Preparing your pet for Surgery – Pre and Post

Pre surgery:

• Pre anaesthetic bloodwork is required to assess your pet’s kidney and liver function and make sure it is safe to administer anaesthesia. We offer these tests to improve the safety of your pet undergoing a procedure involving an anaesthetic.
• Fasting your pet before surgery admittance – feeding your pet in the 10-12 hour period before surgery can lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia. While under anaesthetic, pets may have difficulty controlling their reflexes and a full stomach could lead to vomiting. This could be dangerous as the stomach contents may enter the lungs causing breathing problems.
• Advise us of any possible access to rat bait or other poison before surgery. Access to rat bait poison for instance reduces your pet’s blood clotting ability and this can make surgery extremely dangerous.
• If your pet is highly anxious let us know, we can provide you with a “chill” protocol that will reduce your pet’s stress level and help them relax
• If your pet is unpredictable or aggressive, please let us know, we can ask you to help us with the pre-medications to minimise our risks and limit the extra stress on your pet.
• It is unlikely bathing will be allowed for several days post surgery. It is a good idea to bath your dog before surgery.
• Ensure your pet is up to date with vaccinations to ensure your pet does not transmit or contract infections. Take your vaccination booklet in with your pet on the surgery day
• If you are giving your pet any medication prior to surgery, check with the vet whether this medication should be continued or stopped before the surgery date. 

Post surgery:

Your pet’s safety and comfort are essential to the successful recuperation.

• Where incisions have been made it is common to see light bruising, when an incision site looks swollen and is weeping check with us before assuming it is normal.
• Restriction of activity and with certain procedures, following a specific return to activity programme, is an essential part of ensuring recovery and avoiding future complications. Initially the restriction of activity may be to prevent undue use/strain and promote healing. If you have a very active pet, let us know and we can provide you with ideas/crate/medication to ensure that your pet stays calm over the critical period.
• Medication, both dosage and time given directions, should be carefully followed. These are worked out to ensure maximum comfort for your pet. If you are concerned or will find it difficult, please chat to us, rather than altering dose or stopping medication.
• An Elizabethan collar will often be provided post surgery. This can be taken off while your pet is eating but should be worn the rest of the time. Licking surgical wounds are a very common cause of suture tears and infection.

We can appreciate that the thought of surgery and managing your furry family member post surgically can be overwhelming. The Otaki team is here to support you and you are welcome to reach out to us with any concerns or questions. Contact us on 06 364 6941