The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Surgeries

All pet owners strive to do all they can to ensure that their furry friends have a happy and healthy life. Learning that your pet requires surgery can be terrifying. Like most pet parents, you likely want to understand all you can about the procedure. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about pet surgeries.

1. Why Does Your Pet Need Surgery?

Pets usually require surgery for different conditions, including soft tissue, orthopedic, or neurosurgery. Does your pet have an injury or health condition that is not responding to other treatments? If so, your veterinarian at Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital may recommend surgery. Surgery can help repair fractures and allow for hip replacements, skin grafts, and herniated disk treatment.

2. Does Your Pet Require General Anesthesia?

Your pet will most likely require anesthesia before any surgical procedure. It allows the pet to be comfortable as the veterinarian performs the surgery. It also helps ensure the safety of the animal. The veterinarian will monitor it closely during the entire procedure. They will also conduct tests before the surgery to determine whether it is healthy enough to undergo the procedure.

3. Will Your Pet Need to Stay Overnight?

If your pet undergoes extensive surgery, staying overnight at the hospital will be necessary. Hospitalization allows the veterinarian staff to monitor the pet and look for post-op complications. The type of procedure required will determine the duration of the hospital stay. Pets who undergo minor procedures may be released later on the same day.

4. Can You Visit Your Pet After Surgery?

Your pet going through surgery can be a stressful time for everyone. No doubt you would like to see your pet as soon as possible. However, your pet should remain quiet and calm for several hours after the surgery. Your presence might cause your pet to get overexcited, so visits are discouraged on the day of surgery. You can call and check on your pet.

5. How Long Will the Surgery Take?

The length of the surgery will depend on different factors, including the type of procedure and the pet’s condition. Each surgery is unique, but usually, pets will be anesthetized for at least one hour. The exact time your pet will be under anesthesia depends on the procedure.

6. What Kind of Post-op Care Will Your Pet Need?

The veterinarian staff will review everything, including medications, suture removal, bandage care, exercise restrictions, and physical therapy. The surgeon will answer any questions about the recovery and what to look out for.

7. When Will the Sutures Be Removed?

The surgeon will let you know when the sutures should be removed. Your veterinarian may be able to remove them, but it should be left to the operating surgeon. It is an opportunity to check how your pet is healing. You can also ask any questions about the recovery. Suture removal is typically included in the cost of the procedure, so you will not have to pay extra.

After removing the bandage and sutures, it will be safe to bathe your pet. You should, however, be careful when cleaning the incision site. Your pet’s diet may change depending on the type of surgery.

For more about pet surgeries, visit Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital at our Pearland, Texas office. Call (281) 997-1426 to schedule an appointment today.