Surgery

Surgery

Surgeries we commonly perform include:

  • Ovariohysterectomies (spays)
  • Castrations (neuters)
  • Growth/mass removals
  • Biopsies
  • Cystotomies to remove bladder stones
  • Gastrotomies/enterotomies to remove foreign bodies from the stomach or intestines.

How Do I Prepare My Pet for Surgery?

We require all pets to be fasted (no food or water) after midnight the night before and the morning of surgery.

Please plan to drop off your pet at Oaklawn Animal Hospital between 7:30-8:00AM.

You may download the appropriate form to fill out and drop off with your pet the morning of surgery.

What Happens While My Pet Is at Oaklawn Animal Hospital?

Every animal gets a complete physical exam the morning of surgery. If bloodwork has not already been performed, a sample is drawn and analyzed in our hospital’s lab. We then give your pet an injection of a sedative and pain medication, place an IV catheter and prepare for anesthesia.

Surgery is begun promptly in the morning and completed by early afternoon so your pet is fully awake and ready to go home that same day. Surgery is performed in a dedicated surgery suite. Surgical patients are placed on a warm water heating pad and are monitored closely throughout surgery for heart rate, respiratory rate, EKG, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and body temperature. A dedicated technician is responsible for monitoring the patient, recording his or her vital signs, and notifying the surgeon of any changes.

Patients recover throughout the afternoon, monitored closely by our veterinary technicians and surgeon.

When Do I Pick Up My Pet?

Every surgical patient’s owner receives a phone call shortly after surgery is completed to let you know that your pet did well and to schedule a time for you to pick your pet up (usually between 3:30 and 5:30pm). A technician will go over the post-surgical instructions with you when you pick up your pet.