5 Things You Should Know About Vet Surgery

Posted on: 19 September 2018

One of the hardest moments for pet owners is when their pets have to go in for vet surgery. They feel helpless as do not know how to prepare their pets for the medical procedure, nor do they know what will happen in the operating room. If your pet is to be operated on, below are a few things you should know.

1. Pet hygiene

During the operation day and the subsequent days, it may be difficult to clean your pet as it will have unhealed wounds. You should, therefore, bathe your pet before the surgery.

2. Full disclosure

Since you do not want to risk your pet's life, you should disclose to the veterinary of any health issues that your pet has had before. Such information is relevant as the vet will know the precautionary measures he or she will take during the surgery. Also, you can expect the vet to do a few medical tests on your pet to ensure that it is fit for surgery.

3. Anaesthesia

Anaesthetics are drugs given to prevent pain during vet surgery. There are various types of anaesthesia that the vet might induce depending on the type of operation to be performed.

  • General anaesthesia will suppress all body activity leading to unconsciousness.
  • Sedation will suppress pain and anxiety, but your pet will be conscious.
  • Local anaesthesia will block sensation in the region to be operated.

4. Fasting

As a general rule, all animals that will undergo surgery have to fast before the surgery. These are some of the instructions you should expect from your vet. The reason for fasting is to clear the digestive tract of any contents. Once the animal is under anaesthesia, all muscles relax hence food contents could go up the lungs leading to chocking.

5. Post-surgery care

Once your pet is discharged to go back home, you should take the following measures:

  1. Confine the pet. The primary reason for this is to reduce movements that could rapture the wound. Besides, tissues need to be bonded together for fast healing.
  2. Nutritional requirements. Ensure that your pet is well fed. Observe special dietary needs if there are any.
  3. Observe medication. Ensure that your pet takes medicine on time. Skipping medications could lead to slow healing and infections.
  4. Observe the wound for any swelling, odours or infection. If these occur, inform the vet immediately.

If your pet is to undergo vet surgery, bathe it before the operation, and inform the vet of any past illnesses. Expect your pet to be fasted and put under anaesthesia. You must observe post-surgery care to promote quick healing. 

Share