Anesthesia & Pain Management

Anesthesia

Ensuring the health and safety of your pet during surgery is our utmost concern and requires an anesthetic and monitoring regimen that adheres to the highest principles and ideals of quality care. We utilize a multi-parameter monitoring and anesthesia system to ensure your pet’s safety during all surgeries.

Prior to surgery, your pet is examined and a pre-surgical blood screen is performed. The results of these tests and your pet's past anesthetic history, breed, preexisting conditions, and age are used to create an individualized anesthesia protocol for your pet.

We utilize the most current state of the art monitoring technology. During anesthesia, your pet is cared for by a well-trained and experienced veterinary technician using our monitoring system which tracks blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and oxygen level.

Prior to undergoing anesthesia, your pet receives a thorough exam by the veterinary surgeon and presurgical blood tests are performed. An IV catheter is placed to give fluids and administer medications. Each pet is closely watched by a veterinary technician who is trained in anesthesia monitoring. We monitor body temperature.

Pain Management

We all know that pain hurts, but pain also has many other detrimental effects on your pet’s body. Pain slows healing, decreases activity, causes behavioral changes (such as aggression, anxiety, and depression). Pain worsens diseases like arthritis and potentially some cancers. It interferes with the bond between you and your pet.

We practice the most up-to-date pain management protocol. For acute and chronic conditions, we use all our available and safe resources, including NSAIDS (non-steroidal medications) and oral and injectable analgesics for the complete comfort of your pet.

Postoperative Care

Post-op patients are monitored closely until the patient has a swallow reflex and then the tube is removed. When the patient is awake enough, he/she will be moved to a warm, comfortable recovery area and given fluids as needed.

As your pet is being discharged from the clinic, we will provide you with detailed information on how to properly care for your pet at home after surgery. We are also happy to answer any questions or concerns that may arise after your pet arrives home.

Please don't hesitate to call us at (706) 632-7387 if you have a question or concern.