Everything You Need to Know About Dog Surgery

At Animal Clinic of Arlington, we understand that it can be nerve-wracking to hear that your dog is scheduled for surgery. However, when a veterinarian recommends surgery, it is for the best interest of your dog. The better you understand pet surgery, the better you will be able to care for your dog before, during, and after surgery.

Types of Surgeries

Dog surgery can either be elective or one that results from urgent health conditions. Common elective surgeries include:

• Spaying
• Neutering
• Non-cancerous skin growths
• Dental extractions

Surgeries that are often required for urgent medical care include:

• Internal bleeding
• Bone fractures
• Spleen cancer
• Joint subluxations
• Torn cruciate
• Kidney stones

Preparing Your Dog for Surgery

While a veterinarian performs the actual pet surgery, you have a crucial role to play as a pet parent. On the eve of your pet’s surgery, it’s advisable not to feed your dog at least 8 hours before the surgery. Water can be given up to the morning of the surgery. Our veterinarian will provide you with more specific advice depending on the surgical procedure being performed.

Is Anesthesia Safe?

Many pet owners shudder are reluctant to have their pet placed under anesthesia. While anesthesia can pose a risk to your pet, modern veterinary anesthesia poses very little risk. Pet owners need to understand that the risk of anesthesia is relatively low compared to failing to perform the surgical procedure. And to ensure that anesthesia is entirely safe for your dog, we perform comprehensive pre-operative blood tests to establish the level of risk involved.

The Decision to Perform Surgery

Before scheduling pet surgery, we will discuss the procedure in detail with you. Topics you can expect to cover with our veterinarian before dog surgery include:

• The general health of your dog
• Potential risks of the surgery
• Health outcome if surgery isn’t performed
• Post-recovery care

While the final decision to go ahead with the surgical procedure is entirely up to you, our veterinarian gives all the facts to help you make an informed decision that takes the interests of you and your dog.

Pet Surgery in Arlington

To learn more about pet surgery or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian, call Animal Clinic of Arlington today at (817) 460-6622.