Santa Fe Animal Hospital



Pet Surgery at Santa Fe Animal Hospital in Lakeland

Many pets require some type of surgical procedure at some point in their lives. As a pet owner, it can be very scary and stressful when your pet needs surgery. The more you understand about pet surgery, the less stressful it will be.

Why Would a Pet Need Surgery?

Many pets require surgery for routine reasons such as spaying and neutering. However, there are other health-related reasons why pets will need surgery. If a pet is injured and a bone, joint, or tendon is damaged, surgery may be necessary to treat the injury. Skin lesions and abscess removals are also common reasons for surgery, as are foreign object removals when pets eat something they shouldn’t.

If the animal has any form of cancer or benign mass, surgery would be necessary to remove it safely. Finally, surgery is often performed for dental procedures such as tooth extractions, jaw fractures, or oral tumors.

Why Is Anesthesia Necessary During Surgery?

When a pet goes in for surgery, the veterinarian will put him or her under anesthesia. This is necessary to keep the animal still during the procedure and to keep him from feeling any pain. Many pet owners worry about their pets going under anesthesia; however, it isn’t as dangerous as they think. The entire time the pet is under, they will be monitored. Not only will someone monitor the pet’s heartbeat and respiration, but they will also monitor the amount of anesthesia being given to the pet. Overall, anesthesia is safe for pets.

What Medication and At-Home Treatment Is Best For Post-Op Care?

When you bring your pet home after the surgical procedure, you need to take good care of him. It is important that your pet gets enough rest after the procedure. To be sure that your pet is resting, you should set up a playpen or a crate for him to sleep in when he gets home.

To prevent infection, your vet will likely prescribe antibiotic medication. It is important that you give your pet the medication exactly as directed.

If your pet has stitches, that area will need to remain clean and dry. Your pet won’t understand this, and it is not uncommon for pets to try to bite at stitches. If your vet sends your pet home with an “E-collar” to help prevent biting or licking at the surgical site, it’s important that collar stay on until the vet says otherwise to avoid infection or reopening the site.

Finally, you should look for signs that your pet needs to be seen again by the vet. If after 24 hours, your pet is still sleepy and lethargic, you should call us. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the wound. If it is very red, swollen, bleeding or if there is discharge coming from the wound, you should contact the vet.

Contact Our Santa Fe Animal Hospital in Lakeland, FL Today!

If your pet requires surgery and you have any questions about the procedure or post-operative care, just give us a call. We’ll be more than happy to take the time to answer any questions that you may have. Call today at (863) 665-5033.