General Surgery

Veterinary Surgery Can Improve Your Pet's Life

We understand that, as a caring pet owner, the prospect of surgery can be overwhelming for you and your pet. That's why we encourage communication and cooperation between you and your pet's veterinarian to decide on the best course of treatment. Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic gives your pet many options if surgery is indicated. Orthopedic and general veterinary surgery are available. Our veterinarians are able to perform many different types of procedures your pet might need for a variety of problems, including:

• Spay or neuter
• Soft tissue (common examples include abscesses, bloats, foreign body removal, and so on)
• Laceration repair
• Tumor removal
• Orthopedic trauma
• Lameness

Our surgical services and facilities include:

• Fully trained veterinary and technical staff, to ensure the safest, most efficient procedures for your pet
• Heated surgery tables for greater comfort
• Advanced sterilization techniques
• Comprehensive patient monitoring during anesthesia, including temperature, ECG, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen saturation
• Intensive recovery and post-operative care
• Continuous observation during anesthetic recovery period
• Comprehensive surgical procedures, including Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery

Loomis Basin veterinarians perform surgeries on a regular basis. We also have access to specialist veterinary surgeons who are able to perform complicated soft tissue, neurologic, orthopedic, and oncologic surgical procedures.

Preparing for Your Pet's Surgery

Before any surgical procedure, Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic recommends pre-anesthetic blood tests to determine that your pet is a good candidate for the operation. He or she will be given intravenous (IV) fluids, kept warm, and monitored throughout the procedure.

• Consent forms must be signed prior to surgery.
• No food after 8:00 p.m. the night before surgery. Water is OK.
• You will be asked to give accurate contact information for a responsible person who will be available during the day of the surgery
• When your pet is admitted, a veterinarian will discuss the procedure, potential risks involved, possible complications, and expected recovery time with you and will answer any questions you may have.
• Pets are carefully monitored during and after any procedure. If your pet is here for outpatient surgery or an oral procedure, he or she may be able to go home the same day.

Sometimes we must postpone elective surgeries if an emergency case presents itself or if your pet is not well enough for the procedure. Unnecessary risks must be avoided and this is one of the precautions we take to minimize potential complications. If there are problems, we will reschedule your pet for another time.

At-Home Pet Care After Surgery

We will give you detailed information about how to care for your pet at home after his or her surgical procedure. It is important to:

• Follow the discharge instructions given by your pet's veterinarian
• Monitor the incision for any swelling and/or redness
• Be aware of your pet's appetite: he or she may not want to eat right away
• Give any medications as directed
• Check bandages, splints, or casts as the discharge instructions indicate
• Return for a follow-up appointment at the appropriate time