Surgical FAQ's

What to Know Before Your Pet Undergoes Surgery:

Is the anesthetic safe?

Today's modern anesthetic monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past. Here at Oakley Veterinary Medical Center, we perform a physical exam on your pet before administering anesthetics, to ensure that a fever or other illness won't be a problem. We also adjust the amount and type of anesthetic used depending on the health of your pet.

Pre-anesthetic blood testing is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia. Every dog or cat needs blood testing before surgery to ensure that the liver and kidneys can handle the anesthetic. Even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing. If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before it causes anesthetic or surgical complications. If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected. Anesthesia does not come without risk, however we work case by case to ensure the best option for each and every pet that comes through our door.

We offer three levels of in-house blood testing before surgery, which we will go over with you when you bring your pet in.  Our doctors prefer the most comprehensive screen, because it gives them the most information to ensure the safety of your pet.  For geriatric or ill pets, additional blood tests or x-rays may be required before surgery. 

We no longer recommend a long, overnight fast prior to surgery. If your pet is used to having a meal in the morning, we recommend feeding half of their normal breakfast. Water can be left down for the pet at all times.

Will my pet have stitches?

For many surgeries, we use absorbable sutures underneath the skin.  These will dissolve on their own, and do not need to be removed later.  Some surgeries, especially tumor removals, do require skin stitches or sometimes staples.  With either type, you will need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge.  Most dogs and cats do not lick excessively or chew at the incision, but this is an occasional problem you will need to watch for. If so, your pet may require a collar. Please do not bandage or cover your pet's incision without specific instruction to do so.  We prefer to check the incisions 10-14 days after surgery and if skin sutures are in, we will remove them at that time.  You will also need to limit your pet's activity level for a time and no bathing or swimming is allowed until the incision check.

Will my pet be in pain?

Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals.  Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it.  Pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed.  Major procedures require more pain relief than things like minor lacerations. All pain medications are based on species and weight.

For dogs, we may recommend an oral anti-inflammatory the day after surgery and several days after to lessen the risk of discomfort and swelling.  We use newer medications, which are less likely to cause stomach upset and can be given even the morning of surgery.

Because cats do not tolerate standard pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol, we are limited in what we can give them.  Recent advances in pain medications have allowed for better pain control in cats than ever before.  We administer a pain injection at the time of surgery. 

After surgery, pain medication is given on a case by case basis.  Any animal that appears painful will receive additional pain medication, including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and more.

We occasionally use narcotic patches for some surgeries in dogs and cats. Injectable pain medications may also be used before or after surgery.  Providing whatever pain relief is appropriate is a humane and caring thing to do for your pet.

What other decisions do I need to make?

While your pet is under anesthesia, it is the ideal time to perform other minor procedures, such as nail trimming, ear cleaning, or implanting an identification microchip. Please ask our office about the benefits of microchipping your pet. 

When you bring your pet in for surgery, we will need to 10 to 20 minutes of time to fill out paperwork and make decisions on the blood testing and other options available.  When you pick up your pet after surgery you should also plan to spend about 10 to 20 minutes to go over your pet's home care needs.

We will call you the night before your scheduled surgery appointment, to confirm the time you will be dropping your pet off and to answer any questions you might have.  In the meantime, please don't hesitate to call us with any questions about your pet's health or surgery.