surgery
At Boulevard Veterinary Care, surgery is an integral part of our daily operations, and we pride ourselves on our expertise in this area. However, for you and your pet, surgery is not a frequent occurrence, which may leave you feeling a bit anxious and unsure. It's natural to want the very best care for your beloved companion.
Our dedicated team is here to address your questions, alleviate your concerns, and provide reassurance. We offer a comprehensive array of surgical services, all conducted in our surgical suite by our highly qualified veterinarians. Utilizing the latest surgical techniques and the safest pain relief options, we strive to ensure that your pet’s procedure is not only successful but also a positive and stress-free experience for both of you.
The safety and comfort of your pet are our top priorities at every stage of the surgical process—before, during, and after the procedure. We start with pre-anesthetic blood work to identify any potential risks your pet may face, allowing us to take proactive measures to minimize these risks. Anesthetics are chosen with great care, tailored to your pet’s specific health and surgical requirements.
On the morning of your pet’s surgery, we will greet you both warmly and focus on making your pet feel at ease. We take the time to help your companion relax and reduce any unnecessary stress. Once they are settled, one of our trained technicians will administer the pain control medication while providing gentle reassurance to your pet as they comfortably drift into a peaceful sedation.
Once your pet is safely anesthetized, the veterinarian will begin the procedure, working with precision and efficiency. Our support staff will be present throughout the surgery to assist and monitor your pet’s wellbeing closely. Our surgical suite is equipped with monitoring technology, allowing us to track your pet’s vital signs and ensure their comfort throughout the operation.
After the surgery is completed, your pet will be moved to our quiet and comfortable recovery area, where they will be continuously monitored. A team member will reach out to you to provide details on how the surgery went and to arrange a pickup time for your pet. Upon your arrival, we will review the post-surgical care instructions, including a plan for managing your pet’s pain during their recovery.
Boulevard Veterinary Care provides a wide range of surgical services, including:
- Spay/Neuter
- Soft Tissue Surgery
- Biopsies
- Lumpectomy
- Abdominal Surgery
- Gastropexy
- Cystectomy (bladder surgery/stone removal)
What occurs before my pet’s surgery?
The required bloodwork should be performed 48 hours or more prior to your pet’s appointment. Generally, we recommend that you stop feeding your pet after 8 p.m. the night before, while allowing moderate water intake until arrival for the procedure. You will need to complete a surgical consent form upon check-in.
What should I anticipate once my pet is admitted for surgery?
Upon arrival at our hospital, one of our experienced team members will check in your pet. Our veterinarians will conduct a thorough pre-surgical examination for each patient. Pre-anesthetic lab tests, if not already performed, help identify any conditions that might pose risks during anesthesia, tailored specifically to your pet’s age and health history. These precautions enable us to choose medications that cater to your pet's unique requirements.
To help reduce anxiety and minimize the amount of anesthetic needed, we will administer a pre-anesthetic or sedative to your pet, enhancing the safety of the procedure.
What occurs during surgery?
Every surgical patient is given an intravenous catheter along with fluids throughout the operation, which helps maintain blood pressure and allows for the immediate administration of pain relief or other necessary medications.
A dedicated technician will monitor each patient throughout the surgery, recording vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, oxygen levels, respiration rate, carbon dioxide levels, heart rate, and rhythm, adjusting anesthesia as needed. We take anesthetic procedures very seriously—your pet is never left alone, and we continue to provide close monitoring during the recovery phase following surgery.
How does my pet receive care following surgery?
Numerous studies highlight the importance of pain management in your pet's recovery, just as it is for humans. We implement a variety of pain-management protocols during surgery and throughout your pet’s recovery at home. We prioritize pain management, as we understand that a pain-free animal is a happy animal.
What happens when my pet returns home?
When your pet is ready to leave the hospital, if necessary, we provide medication to help manage pain at home and support a swift recovery for your furry friend. Our on-site pharmacy allows you to conveniently fill your pet’s prescription without any additional stops on your way home. We also include post-surgical instructions for your reference. If you have any questions, our staff is here to assist you. Please feel free to contact us at any time.