What to Expect on the day of Surgery

When you drop off your beloved pet for care with our surgical team, you will be met by one of our surgical technicians and Dr. Mallinckrodt.  After answering any further questions you have, we take your pet into our ICU area.  An intravenous catheter will be placed, vital signs and blood work will be done as needed to ensure up-to-the-moment information.  This information is used to determine the safest and best anesthetic and medication plan for each individual patient.  Your pet will then be placed on intravenous fluids, and analgesic medication (pain management) will be initiated to keep him/her calm and comfortable.  Epidurals are a part of pain management for some procedures.

Once induced for surgery, an endotracheal or breathing tube will be placed. This provides a safe airway to deliver inhalant anesthesia and oxygen.  Patients are placed on a ventilator to ensure appropriate respiration throughout surgery. A dedicated, certified, trained nurse is monitoring oxygenation, temperature, ECG, blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, respiration rate, carbon dioxide level and depth of anesthesia.  Anesthesia is altered based upon individual patient needs.  We have the experience and tools to respond quickly and effectively to any changes that may occur during anesthesia.

After the surgical procedure is completed we will slowly allow your pet to wake up from anesthesia and begin the recovery process.