Veterinary Surgery at Sweetgrass Animal Hospital
When your pet undergoes surgery at Sweetgrass Animal Hospital, you can be certain that the entire staff of experienced animal-care professionals will work hard to ensure each procedure is thorough, done with the utmost expertise and is as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
We fully understand the decision to allow your pet to undergo surgery is never an easy one. To that end, we are happy to answer any questions regarding your pet's specific surgery. In fact, a pre-surgical consultation is an essential part of the process. Additionally, the medical staff is happy to provide you with information on postoperative care to ensure a rapid return to your pet's happy, healthy self.
Veterinary Surgical Facilities
Sweetgrass Animal Hospital's state-of-the-art veterinary surgical facility in Summerville ensures procedures are as safe and efficient as possible. Veterinary technology is advancing at a rapid pace. These advancements, combined with the medical team's expertise, greatly reduce the risks of complications and allow us to perform surgical procedures quickly and accurately.
Pre-Surgery Examination
Before your pet undergoes any surgical procedure, a thorough examination takes place. This exam includes a pre-surgical blood screen, which, along with your pet's anesthetic history, breed, preexisting conditions and age, will be used to determine a unique anesthesia protocol. These tests have the added benefit of establishing a baseline for the comparison of future blood tests, should your pet require any.
Anesthesia Protocol
For most surgical procedures, anesthesia is required. While under anesthesia, your pet is continuously monitored by both staff and specialized anesthesia-monitoring technology. Your pet's blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature and oxygen level are all tracked during surgery. We also use a temperature-controlled operating table to assist in maintaining a constant body temperature during the procedure.
Comprehensive Pain Management
Just as with humans, pain has many negative effects on pets that go beyond physical discomfort. Pain after surgery can slow healing and worsen diseases like arthritis. And, because our furry companions don't understand why they are experiencing pain, pain can cause behavioral issues and interfere with the bond between you and your pet.
To minimize your pet's discomfort, we typically use a combination of local anesthetics, NSAIDs and narcotic pain relievers. The exact protocol is tailored to each animal, and depends on a number of factors that are determined by the pre-surgery exam and during the procedure.
Postoperative Care
The amount of time your pet will need to be monitored after surgery varies. When your pet is discharged, a staff member will provide you with information on proper home care after surgery. Often, your pet will be prescribed medication; in this case, we will explain how and when to administer it. We will also be available to answer questions after your pet arrives home. Contact us at (843) 225-9663 with any questions or concerns following surgery and we will be more than happy to assist you.