Spay/Neuter and Other Surgery

At P.A.W.S. we believe that a timely neuter or spay can prevent both devastating disease and unwanted puppies/kittens. Did you know that spaying a dog prior to her first heat can minimize the risk of breast cancer by ~80 percent!
 
We recognize that there are several options for where to have your pet spayed or neutered. Our goal is to provide your pet with exceptional care and hold ourselves to a high standard regarding cleanliness and care. In addition to spays and neuters, we also do many other surgeries on an emergency or elective basis. 
 
Pre-anesthetic Blood Work
We encourage that all pets have pre-anesthetic bloodwork performed. This will allow us to ensure that your pet is as healthy on the inside as they look on the outside. This early bloodwork often allows us to screen for some underlying genetic abnormalities such as abnormal liver or kidney functions. Early detection allows us to address the issues sooner and improving treatment. The liver and kidneys are also responsible for metabolizing many of the anesthetic drugs. Unknown dysfunction could lead to complications under anesthesia.
 
Pain Managment
Our pets cannot tell us that they are uncomfortable, nor can they make the decision to undergo painful procedures or forgo medications. We believe that aggressive pain prevention is integral in your pet's recovery and experience in the hospital. Our pain-management protocols are tailored to each pet. Each pet is pre-medicated with a cocktail of pain-management drugs to help prevent pain before it exists, and also help relax them so that we can use lower doses of anesthesia and lower the risks of complications. Your pet will also go home with oral pain control for several days after the procedure.
 
Anesthetic Monitoring
Throughout the entire procedure your pet will have a dedicated nurse assigned to them who will be at their side every second from intubation to recovery. Each pet will have an IV catheter that allows us to give fluids or emergency drugs instantly if the need arises. Every patient will be intubated (a tube placed through the mouth into the throat) allowing us to both monitor and control their breathing. We use pure oxygen and inhalable anesthetics during the procedure to keep your pet unconscious and pain free. Throughout the procedure your pet's nurse will monitoring their heartrate, respiratory rate, ECG, and the oxygen saturation of their blood. This allows us to detect problems immediately, intervene, and prevent complications.
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Surgery
Your pet's surgery will occur with the similar procedures and standards practiced by human surgeons. Surgery will be performed in a clean, dedicated operating room that is closed off from the rest of the hospital keeping dust and contamination to a minimum. Staff in the room are outfitted with clean scrubs as well as a cap and mask. The doctor will aseptically scrub his hands immediately prior to surgery, wear a sterile gown and sterile gloves. All instruments and equipment have been sterilized in a high-pressure, high-heat autoclave to further protect your pet and are opened at the start of your pet's procedure.
 
Your pet's sutures are typically buried under the skin and are dissolvable. This helps to minimize the irritation of stiches while healing. This prevents having to return for suture removal, as well as minimizes licking at the surgery site. We are always available by phone if you have any questions or concerns in the post-surgical days.