Surgery at Nature's Preserve Pet Care

What Makes Us Different And The Best For Your Pet?

Undergoing an anesthetic and surgical procedure is one of the biggest decisions you as a pet owner can make for your pet. It is essential you choose the facility and procedure carefully so the outcome can be the best possible.

At our hospital, prior to any sedative or anesthetic procedure, your pet will have a comprehensive physical examination by your doctor. This will include taking the temperature, listening to the heart and lungs, palpating the abdomen, checking the teeth, and examining your pet for abnormalities you have brought to our attention.

A presurgical blood panel is included for all pets. For all dogs and apparently healthy cats, this includes a complete blood count (CBC – white and red blood cell count, platelet count), blood clotting time (for procedures requiring an abdominal procedure such as a spay), and internal organ function screen (protein, kidney, liver tests, and electrolytes). This test can be done at our hospital on the morning of the procedure. Testing requires only 5 ccs of blood (about 1 teaspoon) and takes about 20 minutes. For kittens or adult cats with inflammation in the mouth, a Feline Leukemia/FIV test will also be recommended at an additional fee. In dogs and cats over age 7, your doctor may also include a thyroid test.

A presurgical EKG (electrocardiogram) will be run and reviewed by a cardiologist to evaluate your pet’s heart function. This will minimize possible cardiac-related anesthetic complications. This can also be done the morning of the procedure.

Anesthesia is initiated by an IV injection of the shortest acting injectable anesthetic product in the veterinary field, using an IV catheter. During the procedure, your pet will receive warmed IV fluids to support their organ functions and keep them warm.

Anesthesia is maintained with oxygen, along with Isoflurane or sevoflurane. These are the safest anesthetics currently available for your pet. The anesthetic gas is delivered along with 100% oxygen from an oxygen tank, through a NEW endotracheal tube to ensure your pet breathes well during anesthesia. While under anesthesia, your pet will be monitored at all times by a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). To ensure your pet’s heart and lungs are functioning correctly under anesthesia, your pet will be monitored with 2 monitors. One monitor allows the doctor and CVT to hear the actual heart and lung sounds. The other will measure the heart rate, sPO2 (oxygenation of the blood), end-tidal CO2, respiratory rate, temperature, and blood pressure. Your pet will also receive thermal support from a warmed surgery table or circulating water blanket, during this critical time to assure the body temperature is maintained at a safe level.

Prior to the procedure, your pet will have a surgical shave and a surgical scrub at the area of the incision. During surgery, the doctor will perform the procedure with a sterile surgery pack, wearing a sterile gown and sterile gloves to protect against infection.

During your pet’s recovery on a warmed surface, he or she will be monitored frequently by a trained assistant to be sure they are recovering from anesthesia safely.

During your pet’s procedure, we will infuse lidocaine into the surgical region and administer an injectable dose of Cerenia (anti-nausea medication) to help manage post-op pain, discomfort, and nausea. Post-op pain medication will also be provided for 3 days for all surgeries except dental cleanings without extractions. This will be administered by injection pre-op and will be dispensed to continue at home with oral medication. After surgery, we will be in contact with you to update you on your pet's surgical recovery. Additionally, some pets may benefit from post-op medications to keep them calm and recover quietly.

Based on your pet’s procedure and your doctor’s preference, your pet will have the incisions made with a laser blade. After all procedures other than tumor removals, your pet will receive a post-op laser treatment to minimize pain and swelling postop.

When deemed beneficial, the incision may be closed with surgical staples, to minimize the pet opening their incision. Our doctors use the highest quality suture available.

All of our dental and surgical procedures include the following:

  • Pre-op blood work. This includes a CBC (complete blood count), chemistry panel and on all abdominal surgeries, a protime, and PTT to assure the patient has normal blood clotting times.
  • Pre-op EKG, reviewed by a cardiologist before anesthesia.
  • IV catheter
  • Warmed IV fluids
  • A Certified Veterinary Technician during anesthesia and recovery
  • The shortest acting injectable anesthesia in the veterinary field.
  • A NEW endotracheal tube to protect the patient’s airway during surgery. Most practices reuse the tube we put in the trachea - yuk.
  • Gas anesthesia with Oxygen from an oxygen tank
  • Two surgical monitors - one electronic to monitor EKG, blood pressure, sPO2, end-tidal CO2, respiratory and heart rate. One to hear the heart and respiration.
  • Post-op laser to improve wound healing and minimize pain.
  • Intra-operative local anesthesia
  • Pre- and post-op pain management
  • Post-op sedatives if indicated.
  • A warm towel during the procedure
  • A warmed heated bed during recovery
  • A warmed surgical table with padding to protect the patient and keep them comfortable.
  • Staples in the incision when appropriate to improve wound healing.
  • The best suture material on the market.
  • Open 7 days a week for follow-up care – at CheckOut Vet for Natures Preserve Pet Care in Sun Prairie
  • Thyroid test for cats and dogs over age 7.