ROUTINE SURGERY INFORMATION
So what exactly happens while my pet spends the day with the Visiting Vet for a routine surgery such as spay, neuter or dental cleaning?
First, when you call for an appointment, either Dr. Rotigel or Julie (our receptionist and licensed veterinary technician) will discuss the surgery, prices and optional procedures available. We will direct you to our website to review and print the surgical consent forms (or send them to you if no computer access). We usually schedule surgery check in at 8 am on Monday and Friday while parked at Tractor Supply Company. We will call you the day prior to surgery to remind you of your appointment and remind you to not feed your pet after 10 pm the night prior to surgery but ok to leave water available until 7 am. At check in, Dr Rotigel will review the consent forms and discuss your pet’s surgery, additional options you chose (such as vaccinations, heart worm testing, pre-anesthetic lab work, pain medication, extractions, microchip implantation, cost estimates, etc) and pick up or discharge time. We will contact you after surgery (email, call or text) to let you know that your pet is doing well and when they may go home. Your pet is monitored all day both before and after surgery and taken outside as needed. At discharge, Dr Rotigel will discuss post op instructions and any other concerns. We will also call you the following day to make sure that your pet is doing well at home and answer any additional questions that you may have.
We want both you and your pet to feel as comfortable as possible and understand that even minor surgery can be very stressful.
So what is included with routine surgery such as spay, neuter and dental cleanings?
Your pet will receive a thorough physical examination and free nail trim/ear cleaning the day of surgery. Most surgeries include anesthesia, pain medication, anesthetic monitoring (pulse ox, blood pressure, heart rate, etc), post op observation and care. You will have the option of additional procedures such as pre-anesthetic blood work to evaluate the kidneys and liver and check the glucose, total protein, and other things pre-op. Other items may include a microchip implantation, heart worm testing and vaccinations if due, felv/fiv testing for cats, and other procedures that will be discussed with Dr. Rotigel pre-op. Your pet may be discharged with additional pain medication or antibiotics pending need, such as a severe dental infection.
Canine Castration or male dog neuter procedure
Without going into too many specifics, this surgery includes anesthesia induction,
intubation with a breathing tube, Isofluorane/Oxygen gas anesthesia, monitoring, complimentary nail trim and ear cleaning, pain medication and anti nausea medication administration. The inguinal or scrotal area is surgically clipped and cleaned and sterile/autoclaved instruments are used to make a small incision in front of the testes and both testicles are removed. Monocryl Plus antibacterial suture is used (which is less tissue reactive and stronger than typical “gut” suture) and 3 tissue layers are closed. A small amount of sterile tissue glue may also be used. There are no exterior sutures or staples to remove. Discharge instructions include keeping your pet quiet for about 7 days post op, checking the incision twice a day, making sure your pet is not excessively licking the surgical site and when to allow feeding. Some pets may need an E-collar or onsie. Instructions will be sent home with you.
Canine Spay or female dog neuter procedure
Without going into too many specifics, this surgery includes anesthesia induction, intubation with a breathing tube, Isofluorane/Oxygen gas anesthesia, monitoring, complimentary nail trim and ear cleaning, pain medication and anti nausea medication administration. The inguinal or abdominal (tummy) area is surgically clipped and cleaned and sterile/autoclaved instruments are used to make a small incision through the abdominal wall and then both ovaries and the uterus are removed. Monocryl Plus antibacterial suture is used (which is less tissue reactive and stronger than typical “gut” suture) and 3 tissue layers are closed. A small amount of sterile tissue glue may also be used. Usually there are no sutures to be removed. If sutures or staples are present, they should be removed by Dr. Rotigel in 7-10 days. Discharge instructions include keeping your pet quiet for about 7 days post op, checking the incision twice a day, making sure your pet is not excessively licking the surgical site and when to allow feeding. Some pets will need an E-collar or onsie. Instructions will be sent home with you.
Feline Castration or male cat neuter procedure
Without going into too many specifics, this surgery usually includes injectable anesthesia, full anesthetic monitoring, complimentary nail trim and ear cleaning and pain medication administration. The scrotal area is surgically clipped and cleaned and sterile instruments are used to make a small 2 small incisions over the testes and both testicles are removed. There are no exterior sutures or staples to remove. Discharge instructions include keeping your pet quiet for about 3-7 days post op, checking the incisions twice a day, making sure your pet is not excessively licking the surgical site and when to allow feeding. These instructions will be sent home with you.
Feline Spay or female cat neuter procedure
Without going into too many specifics, this surgery includes injectable anesthesia, +- Isofluorane /Oxygen gas anesthesia, monitoring, complimentary nail trim and ear cleaning, and pain medication administration. The inguinal or abdominal (tummy) area is surgically clipped and cleaned and sterile/autoclaved instruments are used to make a small incision through the abdominal wall and then both ovaries and the uterus are removed. Monocryl Plus antibacterial suture is used (which is less tissue reactive and stronger than typical “gut” suture) and 3 tissue layers are closed. A small amount of sterile tissue glue may also be used. There are no exterior sutures or staples to remove. Discharge instructions include keeping your pet quiet for about 7 days post op, checking the incision twice a day, making sure your pet is not excessively licking the surgical site and when to allow feeding. These instructions will be sent home with you.
Dental procedure for both cats and dogs
This procedure includes anesthesia induction, intubation with a breathing tube and Isofluorane/Oxygen gas anesthesia, monitoring, complimentary nail trim and ear cleaning, +- local and general pain medication (if extractions are required). A thorough oral examination is done to evaluate all the teeth, gums and oral cavity. Full oral digital radiographs (x-rays) are done to access all the teeth and roots. You will be called for approval of any additional services that are recommended after the x-rays and oral exam. An oral antibacterial rinse is used to flush the mouth. Ultrasonic dental equipment is used to scale all the tarter and debris from the tooth surfaces. Hand dental instruments are used to remove debris and tarter from under the gum tissue. Needed extractions of any painful, bad or diseased teeth are done. A dental polisher and paste are used to smooth all tooth surfaces and then fluoride foam is applied to all teeth. Pre-op and post op photos and x-rays will be included in your pets discharge information along with instructions which will be emailed to you. These may include keeping your pet quiet for about 1-3 days post op, checking any extraction sites daily and when to allow feeding. Antibiotics or additional pain medication may be dispensed to you and any follow up appointments will be scheduled. We do offer services such as extractions, dental bonded sealants for non complicated fractures and much more.
We look forward to providing the best possible care for your pet. Please call with any questions or to schedule an appointment today