Pre-anesthetic blood screening
We recommend pre-anesthetic blood screening on all patients prior to undergoing anesthesia and require it on ill patients and patients over 5 years of age. The liver and kidneys metabolize many anesthetic agents; therefore, we want to make sure that these organs are functioning properly prior to anesthesia. Anesthesia increases the stresses on these organs. Knowing the status of these organs helps us to prevent complications.
Anesthesia
All of our patients are maintained on gas anesthesia. The anesthetic gas that we use is isoflurane. This is a safe anesthetic, which allows for good control of pain and rapid recovery. Gas anesthetics are nice, because we always have control over the amount of anesthetic the patients receives and the level of anesthesia. Anesthetics are chosen as determined by the patient and procedure.
IV Fluids
Although IV (Intravenous) Fluids are only required for ill or elderly patients, we do recommend them for all procedures. The importance of them is that they not only keep our patients hydrated throughout any procedure, but they also assist the liver and kidneys in metabolizing the anesthetic quickly. If the patients’ vitals were to change during a procedure, we can safely and quickly administer drugs through the IV to the patient.
Monitoring
We have an extensive staff to assist during our surgeries. They are always present to monitor our patients while under anesthesia.
We can monitor the patient’s EKG, Oxygen Saturation (pulse ox), Heart Rate, Blood Pressure and temperature electronically with our monitoring equipment. We use the level of monitoring needed as determined by the patient and procedure. This is done routinely.
Pain medications
We use pre-op and post-op pain medications for most of our surgical patients. Pain medications are determined by the patient and the procedure performed. The fee for pain meds is included in the price of routine surgeries. (Spays, neuters, and de-claws).
Post-op care
Our staff of animal loving people is diligent about making sure your pet is comfortable. They are constantly making sure the pet has clean bedding, is recovering as expected, offered food and water ASAP, and allowed to go out often to eliminate.
