Surgery and other anesthetic procedures
Surgery is never undertaken lightly, but certain procedures are necessary for the health of our pets. We do everything we can to ensure the experience is as safe and stress-free as possible for your pet... and for you.
We strongly recommend preanesthetic blood testing for all surgical patients, but in some cases we require it. If the pet is 7 years or older, has a chronic illness, or an injury, Dr. Marshall will automatically run these tests to make sure that your pet's liver and kidney functions are normal, that the pet can clot blood and is not suffering a major infection or anemia. The blood tests we run are comprehensive and give us a good picture of your pet's overall health. Even if your pet is young and healthy, we like to run the tests to have a baseline on record for the future.
Patients receive pain medications during and after surgical procedures. Pain causes stress in our pets and stressed animals don't heal well.
We use gas anesthesia to maintain our surgical patients (Isoflurane and Sevoflurane). Isoflurane is used for most procedures, but for some older or chronically ill patients Sevoflurane will be required. Sevoflurane does cost more, but it leaves the system quickly as the patient exhales, so the body does not have to process as much.
All patients are monitored by a technician and EKG Monitor during the procedure. Antibiotic injections are given to help prevent infection. Some procedures will require that the patient continue on antibiotics at home as well.
Sometimes a patient requires additional assistance during surgery. IV catheters, fluids, and other supportive medications will be given when necessary for the health of the patient.
Dr. Marshall performs routine surgeries such as spays and neuters as well as dental prophylactics(scaling and polishing) by appointment. She does other surgerical procedures as well, such as tumor removals, declaws, and exploratory surgery. Other emergency procedures are performed as dictated. Some procedures may be referred to a specialist.
If you have any questions or would like a quote for a procedure, please feel free to call us at (281) 444-8387.
