Surgery at Check In Veterinary
What Makes Us Different And The Best For Your Pet?
Undergoing an anesthetic and surgical procedure is one of the biggest decisions that you as a pet owner can make for your pet. It is essential you choose the facility and procedure carefully so that your pet can have the best possible outcome.
Before Surgery
At our hospital, prior to any sedative or anesthetic procedure, your pet will have a comprehensive physical examination by your doctor. This will include taking the temperature, listening to the heart and lungs, palpating the abdomen, checking the teeth, and examining your pet for any abnormalities you may have brought to our attention.
A presurgical blood panel is run for all pets except for feline neuters. For all dogs and apparently healthy cats, this includes a complete blood count (CBC- red and white blood cell count and platelet count), blood clotting time (for procedures requiring an abdominal incision, such as a spay), and an internal organ function screen (liver and kidney function, protein and electrolytes). These tests can be done at our hospital on the morning of the procedure. Testing requires only 5 ml of blood (about 1 teaspoon) and takes about 20 minutes. Any abnormalities that are found will be discussed prior to your pet’s procedure.
A presurgical ECG (electrocardiogram) will be run on the morning of the procedure and reviewed by a Veterinary Cardiologist to evaluate your pet’s heart function. This will minimize possible cardiac-related anesthetic complications.
During Surgery
Anesthesia is initiated by an IV injection of Propofol, a short-acting injectable anesthetic using an IV catheter. During the procedure, our pet will receive warmed IV fluids to keep them warm and support their organ functions.
Anesthesia is maintained with oxygen, along with Isoflurane gas. The anesthetic gas is delivered along with 100% oxygen from an oxygen tank through a NEW endotracheal tube to ensure our pet breathes well during anesthesia. While under anesthesia, your pet will be monitored at all times by a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). To ensure your pet’s heart and lungs are functioning correctly under anesthesia, your pet will be monitored with 2 monitors. One monitor allows the doctor and CVT to hear the actual heart and lung sounds. The other will measure the heart rate, sPO2 (oxygenation of the blood), and blood pressure. Your pet will also receive thermal support from a warmed surgery table or circulating water blanket during this critical time to assure the body temperature is maintained at a safe level.
Prior to the procedure, your pet will have a surgical shave and surgical scrub at the surgical site. During surgery, the doctor will perform the procedure with a sterile surgery pack wearing a sterile gown and sterile gloves to protect against infection. After all procedures other than tumor removals, your pet will receive a post-op laser therapy treatment at the surgical site to minimize pain and swelling post-op.
After Surgery
During your pet’s recovery on a warmed surface, they will be monitored frequently by a trained assistant to be sure they are recovering from anesthesia safely.
During your pet’s procedure, local blocks will be utilized when indicated to numb the surgical site for several hours to reduce post-op pain. An injectable dose of Cerenia (anti-nausea medication) will also be administered to prevent nausea. Post-op pain medication will also be provided for 3 days for all surgeries except dental cleanings without extractions. This will be administered by injection pre-op and will be dispensed in an oral form to continue at home. Additionally, some pets may benefit from post-op medications to keep them calm and recover quietly. After surgery, we will be in contact with you to see how your pet is recovering.
When deemed beneficial, the incision may be closed with surgical staples to minimize the chances of your pet opening its incision. Our doctors use the highest quality sutures and staples available.
As a final benefit, our staff is more than happy to address any questions or concerns you may have after your pet’s surgery. We want your pet to be comfortable and to get back to normal as soon as possible and we will work with you to make sure this happens. Our sister clinic in Sun Prairie, Checkout Veterinary, is open over the weekend and can also assist you if any questions or concerns arise over the weekend.
We will always do our best to make sure your pet’s surgery is the safest and most successful it can be!