Surgery
Bringing your dog or cat to the vet for surgery can be stressful and scary, but at Sandwich Animal Hospital, our goal is to help both you and your pet have the best experience possible before, during, and after a surgical procedure.
Our Approach to Veterinary Surgery
From spay and neuter procedures to more complex soft-tissue surgeries, our focus is on preparation, communication, and a smooth recovery. Our surgical suite is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment to help us keep your pet comfortable and safe during their surgery.
To better ensure the health and safety of every patient we treat at Sandwich Animal Hospital, we follow a careful approach to surgery designed to provide additional safeguards tailored to each pet’s individual needs.
Before Surgery
Before we perform a surgical procedure, our veterinary team will complete a thorough pre-operative examination and blood testing to help us ensure your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and reduce the risk of any complications.
We will then create a plan for surgery day, including anesthesia and pain management needed. We’ll review what will happen during the procedure with you in detail and provide instructions for what to do at home to prepare, including when to begin fasting, what to bring with you, and items that may be helpful for you to have on hand to make recovery easier for everyone.
During Surgery
- Constant Monitoring: Our highly trained team will closely monitor your pet’s heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, temperature, and anesthesia levels throughout the entirety of the procedure and recovery.
- Maintaining Warmth: Anesthesia can cause a drop in pet body temperature, so we use warming tools to ensure your pet stays comfortable and warm.
- Sterile Technique: Our highly skilled team carefully prepares the surgical suite and your pet’s surgical site to ensure they remain sterile. We use sterile packs and instruments for every procedure.
- Communication: If our veterinarian finds anything unexpected during surgery, like a mass or dental issue, we will call you right away to discuss options before moving forward with any treatment.
- Safety: Our surgical team works carefully but efficiently so that your pet stays under anesthesia for the shortest amount of time as safely as possible.
After Surgery
Once surgery is complete, your pet will be carefully moved to a quiet, comfortable area for recovery. We’ll closely monitor their temperature, breathing, pain levels, and mobility as they wake up. We also always offer plenty of love to help them feel as calm and comfortable as possible.
The veterinarian who performed the surgery will give you a call right away to let you know how your pet is doing, how the procedure went, go over important post-op care, and answer any questions you may have. They’ll also let you know when you can come to pick them up to go back home.
Once you arrive to pick up your pet, our medical team will take as much time as you need to thoroughly review post-op care and instructions, including pain medication, activity restrictions, incision care, and what to expect over the next few days of recovery. We’ll also get you scheduled for needed re-check appointments.
Back at Home
For the first day or two, your pet will likely be a little extra groggy, wobbly, less hungry, and more tired. As recovery progresses and they start to feel better, you’ll notice they will begin to act more like themselves. To ensure proper healing, make sure that you closely follow medication and activity instructions from your veterinarian.
Every pet is different and responds to surgery differently, so when in doubt or you notice anything concerning, give us a call right away.
Spay and Neuter Procedures
We know there is a lot of information out there about spay and neuter surgeries for your cat and dog. Our experienced veterinary team at Sandwich Animal Hospital is here to provide you with all of the information you need to make the best decision for your pet. We can help guide you on:
- When to spay and neuter your dog or cat based on age, breed, and medical history
- The pros and cons of different spay and neuter timing
- Weighing different options that are available
- Understanding and managing behavior changes
Schedule a Veterinary Surgery Consultation
Regardless of the type of surgery your pet needs, you should feel confident that your pet is in the best hands. Surgery doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety, especially with a veterinary team who puts the safety and comfort of your pet first and keeps you in the know. Book your pet’s consultation today, or contact us today to discuss how we can support your best friend’s surgical needs.