At Cotati Small Animal Hospital, we aim to make your pet’s surgical experience as smooth and reassuring as possible. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what you can expect:

Pre-Surgery Consultation

Our process begins with a comprehensive consultation where the doctor will discuss your pet’s condition and explain the recommended surgical procedure. We’ll review all diagnostic findings and outline a clear plan for the surgery, including its purpose, expected outcomes, and any necessary preoperative instructions. This is also the time to address any questions or concerns you might have. We’ll explain the preparation process including fasting instructions, what to expect on the day of the surgery, and when to drop your pet off.

Preoperative Preparation

On the day of surgery, we will conduct any required diagnostic tests and assessments to ensure your pet is ready for the procedure. This step is important for confirming that your pet is in optimal condition for surgery and is highly recommended for all senior pets.

Anesthesia and Surgery

Your pet will be given general anesthesia to ensure they are completely comfortable and pain-free during the procedure and will be monitored closely for safety. We continuously monitor your pet’s vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, to ensure their safety and well-being throughout the entire surgery. 

Monitoring and Recovery

After the surgery is completed, your pet will be woken from anesthesia in a controlled and monitored environment to ensure they wake up safely and without complications. We’ll provide pain management and supportive care to help them recover comfortably and you will receive detailed instructions on post-operative care, including any medications, activity restrictions, dietary adjustments, and follow-up appointments.

Follow Up

Per the doctor’s request we will schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your pet’s progress and ensure they are recovering well. If additional visits are not required but your pet has staples or sutures that need to be removed, we will arrange a convenient tech appointment with one of our veterinary assistants.

We strive to ensure that your pet’s dental surgery experience is as smooth and comforting as possible. Here’s a detailed overview of what to expect:

Preoperative Consultation

 The process begins with a pre-dental exam, where our veterinarian thoroughly examines your pet’s mouth to assess their dental condition. This assessment helps determine the appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the severity of the dental issues, which are graded from 1 to 4, the procedure may involve a routine cleaning or more complex treatments like extractions.

The doctor may also recommend diagnostic tests, such as blood work, to assess your pet’s overall health. They will discuss the dental issues identified and explain the surgical procedure, including the expected outcomes and any pre-surgery instructions, such as fasting requirements.

Anesthesia and Cleaning

On the day of the procedure, our team will perform necessary lab work recommended by the doctor to ensure your pet is fit for anesthesia. Once cleared, your pet will be sedated and put under general anesthesia to ensure they are completely comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. A veterinary technician will start with a thorough dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. Following the cleaning, full mouth X-rays will be taken to better visualize the underlying dental structures. Clean X-rays allow for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

After the X-rays, our veterinarian will complete the dental cleaning and, if necessary, perform any extractions. Throughout the procedure your pet will be closely monitored to ensure their safety and well-being.

Monitoring and Recovery

After the surgery, your pet will be closely observed as they wake up from anesthesia.  Depending on the complexity of the procedure and any extractions performed, your pet may be sent home with pain medication to support a smooth recovery. You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for your pet post-surgery, including information on medications, dietary restrictions, and any necessary follow-up care.

Follow Up

If your veterinarian determines that a follow-up visit is needed, we will schedule it to assess your pet’s recovery and ensure everything is healing properly. 

Fasting your pet the night before and the morning of surgery is a vital step to ensure their safety and the success of the procedure. Anesthesia can slow the digestive system, increasing the risk of nausea and vomiting, so an empty stomach helps ensure anesthesia is administered safely and effectively. This process helps minimize the risk of complications like vomiting or regurgitation, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia, where food or liquid enters the lungs. Additionally, fasting helps in the proper absorption and action of anesthetic medications, maintaining stable blood pressure and reducing potential adverse reactions.

Typically, pets should not eat after midnight before surgery but are usually allowed to drink a controlled amount of water until a few hours before the procedure. However, not all pets or surgeries require fasting, and the need depends on your pet’s health and the specifics of the procedure. Our team will provide instructions based on your pet's needs and the surgery they are having. If your pet is not fasted as directed, we may need to reschedule the surgery to ensure their safety and avoid potential complications.