Whether performing a routine surgery or an emergency procedure, you can have confidence the doctor and staff at FOREST HILL VETERINARY CLINIC will work hard to ensure each procedure is thorough, performed with the utmost expertise, and is as stress-free as possible for you and your pet.
We fully understand the decision to allow your pet to undergo surgery is never easy. To that end, we are here to answer any questions regarding your pet’s surgery. We will also provide you with postoperative care information to ensure a rapid return to your pet’s happy, healthy self.
We routinely perform spay/neuter procedures and soft tissue surgeries to remove tumors and foreign bodies, as well as in-house surgeries on joints and bones. More involved orthopedic procedures are referred to specialists.
OUR FACILITIES
The modern surgical facilities ensure procedures are as safe and efficient as possible. Veterinary technology is advancing at a rapid pace. These advancements, combined with our expertise, greatly reduce the risk for complications and allow us to perform surgical procedures quickly and accurately.
PRE-SURGERY EXAM
Before your pet undergoes any surgical procedure, a thorough examination takes place. This exam includes a pre-surgical blood screen, which ensures the liver and kidneys (where most anesthetics are flushed from the body) are working properly. Young, healthy pets may only require minimal blood screening, while older pets should have a complete blood panel performed.
• Mini CBC Profile: Checks for anemia, possible infection, and screens for adequate blood sugar levels and kidney function.
• Full Profile: Checks for all of the above, plus a more comprehensive evaluation of the internal organ functions.
These results, along with your pet’s anesthetic history, breed, preexisting conditions and age, will be used to determine a unique anesthesia protocol. These tests have the added benefit of establishing a baseline for the comparison of future blood tests, should your pet require any.
ANESTHESIA : For most surgical procedures, anesthesia is required
At FOREST HILL VETERINARY CLINIC, we utilize the safest available anesthetics to provide an extra margin of safety for our older and high-risk patients. We use a combination of pre-anesthetic medications or injectable/inhalant anesthetics to achieve optimum levels of anesthesia that are safe for your pet. We also highly recommend the placement of an intravenous catheter prior to any procedure requiring anesthesia. Benefits of catheter placement include allowing us to use the minimal amount of anesthetic needed for your pet, the ability to administer intravenous fluids and emergency drugs should your pet encounter a problem while under anesthesia, and reduced risk for complications.
If you are bringing a pet in for a dental or surgical procedure that requires an anesthetic, we request you complete an anesthetic authorization form. This form offers several optional services which increase the margin of safety and comfort for our patients and their owners.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
At FOREST HILL VETERINARY CLINIC we strongly believe in compassionate, quality, medical care for our patients. As a result, all surgery patients will receive pain management to reduce any discomfort experienced and to aid in a faster recovery.
Just as with humans, pain has many negative effects on pets that go beyond physical discomfort. Pain after surgery can slow healing and worsen diseases like arthritis – and because our companion friends don’t understand why they are experiencing pain, it can cause behavioral issues and interfere with the bond between you and your pet.
We provide pain medication post operatively as needed to keep your pet comfortable during his or her recovery. The amount of pain management your pet needs will depend on his or her needs and the nature of the procedure being performed.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE
The amount of time your pet will need to monitored after surgery varies. In some cases, animals will need to be monitored overnight; in others, they can be sent home the same day. When your pet is discharged, your veterinarian will provide you with information on proper home care after surgery. Often, your pet will be prescribed medication; in this case, we will explain how and when to administer it. We will also be available to answer questions after your pet arrives home.
Contact FOREST HILL VETERINARY CLINIC at (410) 838-6788 with any questions or concerns following surgery and we will be more than happy to help you.
