Pet Emergency Clinic

Dear Fellow Pet Lover,

Today's update is on surgical aftercare. We veterinarians do lots of surgery with very few problems. In fact, we often downplay the possible problems that can occur with any surgery since we do so many uneventfully. 

This update is to remind you that ANY surgery, no matter how routine, has some risk attached to it. The risks may be related to anesthetic, the overall condition of the pet, its ability to heal, and the surgical aftercare. Generally, it is your DVM's job to assess the risk of surgery prior to performing it. Your input is needed in this area as well. For example, if your pet just ate a large meal and was supposed to have been fasted, risk is introduced if you do not advise your DVM.

The surgical technique and anesthesia is up to your DVM. So choosing a surgeon based on known good reputation or known skill and experience is a very good idea. Naturally, a more experienced surgeon may have higher fees. It is up to the owner to choose an appropriate surgeon or facility.

The most important factor that an owner can control is the aftercare. The aftercare for any surgery, no matter how apparently routine, is crtitical. Be sure that you as an owner understand exactly what is required and are prepared to do it. Aftercare is probably the single most important factor of successful outcome in surgery. (MY opinion, of course)

So if your pet is to have surgery, select a surgeon whom you trust, prepare the pet correctly, and exactly follow all aftercare instructions to the letter. Then your pet's surgery will become an UNMEMORABLE experience.

That is all.

Thanks, Dr. John Emerson