Questions to Ask Before Your Pet Surgery

Pets undergo various surgical procedures, from routine spaying and neutering to orthopedic surgery or more complex procedures. Being prepared is important if your pet is having minor or major surgery. Knowing what to expect can put your mind at ease before your pet undergoes the procedure. Our veterinarian at Granada Veterinary Clinic in Mission Hills, CA, provides the following answers to the frequently asked questions below.

How Safe Is This Procedure?

Knowing the success rate of your pet’s procedure can help you feel calmer. Remember, our veterinarians ensure that pets are good candidates for any chosen method. Veterinary teams also monitor your pet’s vital signs during surgery, especially under general anesthesia.

What Are the Risks and Potential Complications?

Invasive and minimally invasive procedures come with some risks, such as infections. Ask about these risks and potential complications. However, our veterinarians keep pets safe before, during, and after procedures.

Should I Stop My Pet’s Medication?

Sometimes, you should stop giving your pet certain medications before surgery. Ask when you should stop giving these medications to your pet. Especially if it’s medication, your pet takes daily. Ask us when to start giving medication again.

Does My Pet Need to Fast Before Surgery?

For some surgical procedures, pets need to avoid eating the night before. Ask about this beforehand to keep your pet in a crate or closed room away from food the night before the procedure.

Will My Pet Need a Special Diet?

After surgery, pets sometimes need to eat a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice. Asking about this beforehand gives you time to prepare these foods for your pet. You should also ask what to expect regarding your pet’s appetite in the days following surgery.

How Can I Help My Pet Heal?

Veterinarians provide specific instructions for post-surgical care, but you can ask what to expect beforehand. This instruction usually involves keeping the surgical incision or site clean to help reduce the risk of infection. Your pet may need to avoid physical activity for a certain period afterward.

Contact Our Veterinarian in Mission Hills, CA

If your pet needs surgery, contact Granada Veterinary Clinic. Our veterinarian in Mission Hills, CA, can answer your questions about pet surgery. If your pet needs an exam for health problems that might require surgery, you can schedule an appointment at our animal hospital. Call our office at (818) 361-0125 to get in touch!