How to Know What to Ask When Your Pet is Having Surgery

Having your pet go in for surgery can be very stressful for you. Through many past years as a veterinary technician, I have learned very important questions that should be discussed with your veterianarian prior to surgery.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   Ask if your pet will receive a full physical exam. If your pet has a disorder, whether parasites or even a heart murmur, it can present a risk factor that needs to be taken into consideration prior to the surgery. Pre-surgical exams and pre-anesthetic blood tests will help to detect any possible pre-existing conditions that your pet might have that can be dangerous during anesthesia. Age appropriate tests are also available for geriatric pets that can reveal problems that might not be noticeable to you. Detecting problems before surgery will improve the ability to intervene and correct situations as needed if they arise.

2. 

   Ask what steps will be taken in the event of an emergency during the surgery. Ask if your pet will have a trachea tube placed, this allows for oxygen and gas anesthesia to be administered as needed. In the event of an emergency, your pet will already be hooked up to receive oxygen.

3. 

   Ask if blood pressure, ECG and oxygen monitors will be hooked up to your pet. These instruments allow the surgeon and technicians to track your pet’s heart rate, respiration & circulation. Also ask your veterinarian if your pet will receive IV fluids during the surgery.

4. 

   Discuss what safety precautions are taken after the surgery is complete.
   Pets that undergo surgery will lose body heat due to the anesthesia and the surgery itself. Ask if your pet's temperature, pulse and gum color will be monitored at regular intervals, both during and after surgery, and if your pet will receive supplemental heating as needed.

5. 

   Ask if your pet will receive pre and post-operative pain control medications. Make sure you receive and understand your pets discharge instructions and follow-up care for when you take him or her home, as this will be very important for proper healing. Your veterinarian should be able to answer all of your questions or concerns.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to ask your veterinarian as many questions as you want about your pets procedure and surgery.

Resources

• How to Litter Train Your Kitten
• How to Choose the Right Pet Boarding Kennel, for Dogs, Cats or Birds
• How to Take a Dog's Pulse
• How to Reduce Allergy Symptoms Towards Cats, Dogs & Birds
• How to Choose the Right Cowboy Boots to Buy
• How to Pick a Pet Friendly Pet Hotel

[ljstraight]

on 8/10/2009 Excellent tips to remember. 5 stars

[Fuller1972]

on 5/1/2009 Great advice, wish I had this before my kitty had surgery.**5**

[sonni57]

on 3/10/2009 Nicely done article on pet horses.