The moment your veterinarian recommends surgery for your pet, a wave of questions and emotions can wash over you all at once. What should you do beforehand? What should you expect? How can you make sure your pet comes through safely and recovers well? These are questions every caring pet owner deserves clear answers to, and the good news is that being well-prepared can make a meaningful difference in your pet’s experience and outcome.
At Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness, our team brings our extensive experience to every surgical case, giving pets in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Citrus Heights, and surrounding areas the expert, compassionate care they deserve. From the moment surgery is recommended to the final stages of recovery, we guide you and your pet through every step. Families who want to feel confident heading into their pet’s procedure trust our veterinary surgery services to provide thorough preparation and outstanding care.
Understanding What to Expect Before Surgery
Before any procedure, our veterinary team will work with you to make sure your pet is a strong candidate for surgery and that all the necessary groundwork has been laid. Pre-surgical preparation is not just a formality. It is one of the most important phases of the entire process.
Pre-Surgical Bloodwork and Screening
One of the first steps in preparing for surgery is pre-surgical bloodwork and wellness screening, which gives our doctors a detailed picture of your pet’s internal health before anesthesia is administered. This screening can reveal underlying conditions that may need to be addressed prior to, or monitored closely during the procedure, helping to reduce risk and personalize your pet’s care plan. Our team works with an outside laboratory to perform more extensive testing whenever needed, so no detail is overlooked.
Fasting Guidelines
In most cases, your pet will need to fast for a period of time before surgery to reduce the risk associated with anesthesia. Our veterinary team will give you specific fasting instructions tailored to your pet’s age, size, and the type of procedure being performed. Following these guidelines carefully is one of the most important things you can do at home to support a safe surgical experience.
The Day of Surgery
On the day of your pet’s procedure, it is completely normal to feel anxious. Knowing what happens behind the scenes can ease some of that worry. Our state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and experienced anesthesia team support your pet’s vital signs closely throughout anesthesia and anesthetic recovery, tracking every key indicator in real time. Warming devices and heated blankets are used throughout the process to help maintain your pet’s body temperature and keep them comfortable.
For surgical procedures, having a board-certified surgeon leading the team adds an important layer of expertise and precision. Dr. Erin Paster is a board-certified surgeon and brings extensive and thorough surgical experience to every procedure, from routine preventive surgeries to more complex orthopedic and oncologic cases. Additionally, we consult with a veterinarian certified in pain management to build the best possible pain management protocol for your individual pet, so they are kept as comfortable as possible from start to finish.
Supporting Your Pet’s Recovery at Home
Once your pet is ready to go home, your role becomes just as important as the care they received in the clinic. Recovery at home looks different depending on the type of surgery performed, but there are several key principles that apply broadly. These generally include:
- Restricted activity: keeping your pet calm and limiting movement so healing tissues are not disrupted
- Medication compliance: administering all prescribed medications on schedule, including any pain management medications, to keep your pet comfortable
- Wound monitoring: checking the surgical site daily for any signs of swelling, discharge, or irritation
- Follow-up appointments: attending all scheduled rechecks so your veterinary team can assess healing progress
- Nutrition support: offering appropriate food and water as directed, as appetite may be reduced in the early stages of recovery
Sticking to your post-operative care instructions closely gives your pet the best possible chance at a smooth, full recovery.
Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness Is Here for You Every Step of the Way
Surgery is never a small thing, and at Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness, we never treat it as such. Our family-owned practice is built on a genuine love for animals and a commitment to delivering five-star, compassionate care to every pet who comes through our doors. Dr. Erin Paster is a board-certified surgeon and brings extensive experience to even the most complex cases, working alongside a dedicated team that takes the time to truly know your pet.
If your pet has an upcoming procedure or you would like to discuss your options with our team, we are here to help. Contact us to speak with our team and take the next step toward getting your pet the care they need.
