Veterinary Surgery at Kenwood Animal Hospital

Whether performing a routine surgery or an emergency procedure, you can have confidence that the veterinarians and staff at Kenwood Animal Hospital will work hard to ensure each procedure is thorough, done with the utmost expertise, and is as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.

 

The entire team at Kenwood Animal Hospital understands that the decision to allow your pet to undergo surgery is never easy. To that end, we're happy to answer any questions regarding your pet's surgery. In fact, a pre-surgical consultation is an essential part of the process. Our medical staff is also happy to provide information on postoperative care to ensure a rapid return to your pet's happy, healthy self.

 

Our Facilities

 

Kenwood Animal Hospital's state-of-the-art surgical facility ensures procedures are as safe and efficient as possible. Veterinary technology is advancing at a rapid pace. These advancements, combined with our expertise, greatly reduce the risk for complications and allow us to perform surgical procedures quickly and accurately.

 

Pre-Surgery Exam

 

Before your pet undergoes any surgical procedure, a thorough examination takes place. This exam includes a pre-surgical blood screening, which, along with your pet's anesthetic history, breed, preexisting conditions and age, will be used to determine a unique anesthesia protocol. These tests have the added benefit of establishing a baseline for the comparison of future blood tests.

 

Anesthesia

 

For most surgical procedures, anesthesia is required. While under anesthesia, your pet is continuously monitored by both our staff and specialized anesthesia monitoring technology. Your pet's blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and oxygen level are all tracked during surgery. Specialized warming blankets are used to assist in maintaining your pet's constant body temperature during the procedure.

 

Pain Management

 

Just as with humans, pain can have a negative effect on your pet which goes beyond physical discomfort. Pain after surgery can slow healing and worsen diseases like arthritis — and because our companion friends don't understand why they're experiencing pain, pain can cause behavioral issues and interfere with the bond between you and your pet. To minimize your pet's discomfort, we typically use a combination of local anesthetics, NSAIDs, and narcotic pain relievers. The exact protocol is tailored to each animal, and depends on a number of factors determined by the pre-surgery exam and during the procedure.

 

Postoperative Care

 

The amount of time your pet will need to monitored after surgery varies. In some cases, animals will need to be monitored overnight; in others, they can be sent home the same day. When your pet is discharged, your veterinarian will provide you with information on proper home care after surgery. Often, your pet will be prescribed medication; in this case, we will explain how and when to administer it. We will also be available to answer questions after your pet arrives home. Contact us at (301) 654-3000 with any questions or concerns following surgery and we will be more than happy to help you.

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