Preparing your pet for surgery can feel stressful, but this guide breaks the process down into clear, manageable expectations. You’ll know what to expect before your visit, how to prepare your pet, and the timing of the day.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Pet’s Procedure
Our team is committed to making your pet’s surgical experience as safe and comfortable as possible. Read this information thoroughly and follow the instructions to ensure a safe procedure and a smooth, stress-free recovery for your pet.
Fasting Instructions
To help ensure your pet’s safety under anesthesia:
- No food after 10:00 PM the night before surgery.
- Water should remain freely accessible.
Special Instructions for Diabetic Pets
The following fasting and insulin instructions are for diabetic dogs:
- Give ONE-HALF of the normal insulin dose at the usual morning time.
- Do NOT feed them breakfast.
The following fasting and instructions are for diabetic cats:
- Please follow patient specific recommendations
Please bring:
- Your pet’s insulin bottle
- 2–3 insulin syringes in a refrigerated lunch bag
- A small meal of your pet’s regular food
Pre-Procedure Medications
Current anesthesia guidelines recommend pre-procedure medications to help with calming and to reduce nausea.
These commonly include:
- Gabapentin (sedation, mild pain relief)
- Maropitant (anti-nausea medication)
These medications are typically given at home prior to arrival on the day of surgery. These medications may be dispensed when surgery is scheduled or provided at a prior visit.
Eye Medications
Do NOT administer eye medications on the morning of surgery unless specifically instructed by our team.
Please bring all eye medications with you to your surgery admission appointment.
Other Medications
If your pet takes oral medications, please ask our nursing team whether they should be given the morning of surgery.
If your pet eats a prescription or special diet, please bring a small meal for after the procedure.
Medication History Disclaimer
Your pet’s safety depends on having an accurate medication history. We need to know all medications and supplements that they receive. This can prevent a possible drug reaction or unanticipated complication.
Please bring a list of:
- Prescription medications, Over-the-counter medications, Vitamins, Supplements
- The time each medication was last given
Also let us know about:
- Any medication allergies
- Any previous reactions to anesthesia or sedation
Important: We reserve the right to postpone or delay surgery or sedation if we do not have complete medication information.
Surgery Admission
Arrival Time: 7:30–8:00 AM
Please allow 15–20 minutes for your admission appointment.
During admission, you will:
- Review and sign the surgical consent form
- Review your surgical estimate
- Leave a deposit equal to 100% of the low end of the estimate
- Answer any remaining questions before your pet’s procedure
Surgery
Before surgery, your pet will receive:
- A complete physical examination
- Any recommended pre-anesthetic testing
- Preparation for anesthesia and surgery
Most surgical procedures are performed between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Once your pet has recovered from anesthesia, a member of our team will contact you with an update.
Please ensure we have your current phone number and preferred method of communication.
Anesthesia & Sedation
Your pet will receive anesthesia, sedation, and pain management appropriate for their procedure. These medications are administered by a licensed veterinary technician under the supervision of a veterinarian.
To provide the best pain control, local anesthetics or nerve blocks may be used when appropriate.
Although anesthesia is very safe and every precaution is taken, all anesthetic procedures carry some degree of risk.
Our team carefully monitors your pet throughout the procedure to minimize these risks.
CPR Authorization
During admission, you will be asked whether you would like our team to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if an unexpected life-threatening emergency occurs while your pet is under anesthesia. If CPR is authorized and becomes necessary, we will communicate with you immediately, however additional charges will apply.
Surgery Discharge
Discharge appointments are typically scheduled between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, depending on your pet’s recovery, some pets may be ready earlier.
When your pet is discharged, we will:
- Review the procedure performed
- Discuss medications you will be giving your pet
- Provide written home-care instructions
- Answer any questions you may have
- Send a copy of your pet’s visit summary to your primary care veterinarian
Please allow 20–30 minutes for your discharge appointment.
Questions?
If you have any questions before your pet’s procedure, please contact our team. We are happy to help ensure you feel prepared for surgery day.
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