Why should my pet be admitted the day before surgery?

1. Admitting your pet to the hospital the evening before surgery is very important. All patients admitted into the hospital will have detailed physical examinations prior to and on the day of surgery.

2. It is important that necessary blood-work and other laboratory tests be completed and evaluated before any patient is induced under anesthesia.

3. We can familiarize your pet with the hospital surroundings, hospital staff and potentially lessen their stress on the day of surgery.

4. Our doctors perform a complete physical examination of all surgical patients the day of surgery from 7:00-8:00 a.m. prior to group hospital rounds. The entire surgical staff then discusses each individual case from 8:00-9:00 a.m. to evaluate all the findings, and to review the pre-surgical, surgical, and post-surgical plans.

What should I bring for my pet's hospitalization?

Please be sure to bring in any medications and/or special diets that your pet is currently using. The hospital is equipped with many cushioned beds and comfortable blankets, but you are welcome to bring in a small blanket or toy for your pet.

When should I call for an update on my pet that is having surgery?

Your doctor will be performing surgeries and procedures throughout the day. A doctor will contact you after surgery. The surgeons will need to continue their care for the patients throughout the day and occasionally may not be able to call until the end of the day. If you have not received a call by 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., feel free to contact our hospital at that time for an update. Please keep in mind that no news is good news and you will be contacted immediately if there is any reason to do so.

When will my pet be discharged from the hospital?

All hospitalized patients receive detailed physical examinations and are discussed in hospital rounds each morning. The doctors will determine at that time whether your pet can be released to go home, and will contact you prior to mid-day to give an update or time of discharge. If you do not hear from a staff member by noon, please feel free to call in for an update. We generally like to keep the animals that are scheduled to go home in the hospital for morning until afternoon.

WE HOPE THAT THIS MAY ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS AND HELP EASE YOUR SEPARATION FROM YOUR PET. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US AND ASK ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS.