The notion that a beloved pet needs surgery can be daunting for even the most seasoned pet owners. It's easy to overlook some important questions about surgery. At North Hills Animal Hospital in Sherwood, AR, we want to help ensure that all pet owners are fully prepared and informed about what pet surgery includes. That is why we have created a list of some of the most important questions to ask your veterinarian if you’ve never cared for a pet who has undergone surgery.
Will this surgery cure or only treat my pet?
Not all surgeries are intended to cure a pet of a disease or condition. Unfortunately, there are many conditions pets can suffer from that are simply too devastating to cure completely. Because of this, some surgeries for pets are only intended to provide an animal with a more comfortable or easier life.
What are the risks?
Depending on your pet's age or condition, you may need to weigh the risks of surgery with other alternatives or plan for the end of your pet’s life instead. This question prepares you for unintentional consequences of surgery, too.
Will the surgery be performed by a veterinarian near me?
Unfortunately, not every veterinarian can provide every service, and not every office is outfitted with all possible equipment. You may have to travel to a vet who can do the surgery. You might have to drive several hours for surgery and potentially more for a separate consultation.
How often have you done this surgery?
Once you know who will perform surgery on your pet, you want to know your pet is in good hands. Don't forget to ask when the surgeon last performed the procedure.
Is it an inpatient or outpatient procedure?
The type of surgery will influence how long it takes, if you need to take off from work to care for your pet, whether you should wait at the office or for a call at home, and if your pet will need to stay with your veterinarian overnight. The cost of surgery also changes based on this factor.
What's recovery like?
Surgery is hard on your pet's body. Recovery can take weeks or even months and might involve special bandages, medication, and physical therapy. Anesthesia alone can take a day to recover from. Ask this question to know what to expect and your role in your pet's recovery.
Get Help in Sherwood
Call North Hills Animal Hospital if you have other questions about animal surgery.