Understanding the Steps in Pet Surgery

Pets require surgery for many reasons, whether they get spayed and neutered or need treatment for a specific condition. Regardless of the reason behind your pet’s surgery, you likely have several questions about the surgical process and post-operation care. Our vet at Animal Hospital of Loves Park in Loves Park, IL, regularly performs soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries to keep pets healthy and happy in the future. We are here to explain the steps in pet surgery to help you understand the surgical process and how you can ensure your pet’s surgery is stress-free and effective.

Pre-Operation Preparations

The first step in your pet’s surgery process is preparing it for the operation. Your veterinarian will begin by discussing your pet’s treatment options, risks and benefits, and steps you must take to ensure the surgery goes smoothly. They may require blood or other tests to evaluate your pet’s condition and determine if it has underlying issues that will impact the safety and efficacy of the surgery. Your veterinarian will also ask you to withhold food and water from your pet the day before surgery. Medication adjustments may be necessary if your pet’s medicine can impact the anesthesia used during the operation.

What to Expect During Surgery

Pet surgery can be a stressful experience for owners and pets alike, so your veterinarian near you will try to set expectations in advance to ease anxieties about the procedure. Your veterinarian will administer anesthesia to prevent pain and discomfort in your pet and allow for a safe operation. Our veterinary team will monitor your pet’s vitals during the operation to ensure safety. We will watch your pet until it recovers from the anesthesia and check for potential side effects. Depending on your pet’s surgery, we may need to monitor your pet overnight to ensure a complete recovery.

Post-Surgery Care

Your pet will likely experience mobility and behavioral challenges as it heals and recovers, so your veterinarian near you may prescribe medication to ease pain and discomfort. They will also tell you home care procedures and arrangements to ensure your pet’s recovery goes smoothly. These may include setting up a quiet space in your home to let your pet rest and monitoring your pet to check for potential side effects or infections.

Schedule Your Pet’s Surgery Today at the Animal Hospital of Loves Park

If your pet needs surgery from a “veterinarian near you” in Loves Park, IL, look no further than the Animal Hospital of Loves Park. Our vet can evaluate your pet’s condition and provide safe and effective surgery to ensure it lives a long, healthy life. Call us and schedule an appointment today at (815) 986-4445.