If you've just heard the words "your pet needs surgery," it's natural to feel anxious. Surgery sounds like a big deal because, well, it is. But I want you to know that this is one of the most routine things we do in veterinary practice—especially procedures like spays, neuters, and mass removals. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after will help you feel more confident about what's ahead.
Let me walk you through the entire process, from the moment you schedule the surgery to the day your pet is ready to play fetch again.
Why We Recommend Pre-Operative Bloodwork
Before your pet goes under anesthesia, we always recommend bloodwork. I know it feels like an extra step and an extra cost, but here's why it matters: anesthesia is a stress on the body, and we need to know that your pet's liver and kidneys can handle it. These organs are responsible for processing and eliminating the anesthetic drugs, and if they're compromised, we need to adjust our protocol.
Pre-operative bloodwork can catch hidden issues—kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, anemia—that wouldn't be obvious just by looking at your pet. This is especially important for older animals, but we recommend it for all ages. It's one of the safest investments you can make.
The Night Before and Morning Of
Surgery requires your pet to have an empty stomach. Food left in the belly can cause serious complications during anesthesia, so here's what we ask:
- No food after midnight the night before surgery
- Water is OK until the morning of surgery—go ahead and let them drink normally
- Bring any current medications in their original bottles so we know exactly what your pet is taking
- Arrive a few minutes early so we can go over the consent form and answer last-minute questions
- Your pet will be groggy and a bit sore when you pick them up, so plan to give them a quiet day at home
The drop-off process is quick. We'll get some basic information, check your pet's temperature and heart rate, and then you'll head home. We'll call you during surgery to give you an update, and we'll call again once your pet is in recovery and waking up.
What Happens During Surgery
Once your pet is in our care, we don't take our eyes off them. Here's what happens:
First, we place an IV catheter. This gives us immediate access if we need to administer medications or fluids during surgery. Then we administer the pre-anesthetic drugs—medications that calm your pet and help them drift to sleep. Once they're sleeping, we intubate them (place a breathing tube in the airway) and maintain their anesthesia with a combination of gas and IV medications.
Throughout the entire procedure, a dedicated technician monitors your pet continuously. We're watching their heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, temperature, and carbon dioxide levels—just like in a human operating room. This constant vigilance allows us to catch problems before they become dangerous and adjust anesthesia as needed.
Pain management starts before the first incision. We give pain medications so your pet wakes up more comfortable. This isn't about comfort alone—pets that are in pain recover slower and have more complications. Pain control is part of good surgical care.
Recovery and Going Home
When your pet wakes up, they'll be drowsy and a bit wobbly—this is completely normal. You might notice shaved patches where we placed the IV catheter or prepped the surgical area. We'll send them home with pain medication (usually for 7–10 days), and possibly an e-collar (cone) to prevent licking at the incision.
Here's what to expect at home:
- Keep activity restricted. No running, jumping, or roughhousing for at least 7–10 days. I know this is hard—your pet might feel fine—but activity can cause the incision to open.
- Give pain medication as directed. Even if your pet seems fine, they might be experiencing pain they're not showing you.
- Check the incision daily. A small amount of redness or swelling right after surgery is normal, but watch for increasing swelling, discharge, or opening.
- Keep the incision clean and dry. No baths or swimming until the stitches come out.
- Offer food in small amounts. Some pets feel a bit nauseous after anesthesia, so start with a light meal.
When to Call Us After Surgery
Some grogginess and soreness is expected, but here are signs that warrant a phone call:
- Excessive swelling or redness at the incision that's getting worse
- Discharge or pus from the incision
- The incision opening up
- Persistent lethargy beyond the first 24 hours
- Not eating after 24 hours despite feeling more alert
- Vomiting or inability to keep food down
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
We're here 24/7 at our emergency line if something doesn't feel right outside of business hours.
The Bottom Line
Surgery might feel like a big moment, but it's one of the most common procedures we perform. Your pet is in experienced hands. We have the monitoring equipment, the expertise, and the dedication to keeping your pet safe from start to finish. Pre-operative preparation, careful anesthesia monitoring, and proper post-operative care add up to the best possible outcome.
If you have questions about your pet's upcoming surgery, don't hesitate to call us at (913) 469-5869. We're happy to walk you through every step.