Review of Pre-Op and Surgery Day Instructions
If your pet is scheduled for surgery or dental procedure at Walton Way Veterinary Clinic, we understand that this can be a stressful and anxious experience. It is natural to worry about how to prepare your pet for surgery, what to expect during the procedure, and how best to care for your pet following the procedure. Our veterinarians and surgical team are committed to providing the highest quality surgical pet care. We are here to provide complete care instructions and support you through each stage in the process.
Please read and follow the following directions. While no procedure or anesthetic can ever be guaranteed safe, by following these
instructions, you help us to make your pets visit as smooth and safe as possible.
Your pet will be admitted at a set appointment time with our surgical technician who will be able to discuss any questions about the procedure and will be caring for your pet continuously throughout the day and assisting the veterinarian.
Please allow at least 15 minutes for the admission appointment and completion of the paperwork. An Estimated Treatment Plan will also be reviewed during this time.
If needed, financing options can be pre-arranged prior to your appointment {Sunbit, CareCredit, and ScratchPay available}
- Let us know ASAP if your pet is feeling ill or their food, water or elimination habits have changed
- Provide a list of ALL medications and supplements your pet receives routinely
- No food or water should be given after midnight or the morning of surgery
- Please walk dogs prior to admission to prevent accidents during the procedure
- Please ensure pets are clean/ bathed prior to surgery
- Cats should be kept indoors with a litter tray the night before the procedure
- Pre-anesthetic blood tests will be reviewed at check-in to check for underlying problems
- We will call you after 1 pm with an update, post-op instructions and confirm plans for discharge
- Make sure we have up-to-date contact numbers and stay available in case we need to reach you
- All pets should be current on vaccines: (Dogs: DA2PP, Bordetella, and Rabies Cats: FVRCP and Rabies)
- On surgery day, please arrive at your scheduled appointment time between 7:15 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
- You will return to pick up your pet between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. the same day.
Please, if you need to cancel or reschedule your pet’s appointment, call or text 706-733-2288 ASAP! This will allow us to schedule appointments for pets of other responsible owners just like you.
The Veterinarian will contact you by phone prior to or during the procedure if any concerns arise. Otherwise, she will call after the
procedure is completed with an update, discuss aftercare plan and arrange time for discharge.
When you return to the Clinic to pick up your pet you will be given both verbal and written instructions for their post-surgery care
Frequently Asked Questions
{Video} What to expect Anesthesia and Surgery (1:41) : https://go.veteos.com/yvpk7i
1. Should I give my pet medication on the morning of the procedure?
This will depend on the Medication:
GIVE AS DIRECTED:
- Cardiac* medications (Vetmedin, Lasix) *EXCEPT Enalapril/Benazepril
- Anti-seizure medications (Phenobarbital, Keppra)
- Antibiotics
- Sedatives (Gabapentin, Trazodone)
SKIP AM DOSE:
- Blood Pressure Medication (Enalapril/ Benazepril)
- Insulin –please bring Insulin bottle and syringes
- Supplements, Vitamins, Oils or OTC products
- NSAIDs (Rimadyl, Metacam, Galliprant)
Other Medications should be discussed with Veterinarian prior to day of procedure.
2. What is the recovery time after my pet has had the surgical procedure?
Pet’s may continue to be slightly drowsy for the first 24-48 hours after a procedure therefore may not have their usual energy or appetite. Overall, pets do very well and full recovery will vary, based on what surgical procedure your pet had done, but the typical recovery time is:
- Neuter: 10 days
- Spay: 10-14 days
- Dental: 1-2 days (recovery from anesthesia), if your pet had teeth extracted: 10 – 14 days while mouth/extraction sites heal.
{Video} How To Support Your Pet After Surgery (3:29) : https://go.veteos.com/p7e4yd
{Video} How To Support Your Pet after Dental Procedure (2:19) : https://go.veteos.com/aa1hk9