My Pet is Having Surgery - How Can I Prepare?

It’s a big day – your pet is having surgery! Whether it’s a routine neuter or a more complicated procedure, surgery days are understandably a source of anxiety for many pet owners. Taking time to prepare ahead can make for a smooth experience! 

Does my pet need blood work? 

Yes, preoperative blood work is required within 60 days of surgery. The specific panel recommended will be based on your pet’s age and medical history. We may need to change our anesthetic plan or delay surgery if abnormalities are found. 

Is anesthesia safe?

Anesthetic related deaths are rare. Most healthy pets do well under anesthesia, regardless of age. We have the most up-to-date equipment and a dedicated team member monitoring your pet at all times. If your pet has a medical condition that increases their risk of complications, your veterinarian may recommend additional testing prior to anesthesia. 

Does my pet need to be fasted before surgery?

Yes, please do not feed your pet after midnight. Water is fine. 

What if my pet usually takes medication in the morning?

Yes, unless you’ve been instructed otherwise, if your pet takes daily medication to control chronic disease it should still be given the morning of surgery. You can give the medication in a small amount of food if needed (just not a full meal). 

What if my pet usually takes anti-anxiety medications (“PVPs”) ahead of vet visits?

Yes, please give your pet’s PVPs ahead of the surgical procedure. This will reduce their stress traveling to the vet clinic, facilitate administration of their injectable sedative, and ultimately may reduce the amount of anesthesia needed by working synergistically. You can give PVPs in a small amount of food if needed (just not a full meal). 

Does my cat need to arrive in a carrier?

Yes, cats should arrive at all veterinary appointments in a secure carrier. We prefer a hard, plastic carrier that has a removable top with snaps and/or plastic twistable bolts. Nothing that requires a screwdriver to remove! Check out a pet carrier example on Chewy.

Should I give my pet a bath before surgery?

This isn’t required but may be a good idea since your pet cannot have a bath or swim for 10-14 days after surgery. 

Will my pet need to wear an Elizabethan collar (the “cone”) after surgery?

Yes, your pet will need to wear an e-collar for 10-14 days post-operatively. This should be worn at all times when unsupervised, even during sleep. It is important that your pet cannot lick, chew, or scratch at their incision to allow appropriate healing. 

Are all types of Elizabethan collar created equally?

No. We generally do not recommend the “donut” type of e-collar, especially for younger pets, because most are agile enough to get around them. We recommend the Comfy Cone, which is a padded e-collar that you can purchase online. Obtaining an e-collar in advance comes with a huge benefit – you can practice and slowly acclimate your pet to it before surgery.  If you go this route, please bring your pet’s e-collar on the procedure day to ensure appropriate fit and protection. If needed we will send home a plastic e-collar. 

What if my pet does not tolerate Elizabethan collars?

Most pets adjust to an e-collar within a few days, but thankfully there is another option – surgical suits! We do not carry surgical suits at CAC, but you can find them easily online.  If you go this route, please bring your pet’s surgical suit on the procedure day to ensure appropriate fit and protection. Check out a recovery suit on Amazon.

Will my pet need to be rested after surgery?

Yes, your pet will need to be strictly rested for 10-14 days after surgery. No running, jumping, stairs, long walks, or going outside off leash. 

How on Earth am I going to do that?!

This is one of the most valuable things to consider ahead of time. For dogs, we recommend using a crate, play pen, or baby gates as needed. For cats, it’s ideal to confine them using a medium or large crate (consider borrowing one from a friend with dogs!). If this isn’t possible, we recommend confining cats to a single room. 

Why do you recommend post-operative sedatives?

As you can imagine, 10-14 days of strict rest is no picnic for you or your pet! Most pets feel much better within the first few days and since we can’t explain to them the importance of post-operative rest, mild sedative medications can help keep them calm. 

What should I expect the first night my pet comes home?

Your pet may be groggy and not quite themselves for 24-36 hours as the anesthesia wears off. Most pets just want to go home and take a long nap, but others may vocalize, pant, or have a hard time settling down. This is called dysphoria and is essentially confusion and agitation after anesthesia. Dysphoria should wear off by morning. We recommend setting up a quiet, comfortable space for your pet to recover. 

What should my pet’s incision look like?

Please check your pet’s incision twice daily. It is not abnormal to notice a small lump around the suture site as the sutures are dissolving.  Please call if you notice excessive swelling, discomfort, or discharge from the incision site. 

Should I clean or apply any ointments to the incision?

No, unless you’ve been instructed to by your veterinarian. 

What should prompt a call to my veterinarian? 

Please give us a call if your pet is not eating, develops vomiting or diarrhea, hasn’t urinated by the next day, hasn’t defecated within 3 days, if their pain is poorly controlled, if the incision opens up, if you notice yellow/tan discharge from the incision, or if there is excessive redness, bruising, or swelling associated with the incision.

For more information visit our Surgery & Dentistry page.