Your pet needs surgery and you are understandably nervous. However, there are many things you can do to make sure your pet’s surgery is successful. At Grand Park Animal Clinic in Katy, our veterinarians would like to offer some tips on how to get your pet, and you, ready for pet surgery.

Pre-surgical Tests

Your veterinarian will perform a pet exam, then run a series of tests to help keep your pet safe. These tests help determine how your pet should be cared for during the surgery, if your pet is healthy enough for surgery, and if the surgery is necessary in the first place. For example, pets needing cataract surgery should get ocular ultrasounds to see if the retina is still attached. If the retina has detached, then the surgery will not help.

Your Pet’s Medication

Some medications may interfere with the anesthesia or make it less safe for your pet to have surgery. Ask if and when daily medication should be stopped. This is especially important if your pet is on insulin. Diabetic pets are usually scheduled for surgery first, to not disrupt the insulin routine too much.

Your Pet’s Post-surgery Diet

Depending on what kind of surgery your pet is having, a bland diet may need to be fed for a few days afterward. For dogs and cats, this usually consists of boiled chicken and rice. Make plenty before the surgery, because you may be busy afterward.

Fast Your Pet

Your pet needs to have an empty stomach while under anesthesia. Ask the vet when you can last give food and water. Usually, fasting starts at about 10 at night, and water is taken away at about 7 in the morning.

Keep Your Pet Indoors

You need to keep a close watch on your pet to make sure he or she does not eat during the fasting period. If you have a cat flap, lock the flap or keep your cat in a room with a closed door.

Contact Our Veterinarians in Katy, TX

If you have questions on how to prep your pet for surgery, or if your pet needs surgery, and you live in the Katy area, contact Grand Park Animal Clinic to speak with Dr. Bowen or Dr. Brown. Call our team today at (281) 392-3127 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.