Consultation
Upon your initial consultation visit, the surgeon will review all information provided by your primary care veterinarian, striving to avoid redundant diagnostics. If additional tests are deemed necessary, they will be discussed with you beforehand.
An experienced surgery technician will gather a comprehensive history of your pet’s condition, including the main issue for the visit and any relevant medical history. Knowledge of your pet’s current medications is also valuable.
The technician will then obtain some general health parameters from your pet including, temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, gum color, and body weight.
Your pet will undergo a thorough examination by the surgeon, encompassing overall health parameters alongside the primary concern. The surgeon aims to address any potential underlying issues.
Following the examination, the surgeon will discuss your pet’s condition, previous diagnostics, and examination findings, elaborating on treatment options and recommendations. Risks and complications of surgery, if recommended, will be thoroughly explained, with ample opportunity for your questions.
If a procedure is recommended, you’ll receive a detailed cost estimate. Any additional diagnostics or treatments not initially estimated will be discussed prior to proceeding.
Surgery
Before surgery, we ensure your pet is prepared. We provide education about the procedure and confirm appointment details via a pre-surgery phone call. Instructions regarding food intake and medication administration will be provided.
On the day of surgery, we conduct pre-surgery examinations and tests to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort, including a thorough physical examination, blood testing, and customized anesthesia protocols.
You will receive a call/update you when your pet is starting anesthesia.
During surgery, an experienced technician monitors your pet continuously, ensuring their safety and comfort. State-of-the-art monitoring equipment tracks vital signs such as heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, temperature and respiratory rate.
This trained anesthetist never leaves the side of your pet until the they are fully recovered from anesthesia and resting comfortably in the recovery area.
Every patient under anesthesia receives the following monitoring:
- Continuous ECG monitor for heart rate and rhythm
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Pulse Oximetry (SpO2%), to continuously measure red blood cell oxygenation percentage
- Capnograph, to measure patient carbon dioxide levels
- Core body temperature
- Respiratory rate, and volume, with the use of mechanical ventilators as needed
- Anesthetic depth
After Surgery
After surgery, your pet is moved to the recovery area where they receive continuous monitoring from experienced ICU technicians. A personalized treatment plan is implemented, with hourly check-ins and necessary care provided.
The surgeon will update you on your pet’s condition and the procedure details post-surgery, ensuring you’re informed and reassured throughout the recovery process.
Upon discharge, a seasoned surgery technician will carefully review the written discharge instructions with you and address any queries you may have. These instructions encompass vital information such as monitoring guidelines, when to contact us in case of concerns, medication schedules, and upcoming follow-up recheck appointments.
Should you have any questions or concerns, we are readily available to assist you. In the event of an urgent or emergent situation, our close collaboration with the AcuteVet team enables us to promptly facilitate necessary care for your pet.