the full anaesthetic is given. It’s the safest option.

General Anaesethetic

This part of the procedure begins shaving your pet’s forearm and/surgical area. It’s done two reasons:

  • The vet can clearly see your pet’s vein
  • Cleaning the area reduces the chances of infection

Your vet will then administer anaesthetic injection and your best mate will drift off to dreamland. The surgery can then begin.

During Surgery

Your pet will be given continuous medication throughout surgery to maintain anaesthesia. This might be done through a tube placed into their windpipe so it’s possible they’ll develop a slight cough after surgery due to irritation. It should settle over 48 hours.

Rest assured they will be monitored throughout the procedure to ensure the anaesthetic is proceeding safely.

After Surgery

Once the surgery is done, your precious one will be placed in a warm bed in a quiet area to recover. If they required skin sutures, the vet or nurse will let you know and give you some information about how to care for them. At this time, they’ll also share details about post-operative care and book an important check-up revisit.

Medication

It’s likely your pet is going to need some pain relief after surgery. If so, your vet might prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications work to both relieve pain and decrease inflammation.

As with all medications, side effects can occur. The most common side effects of NSAIDs:

  • Mild softening of your pet’s stools
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Bleeding into the digestive tract (not as common)
  • Other problems can occur but they are rare.

If you suspect your pet is having problems with a medication, STOP the medication and CONTACT your vet.

Home Care

Once you get your furry loved one home, there’s a few things you can do to help them recover:

  • Keep them in a safe, comfortable & clean environment
  • Don’t let them lick or scratch their wound (you can get an Elizabethan collar from the vest to help with this)
  • Monitor the wound site - a little redness, swelling & even a small amount of discharge is to be expected
  • Give all medications as prescribed by your vet
  • Attend all booked revisits
  • Call your vet if you have any concerns