Surgical FAQ's

What You Need to Know Before Your Pet's Upcoming Surgery
Many people have questions about various aspects of their pet's surgery, and we hope this information will help. It also explains the decisions you will need to make before your pet's upcoming surgery.

1.

Is anesthetic safe?

There is always some risk with anesthesia. We take great care to ensure anesthetic safety. A thorough physical exam is done on your pet before any medications are given. If there are health concerns, other tests such as blood work or x-rays may be recommended. This is one of the reasons our policy is to have an examination appointment prior to surgery if the patient is over 2 years of age.

During anesthetic, we use an anesthetic monitoring machine as well as veterinary technicians or assistants. All of our surgical patients have intravenous catheters placed and receive iv fluids during surgery. The fluid rates are adjusted based on blood pressure measurements.
The amount and type of anesthetic adjusted based on your pet and the procedure being done. Sometimes local anesthetic (freezing) is used.
Preanesthetic blood work is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia. Blood work is a way to assess liver and kidney values to ensure that the patient can process the anesthetic. Even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing. If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before it causes anesthetic or surgical complications. If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected.
It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia. You will need to withhold food for at least 8 to 10 hours before surgery. Water can be left down for the pet until the morning of surgery.

2.

Do I need to have an appointment?

Yes, patients are seen by appointment.

3.

Will my pet be in pain?

Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals. Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it. Pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed. Major procedures require more pain relief than things like minor lacerations. We strongly believe in keeping our patients comfortable. This is done by using pain control medications. The type of medication and duration of treatment depends on your pet and the procedure being done. Most patients will receive an injection of pain control medication at time of surgery. Usually additional medication is sent home to be given by mouth for a time after surgery.

Providing whatever pain relief is appropriate is a humane and caring thing to do for your pet. We strongly believe in keeping our patients comfortable. This is done by using pain control medications. The type of medication and duration of treatment depends on your pet and the procedure being done. Most patients will receive an injection of pain control medication at time of surgery. Usually additional medication is sent home to be given by mouth for a time after surgery.

Providing whatever pain relief is appropriate is a humane and caring thing to do for your pet.

4.

Will my pet be in pain?

Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals. Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it. Pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed. Major procedures require more pain relief than things like minor lacerations. We strongly believe in keeping our patients comfortable. This is done by using pain control medications. The type of medication and duration of treatment depends on your pet and the procedure being done. Most patients will receive an injection of pain control medication at time of surgery. Usually additional medication is sent home to be given by mouth for a time after surgery.


Providing whatever pain relief is appropriate is a humane and caring thing to do for your pet. We strongly believe in keeping our patients comfortable. This is done by using pain control medications. The type of medication and duration of treatment depends on your pet and the procedure being done. Most patients will receive an injection of pain control medication at time of surgery. Usually additional medication is sent home to be given by mouth for a time after surgery.
Swan Valley Veterinary Clinic

Hours of Operation

Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED

Contact Us

Highway #10 East
Swan River,Manitoba R0L 1Z0

Have A Question?