What do I need to know prior to my pet’s surgery?

We understand that it can be nerve-wracking to put your pet under anesthesia for any surgical procedure, and therefore we have created this guide to help you best prepare for surgery day.

How do I prepare my pet for surgery?

• Please do not feed your pet any food after 9:30 pm the night before surgery. Water is OK at all times.
• Ask your veterinarian any questions you may have about the procedure itself, what the recovery entails, etc. No question is off-limits here!
• Create a safe and quiet environment for your pet to return to while they are recovering from anesthesia. In the case that exercise restriction is necessary (e.g. for soft-tissue procedures) this may involve setting up baby gates or pens, closing off the staircase, separating pets from siblings at home, etc. 

What can I expect when I arrive at the clinic for dropping off my pet?

• Drop-off will be at 9:30 am (unless otherwise instructed by our team). We will have a drop-off/surgical form for you to fill out and sign. Please allow some time (about 30 minutes) for drop-off so that our medical team can go over this form with you — as well as discuss any other questions you might have about the procedure. 
• Please let our medical team know about any medications your pet is currently taking and when their last dose was given.
• Please be sure you leave us with the best telephone number to reach you in case of emergency, and make sure to keep your phone nearby throughout the day.

How long will the procedure take? When will I be able to pick up my pet?

• Every patient will be able to go home the same day of the surgery unless told differently by a veterinarian. 
• The times for pickup will vary based on several factors: the type of procedure (spays/neuters are often quicker than dental procedures); what order your pet will be taken to surgery on our procedure days; and recovery time, which is determined by your veterinarian based on how quickly/well your pet recovers, etc.
• If you would like an update on your pet’s status at any point, please feel free to reach us via text or phone call at (720) 740-8129; you can also use the chat feature on the Sploot Vets app). Rest assured that your veterinarian will call you in case any questions arise and certainly once your pet is awake. 
• Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian any remaining questions about recovery at the time of the post-operative phone call.  

At Sploot Veterinary Care, your pet is in good hands. We have an experienced medical team and dedicated surgical suites for various kinds of veterinary surgery. We look forward to giving quality care to your pet.