How to Prepare Your Dog for Surgery
Things to Know Before Your Canine Friend Goes 'Under'
Jul 22, 2009 Adrienne Farricelli
Whether your dog needs to have a lump removed or is undergoing an elective surgery auch as a spay, as a loving and caring dog owner, you may be slightly nervous about it. This is quite normal and the veterinary staff is very used to this. For this reason, it is important to let your veterinarian or the veterinary clinic staff know of any concerns you may have so they they can answer all your questions.
The Day Prior to Surgery
Very likely the veterinary staff will call the day before just to confirm the appointment. They will very likely remind you about the 'NPO' policy. 'NPO' stands for 'Nil Per Os' which is the medical term meaning 'nothing by mouth'.
Indeed, the evening before surgery up until the morning the dog is dropped off and admitted, the dog must not be fed. Each clinic has generally different protocols, some may say to not feed after 6PM the night prior, while others will say no food after midnight. Many claim that water is fine, but other state not to give water in the four or eight hours prior to surgery. Follow your clinic's instructions carefully, and do not forget that nothing by mouth includes treats as well.
As easy as this rule may sound, it is not really uncommon for veterinarians to find food in their patient's stomachs. It could be that owners have forgotten about their dog's bad habit to raid the trash can at night or it could be that they have forgotten to tell other family members about this requirement.
It cannot be repeated enough the importance of not giving food prior to surgery, it is in the dog's best interest. The goal is to prevent the inhalation of stomach contents in the lungs, in case the anesthesia would cause the dog to vomit. This translates into potential suffocation.
Should you catch your dog eating or being fed by a family member be honest and reschedule the surgery. The staff will understand as this is not uncommon.
The Morning of the Surgery
Usually, you will be asked to come into the clinic in the early hours before veterinarians start appointments. This is to allow an easy flow of patients without over filling the room. It also allows you some time to sign the admission papers and ask any questions if any. Always make sure to provide a phone number where they may contact you in case of need.
Often you may not meet with the veterinarian during the admission because he is checking on pets, making phone calls or prepping pets for tests. Veterinarian technicians often can answer most of your questions since they often assist vets side by side during surgery.
If they cannot answer your questions, they will likely check with the vet or if he is busy, they may have him give you a call before surgery. In most cases, surgery does not take place in the morning but rather in the afternoon, after the vet has finished all the morning appointments.
Admitting Your Dog For Surgery
After the paperwork, very likely you will be told to remove leash and collar for your dog's safety. A temporary 'admission' collar will be placed around your dog's neck with the dog's name written on it, the procedure, the vet's name and the date.
For your pet's sake it is best not to make a big fuss in saying good bye. A simple pat on the head and a 'good boy', should suffice. Dogs are already good at detecting your anxiety, so it is best not to add any more anxiety on top of it. Just remember how sophisticated modern veterinary care has become nowadays, with most clinics equipped with heart monitors, modern anesthetics and state of the art equipment.
Very likely at this point your dog will be sent to under go pre-anesthetic bloodwork if you elected to do this (highly recommended) and will then be placed into a quiet room until surgery time.
Then once surgery is over, you will likely be called to pick your dog up. Do not get concerned if this call comes a bit late. Most vets do not send dogs home until fully awake and able to stand up on their own. Do not forget to bring leash and collar, and once there, get ready for a series of post surgery instructions.
References:
Dog Owner's Guide: Canine Surgery
Your Dog Will Not be Sent Home Until Fully Awake
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