Here's what you should know before your pet's upcoming surgery.

If your pet is about to undergo surgery, we understand that this can be a stressful time. You want to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible and that you know what to expect. The veterinarians of Total Care Veterinary Hospital and Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital in High Point, NC know that your pets are family, and it’s our job to keep them safe and healthy, particularly when undergoing surgery. To calm your mind, here are some things you should know about pet surgery,

Is anesthesia safe for pets?

The team at Total Care Veterinary Hospital and Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital prides itself on providing the safest and most reliable forms of anesthesia for pets. We also perform an extensive physical exam with blood tests to ensure your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. We also customize the type of amount for each pet. Your pet will not be able to eat for at least 8-10 hours before surgery, and they can drink water up until the morning of surgery.

Are stitches required?

If your pet needs stitches, which is often the case with surgery, we will place dissolvable stitches directly under the skin so your pet can’t pull at them or rip them out. As the wound heals, the stitches will dissolve. Just make sure to check the wound regularly to make sure there isn’t any swelling or signs of infection. If we do need to place regular stitches, your pet will come back into our office about 10-14 days after surgery to have them removed.

Will my pet experience any pain?

Just as people under anesthesia do not experience pain, the same holds true for pets; however, if you’ve ever undergone surgery before, you know that discomfort and pain often come hours after. Our team will manage their pain even before your pet’s surgery begins.

Pain medication is often administered before anesthesia. A narcotic injection may also be administered after the surgery to help reduce any post-procedural pain. In some cases, we may also prescribe oral pain medications to help reduce your pet’s pain and swelling. Talk with our team about your pet’s pain management during their pre-surgical appointment.

What are the complications and risks?

Before your pet gets surgery, it’s always best to speak with our team to discuss any possible risks or complications of your pet's surgery. Some surgeries, such as removing a small growth or tumor, aren’t going to be as extensive a procedure as repairing a torn or ruptured ACL.

What will happen during surgery?

This is something to discuss with our team before your pet’s surgery. You and your pet will have a thorough consultation with our vets before they are scheduled for surgery, so this is the perfect time to ask any questions about the length of the procedure and how it’s performed.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s upcoming surgery or your pet is dealing with a condition that could benefit from surgery, don’t hesitate to call the veterinarians of Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital in High Point, NC, at (336) 886-2315 and at Total Care Veterinary Hospital on Greensboro Road at (336) 841-8877 to schedule an evaluation.