After a pet has been scheduled for surgery, the veterinarian will usually give the pet owner some guidelines for accommodations the pet will need before and after the procedure, but there are a few tips that every pet owner should know before the operation.
The pet owner will need to make sure that the animal is up to date on its vaccinations and the pet�s medical and surgical history is available to the surgeon. If the pet is taking a prescribed medication, pet owners should be sure to tell the operating veterinarian, Baetge believes, and the medication may have to be halted prior to the surgery for the animal�s safety.
Baetge says the animal will have to fast (go without food or water) usually starting the night before surgery. �Make sure that during the time that the pet is fasting, that all available means of attaining food or water have been prevented,� she explains.
�For example, some dogs or cats may try to drink out of the toilet since they do not have another water source. To prevent this, owners should keep the lid to the toilet down,� explains Baetge.
On the day of the surgery, pet owners should anticipate simply dropping off the animal at the clinic or hospital. The surgery may be completed that day or the pet may need to stay overnight to be monitored.
�On the day of the surgery, pet owners should allow themselves enough time to let the pet eliminate before surgery to help avoid �accidents� during anesthesia,� Baetge adds.
Pet owners should also make sure that all of their contact information is correct prior to the animal�s surgery. From time to time, the pet owner will need to be contacted because of an emergency. If the owner cannot be reached, this can greatly complicate the situation, she notes.
After surgery, if the animal usually resides outdoors, it may be a good idea to make a confined area in the home where the pet can lounge after surgery with clean blankets or other comfortable material. This area can also be helpful in allowing the pet owner to keep a close eye on the pet after surgery.
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Some animals will irritate the area of incision causing it to get infected, so pet owners should check the area at least twice a day to ensure that the wound is healthy,� Baetge explains. �If the incision is red, swollen or has fluid leaking from it, the pet owner should call the veterinarian.�
She adds that all medications prescribed for the pet should be given as directed.
�Call your local veterinarian if you have any questions or if your pet continues to appears pained, won�t eat or eliminate normally,� she advises. �Do not give your pet any human medication unless specifically told to do so by your veterinarian. Many of the medications used regularly by humans are highly toxic to pets. Making sure you and your pet are properly prepared before and after a surgical procedure is one important component to a successful outcome.�
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