Your pet has been scheduled for an anesthetic procedure. Our surgery check-in time is between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. Please call us prior to this date if there are any additional problems or concerns that you would like the doctor to address while your pet is in the hospital. While your pet is in the hospital, there are several procedures, which some pets resent when awake, that can be done at this opportune time. These include placement of a microchip (which is a permanent identification method), having anal glands expressed, nails trimmed, ears cleaned, heartworm test, or a fecal exam. Vaccines can be given after your pet has fully recovered from anesthesia. Again, just let us know prior to your pet’s scheduled procedure date, or call us if you would like further explanation of these services.

Please read and complete your Canine or Feline or Rabbit Anesthesia Consent Form. There are several procedures described which we strongly recommend. We highly recommend the full Pre-anesthetic blood work because it allows the doctor to evaluate the function of your pet’s vital internal organs, which are important in regulating anesthesia and assisting in recovery from surgery. We are especially concerned with the health of the liver and kidneys. We strongly recommend having the blood work performed to help determine the health of your pet. Please see your Anesthesia Consent Form for explanation of the blood work and minimum requirements based on the age of your pet. Requirements are based on the age of your pet because the risks of anesthesia and surgery are slightly greater for older animals.

Pain management is very important in veterinary medicine. Many studies show that providing pain management for dogs and cats can actually speed up the healing process. We offer and highly recommend pain management for cats and dogs, for all surgical procedures. If you choose to have pain management for your pet, we require pre-anesthesia bloodwork.

For more information about pain control…

If you decline the Pre-anesthesia panel for patients under 4 years of age, we require a base minimum of blood work that includes a PCV and Total Protein. This helps the veterinarian to assess the red blood cell count, hydration, and protein levels in your pet.

The doctor may have recommended antibiotics prior to some surgeries, including dental and orthopedic procedures. If so, please remember to start giving them before surgery as prescribed. If you do not have these yet, please call our office at (304) 594-1124 to request a prescription.

Please keep safety in mind and bring your dogs in on a leash and cats in a carrier.

PRE-SURGERY CHECKLIST

  • Do not allow your pet to have any food after 10:00 PM the day before anesthesia.
  • Remove their water bowl the morning of anesthesia.
  • Complete your Pre-Anesthesia Consent Form.
  • If your pet is taking any medication that you are uncertain should be given the day of the procedure, please call our office for advice.
  • Give lots of extra hugs and kisses!

If you have any questions, please call our office. We will be happy to address the issues you may have regarding the health and well-being of your family pet. Should you decide to delay or cancel this appointment for any reason, we ask that you notify our office as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

The Doctors & Staff at Cheat Lake Animal Hospital