Surgery Information

Before Surgery

Pre-Operative Bloodwork
For your pet’s safety, we require pre-operative bloodwork to be completed within one week prior to the scheduled surgery date. This allows us to evaluate your pet’s organ function and blood clotting abilities to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.
Pre-Operative Medication
To help reduce stress and improve the overall surgical experience, we prescribe a calming medication for your pet.

• This medication will be ready for pickup the week of your pet’s surgery
• It is provided at no additional charge
• Please administer it as directed on the morning of surgery, two hours prior to your drop off time.

Fasting Instructions

• No food after midnight the night before surgery (unless otherwise instructed)
• You can give the pre-operative medication in a small meatball/cheese/peanut butter to get your pet take the medication but only give enough to get the medications down.
• Water is typically okay overnight, but please follow any specific instructions provided by our team

Drop-Off

• Please arrive at your scheduled drop-off time. For our Saturday surgeries, this is between 8am-9am.
• Plan to allow a few minutes for us to review the procedure paperwork, including getting approval for any overdue vaccines, laser therapy to speed up the healing process, and other optional treatments. We will also answer any questions, and have you sign consent forms.
• Pick up on Saturday surgeries are normally between 2pm-4pm but we will give you a call with your pick up time after your pet’s procedure is complete.

After Surgery

Feeding Instructions
Your pet may have a decreased appetite the evening after surgery.

• Offer only half of their normal dinner the night after surgery. This is due to anesthesia slowing down the GI tract, as well as your pet not having eaten that morning.
• If tolerated well, you may resume normal feeding the following day.

Activity Restrictions

• Limit activity for 7–14 days (depending on the procedure), we will specify during pick-up.
• No running, jumping, or rough play.
• Leash walks only for dogs during the recovery period.
• Do not let cats outdoors while they are recovering.

Incision Care

• Check the incision daily for redness, swelling, or discharge.
• Prevent licking or chewing (an e-collar may be required depending on the procedure).
• Do not bathe your pet or allow the incision to get wet for 14 days.

Pain Management

• Administer all prescribed medications exactly as directed.
• Do not give any additional medications unless approved by your veterinarian.

Behavior & Monitoring
It is normal for your pet to be sleepy or slightly uncoordinated the night of surgery.
Please contact us if you notice:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Refusal to eat beyond 24 hours
• Excessive swelling, discharge at the incision site
• Signs of pain or discomfort not controlled by medication

For emergencies, please contact us: 603-543-0117 or SAVES: 603-306-0007 (after hours)