Crawford Animal Hospital

Anesthesia

For most surgical and dental procedures, general anesthesia is in order. General anesthesia is a state of unconsciousness, muscle relaxation and analgesia (loss of pain perception) produced by injectable drugs and/or inhaled gases. We have chosen injectable drugs and inhaled gases that maximize safety and minimize dangers. Nevertheless, occasional problems can arise due to pre-existing conditions not evident during routine pre-anesthetic examinations and due to rare unpredictable reactions. Injectable drugs are given under the skin, into a muscle, or by vein. A tube placed into the trachea or windpipe delivers inhaled anesthetic gas to the lungs. Usually combinations of anesthetic agents are used to provide a balanced anesthesia, that is anesthesia that provides the best levels of painlessness, muscle relaxation, ease of recovery and safety. While the routine surgical procedures described below are typically performed in less then one hour, the patient generally may take 6-12 hours to fully recover.

Spaying

Spaying, is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in the female pet. This surgery eliminates “heat cycles”, reproductive ability, life threatening uterine infections, and some forms of breast tumors. After general anesthesia, an incision is made into the abdomen. Each ovary is ligated, that is the vessels are tied, and then removed. The uterus is then ligated and removed as well. The incision is then closed using up to three layers of sutures. The skin is usually, but not always, closed with hidden sutures. These sutures dissolve and do not need to be removed. If outer skin sutures are placed, then they must be removed in 10-14 days.

Your pet will stay overnight the day of surgery. Hospitalization serves to keep your pet quiet and well rested the first 24 hours. It also gives us a chance check on your pet’s recovery, to check the incision, any sutures, or bandages, and to prevent problems before they occur.
· General aftercare for the dog

  • Once you are home with your pet, allow them to rest and settle-in. Do not feed them for 2-3 hours. When feeding, offer half the amount of food and water you would normally feed. Limit exercise for the first week. Take your pet outside on a leash to urinate and defecate. Keep your pet from running and jumping for about a week. Pets that are normally kept outdoors should be kept indoors till their incision heals. Check the incision once daily for any sign of problems. Keep your pet clean and dry. Do not bathe your pet for at least 1-2 weeks after surgery.
    · General aftercare for the cat
  • Once you are home with your pet, allow them to rest and settle-in. Do not feed them for 2-3 hours. When feeding, offer half the amount of food and water you would normally feed. Limit exercise for the first week. Use fresh clean cat litter and keep the litter clean of urine and stool. Check the incision occasionally for any sign of problems. (USE CAUTION – CATS ARE NOT TOLERANT OF THIS!) Keep your pet clean and dry. Do not bathe your pet for at least 1-2 weeks after surgery.

    • Neutering

    · Neutering in the dog

  • Neutering, is the surgical removal of the testicles in the male pet. This surgery eliminates unacceptable male dog behavior and reproductive ability. After general anesthesia, a small incision is made near the scrotum. Each testicle is ligated, that is the vessels and tubes are tied, and then each testicle is removed through this incision. The incision is then closed using two layers of sutures. The skin is usually, but not always, closed with hidden sutures. These sutures dissolve and do not need to be removed. If outer skin sutures are placed, then they must be removed in 10-14 days.

    • Your pet will stay overnight the day of surgery. Hospitalization serves to keep your pet quiet and well rested the first 24 hours. It also gives us a chance check on your pet’s recovery, to check the incision, any sutures, or bandages, and to prevent problems before they occur.

    General aftercare: Once you are home with your pet, allow them to rest and settle-in. Do not feed them for 2-3 hours. When feeding, offer half the amount of food and water you would normally feed. Limit exercise for the first week. Take your pet outside on a leash to urinate and defecate. Keep your pet from running and jumping for about a week. Pets that are normally kept outdoors should be kept indoors till their incision heals. Check the incision once daily for any sign of problems. Keep your pet clean and dry. Do not bathe your pet for at least 1-2 weeks after surgery.

    · Neutering in the cat

  • Neutering, is the surgical removal of the testicles in the male cat. This surgery eliminates unacceptable tom cat behavior and reproductive ability. After general anesthesia, small incisions are made on the scrotum. Each testicle is ligated, that is the vessels and tubes are tied, and then each testicle is removed through this incision. Note: The male cat does not need sutures and the closure is much simpler.

    • Your pet will go home the day of surgery should it be fully recovered from anesthesia. However, should your pet still be under the effects of anesthesia, it will stay overnight as a precaution.

    General aftercare: Once you are home with your cat, allow them to rest and settle-in. Do not feed them for 2-3 hours. When feeding, offer half the amount of food and water you would normally feed. Limit exercise for the first week. Use fresh clean cat litter and keep the litter clean of urine and stool. Check the incision occasionally for any sign of problems. (USE CAUTION – CATS ARE NOT TOLERANT OF THIS!) Keep your pet clean and dry. Do not bathe your cat for at least 1-2 weeks after surgery.

     

     

     

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