Surgery Preparation

What To Expect: Surgery

Learn more about our surgical process below.

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What To Expect

The Process

Consultations with our board-certified surgeries on non-emergent procedures are available Monday through Friday. These consultations are typically 45 minutes in length, during which our surgeons will review your pet’s medical history and perform a physical exam before discussing treatment options. Depending on the consultation, radiographs (x-rays) may or not be taken at this time. More emergent surgery cases will be handled on a case-by-case basis and will be seen by a surgeon as soon as possible.

After completing your consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons, here are a few things you can expect after scheduling surgery here:

  • We will call you the day before the scheduled surgery to remind you of a few things.
    • Drop off is usually between 7:00-7:30 am, except on Mondays, which is between 7:30-8:00 am
    • No food after 10 pm the night before surgery. Water throughout the night is fine.
  • Please bring any medications your pet is on with you.
    • Please bring those medications in their prescription bottles.
  • Depending on which medications your pet is on, the surgeon may want you to give your pet their medications the morning of surgery.
    • It is fine to give medications in a small treat, such as a piece of cheese or spoonful of peanut butter.

When you arrive on the morning of your pet’s surgery, a member of our surgery team will meet with you. You will be asked to fill out a pre-requisite form to list the surgery being performed, the affected limb (if applicable), and other medical questions pertaining to your pet. You will also be given a folder containing basic information on the procedure being done.

Every folder will contain information about post-operative care, including:

If your pet is having an orthopedic procedure performed, the folder will also include:

Pets who have had spinal injuries and require more involved physical therapy.

Once you pick up your pet after their surgery is completed, a surgery team member will review post-operative instructions on proper aftercare with you. They will also happily answer any questions you may have. The discharge instructions will include incision care, feeding requirements, activity restrictions, physical therapy, medications, and a recheck schedule.

*Rechecks for surgical procedures are included in the cost of the surgical procedure. Medication refills are not included. This does not include any appointments/treatments/diagnostics with another department at VVS.