Small Animal Surgery

Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital is equipped with state of the art surgical suites allowing our veterinarians to perform a wide range of general surgical procedures. 

Before Surgery

We carefully examine each pet prior to surgery and require every patient to have pre-anesthetic blood tests for internal organ function evaluation. After examination and testing, anesthetic drugs are individually selected for your pet based on the procedure, their age, breed, and health status.

During Surgery

We have protocols in place to ensure safe anesthesia and surgical procedures:

• Prior to induction of anesthesia, a catheter is placed in every patient. This allows us to administer warm IV fluids throughout anesthesia, which helps maintain patient hydration and ideal blood volume. The catheter also ensures safety by providing immediate access in the unlikely event of an emergency situation.
• We utilize the safest, multi-modal anesthesia techniques available and tailor the anesthesia protocol to each pet. We may give your pet a sedative prior to surgery so they are comfortable.
• Vital signs are taken on a regular basis using digital monitoring systems, and patients are closely monitored under anesthesia by a dedicated technician using the same level of patient monitoring equipment that is used during human surgery.
• Our surgery table is heated to help patients maintain an ideal body temperature and additional safe warming devices are used following procedures to enable faster recovery from anesthesia and ensure greater comfort.
• Your pet’s pain relief is important to us. We develop a comprehensive pain management for every patient to keep them as comfortable and pain-free as possible before, during, and after surgery.

After Surgery

We feel that it’s important to keep a line of communication throughout the day of surgery. We will be sure that we have the best contact information when you drop off your pet, and will keep you fully informed about your their surgery, progress, and recovery. If required, the comprehensive pain management plan may include pain medication to be administered at home to keep them as comfortable as possible at home. At the time of discharge, we will explain what you need to know to care for your pet at home.

Please give us a call if you have any specific questions regarding the procedures offered or hospital protocols.