33 Hirst Road, Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands |
|
Contact Us: (345) 945-1242 | (345) 925-5584If you have a genuine after-hours emergency, please call our emergency line: (345) 926-1242Email: vetclinic.sav@gmail.com
Follow us on social media: |
(345)916-7167
www.caymanislandvetclinic.com
Surgical FAQ's
What You Need to Know Before SurgeryMany people have questions about various aspects of their pet's surgery, and we hope this information will help. It also explains the decisions you will need to make before your pet's upcoming surgery.
Is the anesthetic safe?Today's modern anesthetic monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past. Here at Rhondalf Services Ltd T/A The Vet Clinic, we do a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anesthetics, to ensure that a fever or other illness won't be a problem. We also adjust the amount and type of anesthetic used depending on the health of your pet. All pets are monitored by machine and a live technician who is in attendance during surgery. All internal organs are supported by the use of intravenous fluids during surgeries at our clinic. Pre-anesthetic blood testing is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia. Every pet needs blood testing before surgery to ensure that the liver and kidneys can handle the anesthetic. Even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing. If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before it causes anesthetic or surgical complications. Animals that have minor dysfunction will handle the anesthetic better if they receive IV fluids during surgery. If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected. We offer one level of in-house and a more comprehensive level of blood testing before surgery, which we will go over with you when you bring your pet in. Our doctors prefer the more comprehensive screen, because it gives them the most information to ensure the safety of your pet. For geriatric or ill pets, additional blood tests, x-rays or even electrocardiograms may be required before surgery as well. It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia. You will need to withhold food for at least 8 to 10 hours before surgery. Water can be left down for the pet until the morning of surgery.
Will my pet have stitches?For many surgeries, we use absorbable sutures underneath the skin. These will dissolve on their own, and do not need to be removed later. Some surgeries, especially tumor removals, do require skin stitches. With either type of suture, you will need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge. Although some dogs and cats do not lick excessively or chew at the incision, we strongly recommend the use of an e- collar for at least 5 -7 days after surgery. If there are skin sutures, these will usually be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery. You will also need to limit your pet's activity level for a time and no baths are allowed for the first 10 days after surgery.
Will my pet be in pain?Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals. Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it. Pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed. Major procedures require more pain relief than things like minor lacerations. This clinic highly values the use of pain control medicines before, during, after surgery and for several days after to lessen the risk of discomfort and swelling. We use newer medications, which are less likely to cause stomach upset and can be given even the morning of surgery. Because cats do not tolerate standard pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol, we are limited in what we can give them. Recent advances in pain medications have allowed for better pain control in cats than ever before. We administer pre-medications approx 10-15 minutes prior to surgery to relieve pain and to sedate prior to induction for gas anesthesia. After surgery, pain medication is given on a case by case basis. Any animal that appears painful will receive additional pain medication. The cost will depend on the size of the animal. Injectable pain medications may also be used after surgery on both dogs and cats. Providing whatever pain relief that is appropriate, is a humane and caring thing to do for your pet.
What other decisions do I need to make?When you bring your pet in for surgery, we will need to 5 to 10 minutes of time to fill out paperwork and make decisions on the blood testing and other options available. When you pick up your pet after surgery you can also plan to spend about 10 minutes to go over your pet's home care needs. We will email you 24 hours before your scheduled surgery appointment, to confirm the time you will be dropping off your pet. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to call us with any questions about your pet's health or surgery.
|