SURGICAL SOLUTIONS VETERINARIAN BUSINESS.

Your pet’s primary care veterinarian will manage your pet’s care through the pre-operative examination, diagnostic imaging and tests, including blood work and post-operative care.

As a team, you, your veterinarian and Dr. Kupanoff will discuss your pet’s medical condition and determine if surgery is appropriate for your pet.  If surgery is necessary, as a team, we will determine the best surgical options for your pet.  

​We will also discuss an individualized medication protocol, including pain management (epidurals, non-steroidal medication and narcotics), anti-anxiety medication and gastro-intestinal medication.

Preparing your pet for the day of surgery presents many questions for pet owners.  Most of these questions can be answered by your primary care veterinarian.

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A review of the following will be helpful in answering general questions regarding most small animal surgery and are also things that you can do to make their recovery easier for both you and your pet.

-The night before surgery, feed your pet as usual, but no food after midnight.  Please have drinking water freely available overnight.

-Check with you primary care veterinarian regarding stopping any medication prior to surgery.

-Your dog will be more comfortable if allowed a short walk for bathroom duties before arrival at the hospital.

​-Please bring any medication that your pet is currently taking.  This will allow us to check the doses and ensure that your pet has appropriate post-operative pain medication.

-Please check with your veterinary hospital prior to bringing personal toys and blankets.  Most hospitals have an abundance of blankets, and we always worry about soiling or losing personal toys and blankets.

​-Plan to arrive the morning of surgery at the time designated by the hospital.  This is important to allow your pet to adopt to the clinic environment and be prepared

for anesthesia and surgery.

-Please be sure to leave all of your contact information so that you may be reached at any time during the day.  Many times, we call to give the owner routine updates during the day.  But, more importantly, sometimes there are new developments which need to be discussed immediately. This allows us to provide the best, individualized treatment for your pet.

-After anesthesia/sedation your pet will be drowsy for up to 36 hours.  When they get home, they may sleep and rest the majority of the first 1-2 days.

-Set aside an area of your house to allow your pet to rest comfortably.  Your pet will most likely be able to walk, but will be weak.  For your pet’s safety, please keep them away from stairs and the swimming pool.

-Keep your pet’s activity limited but provide a space for them to safely stand and move around.  Keep your pet from running and jumping on/off furniture and stairs.  A leash may be necessary to limit their activity outside.

-Plan for an easy method for your pet’s bathroom duties.  Your pet may need support and assistance for steps.  Regular bath towels make great slings to help support dogs when walking.

-Recovery time will vary, but most pets will be doing quite well in 1-2 days.  Except for limping after orthopedic cases, many pets are pretty much back to normal in a few days.  Dogs and cats are remarkably resilient and may surprise you with how agile they are so quickly after surgery.

-Read and follow all post-operative instructions from your primary care veterinarian and contact them with any questions or concerns you are having.  It is in your pet’s best interest to follow the post-operative instructions. 

-If you are having problems, please discuss this with the staff at the veterinary hospital.  Many times they are able to provide additional information to help you care for your pet.

 -Also see The American College of Veterinary Surgeons website at www.avcs.org as a resource regarding many surgical procedures and information.

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