Knowing that your animal will be operated on is always a little unnerving. When your furry friend is injured or sick, it is natural to want them to be healed and go back to the life they love. Just like when a person has to go for a surgical procedure, it can be a little nerve-wracking because invasive surgery can be difficult on the body.
Bay City Animal Hospital is here to assure our North Bay patients and their owners that we take every precaution possible and we would never suggest a surgical procedure unless we deem it absolutely necessary. Our veterinarians are extensively trained and have years of experience performing a wide range of surgical procedures.
Of course, every concerned pet owner wants to know what they can do to aid in their pet’s health and recovery. Here are some helpful tips for pre and post-surgery.
Your vet will inform you that your pet must not eat 8-10 hours before surgery. This is to avoid the possibility of your animal becoming nauseated during surgery, which can block the airway and cause complications.
Depending on the procedure you may need to administer antibiotics several days before the surgery in order to help your pet fight off infection post-surgery.
Besides these, the most important thing you can do is keep your animal happy and relaxed leading up to the surgery.
After the surgery your pet will be tired and possibly a little confused. Make sure that your animal does not get too excited as this may inhibit the healing process. When you arrive back at your North Bay home, only provide them with a little food or water as they may become nauseous. You may have been given directions for a specific post-surgery diet. If so, then follow it closely - the same goes for medication.
Make sure that you limit exercise during the recovery period as jumping or running can open the suture and cause complications. In regards to the suture, check it regularly for any signs of infection.
If you have any questions pre or post-surgery do not hesitate to contact us.
If you are considering spaying or neutering your pet you probably have lots of questions. The most common one that our North Bay clients ask us is, “Why?” This is an important question, so let us go through some of the most important reasons.
Sexually active males will go out to find a mate. This means they will do whatever they can to escape from your property and go roaming. This can lead to property damage and places your pet in danger of being hit by traffic.
Neutering also reduces danger in other ways. Unneutered dogs or cats will mark their territory and fiercely protect it. Neutered animals focus more on their human family and will have fewer aggressive tendencies.
Last but not least, early neutering will remove the possibility of testicular cancer which is relatively common in unneutered dogs.
The most prominent benefit is that it will make your pet live a longer and happier life. Uterine infections and breast cancer are fatal in about 90% of cats and 50% of dogs. That is why spaying prior to the first heat is highly recommended.
For cats a clear benefit is that they will no longer go into heat. A cat in heat will produce strong smelling urine and go into fits of yowling to attract mates which can be very trying on anyone within earshot.
There is an overpopulation of dogs and cats in America. Each year millions of pets of all ages are abandoned or euthanized. By spaying and neutering your pets you are helping to reduce the amount of animal suffering in North Bay.
If you have any questions about the procedure or would like to set up an appointment, please contact us at (705) 476-8080.