Considerations at Surgery

When your pet has a surgical procedure there are  some further considerations. These measures  along with constant nursing support are designed limit any risk to your loved pet and make surgery the safest it can be.

Intravenous fluid therapy (IV drip)

During an anaesthetic the blood pressure decreases. This happens especially during long anaesthetics. Lower blood pressure can lead to reduction in blood supply to the internal organs. In at risk patients this can lead to organ damage or failure. Older animals or ill animals  are particularly at risk. The IV drip stabilises the blood pressure and maintains blood supply to the vital organs reducing this risk.

The fluids are administered through an intravenous cannula which is placed into a vein in the leg. Pets tend to have a smoother recovery when placed on intravenous fluids.

Pain Control

You would not go without pain killers after surgery. The same is for our pets. Pets may not show it but  they experience pain in just the same way as us.  They often do  not display obvious signs.

Pain is debilitating and can often lead to longer recovery times. Extended pain relief is advised where possible to make our pets comfortable.

Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Testing

It is often the case that internal illness may not be obvious  on external  exam. Blood tests can reveal internal problems that may complicate an anaesthetic.

At HPVH recommend pre-anaesthetic blood screening. This is of particularly importance in older animals but a wise idea to do in all animals undergoing surgery.

Vaccination,microchipping,  worming, flea control & heartworm prevention

With a brief stay in hospital it’s  a good chance to ensure worming, flea control, heart worm prevention, microchipping  and vaccinations are up to date. We are often able to perform these  additional procedures on the  on the same day. Just ask!.