Surgical Information Packet

Your pet should not have any food, treats, or water after midnight the night before the procedure (diabetics excluded). Walk your dog before coming into the clinic. You should plan on arriving between 7:30 am to 8:00 am on the morning of the procedure (unless otherwise arranged). Allow for time to read and sign an authorization form. We will call you when your pet is in recovery and the procedures have been completed.

When your pet is in for a scheduled service there are some other services that might be of benefit to you and your pet. You may authorize these services when your pet is admitted in the morning, or anytime before your pet is in recovery. Provided here is some information to allow you to make an educated decision. A doctor can answer questions about any of these procedures on the morning of your pet’s surgery.

1. We recommend heartworm checks for dogs and Felv/FIV testing for cats.

• Dogs that have not been on heartworm preventative should be checked for heartworms. Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal disease that is spread by mosquitoes. This blood test can be done at the time of surgery.
• Cats that have not been tested and vaccinated previously should be checked for feline leukemia and feline aids. These are viral diseases which can be spread between cats. This blood test can be done at the time of surgery.

2. We can perform an in-house pre-anesthesia mini lab analysis.

• It allows us to find out enough about your pet's blood sugar, proteins, and kidney and liver function to better ensure your pet's ability to undergo smooth anesthesia. This also allows us a baseline of what is normal for your pet. If your pet is ever sick, we can compare it to your pet's actual normal values.

3. We recommend a fecal examination to ensure your pet is rid of internal parasites.
4. We recommend retained baby teeth be extracted if your pet is over 6 months old.

• Retained baby teeth will cause early dental disease if left in. Typically, if your pet is older than 6 months, these retained teeth are unlikely to fall out on their own. The charge is based on the amount of time required to extract these teeth.

5. We recommend all pets be micro-chipped.

• Virtually all humane societies, animal control facilities, and veterinary clinics scan pets for microchips. Most lost pets have somehow lost their collars. We can perform a simple injection to permanently identify your pet.

6. Cats can be declawed.

• Only the front claws are typically removed. Pain medication will be necessary with declaws. All cats that are declawed must be kept indoors only. Declawed cats are not able to defend themselves from predators outside.

7. We can easily perform the following grooming procedures: teeth cleaning, toenail trims, ear cleaning, brushing or clipping out mats, expressing anal glands, etc. Several of these services are less costly and easier to perform while under anesthesia.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns you have about your pet’s upcoming procedures. (931) 296-4900