SOFT TISSUE PET SURGERY

At A Couple of Vets, we perform a variety of soft tissue surgeries, including but not limited to mass removals, biopsies, wound repairs, cystotomies (bladder stone removal), exploratories, C-sections, and emergency procedures.

We take great care in ensuring that your pet is safe to undergo surgery by performing a pre-operative exam, pre-anesthetic bloodwork to check organ function, and a test to check clotting times.

Our Local Animal Hospital Provides Comprehensive Care

There’s simply no telling when your animals will require surgical care. Thankfully, A Couple of Vets is always available to perform effective soft tissue surgeries for pets in Spring, Tomball, The Woodlands, and all the surrounding communities. We’ll ensure that your pet remains in tip-top condition for years and years to come.

Soft tissue surgery encompasses an array of procedures that involve the internal organs of your pet, including the body wall, tumors, and hernias. This type of surgery may take the form of a minimally invasive procedure, such as a simple mass removal, or a more complex surgical reconstruction procedure. Thankfully, the certified team at our veterinary clinic is constantly standing by to perform the very latest in soft tissue surgeries. Whether your pet is suffering from internal bleeding, bite wounds, or intestinal blockages, we urge you to reach out to our pet surgery specialists.

How to Prepare Your Pet for Surgery

• The Week Before: One whole week before your pet’s surgery may seem a little early to start thinking about preparation, but your veterinarian might require additional tests that need to be done before your furry friend goes under general anesthesia. These tests could include blood work, radiographs, ultrasounds, and other diagnostics that are vital to the success of your pet’s surgery — and their health.

• The Night Before: The night before pet surgery will be different for each individual pet, so you should discuss this with your veterinarian. Ask the following questions if they’re not included in your discharge instructions:

• Can my pet take their medication?
• Can my pet exercise normally the day before surgery?
• When does my pet need to stop eating or drinking?

Another way to prepare for the pet surgery is to prepare your home for when your pet comes back. Make sure you have an area in your house ready for your pet’s recovery.

• The Morning Of: The most important thing you can do the morning of your pet’s surgery is make sure they do not have access to food or water. Eating and drinking could cause your pet to aspirate during anesthesia, which is potentially life-threatening.

What to Expect After Pet Surgery

Every procedure is a little different depending on the pet in question and the surgery they need. We will give you comprehensive instructions about how to handle your pet’s recovery following surgery, and we always recommend that you contact our office with any questions. The first thing to remember is that your pet will very likely be fine. Most pets do well after surgery. Here is a general idea of what to expect following your pet’s procedure:

• Activity: It is vital to restrict exercise while your pet recovers from surgery, particularly swimming or playing with other animals. Pets don’t understand the significance of their surgery or their recovery period, so you’ll need to keep a careful eye on them. Running, jumping, independent stair climbing, swimming, or playing with other animals should not be permitted for at least the first week following surgery; your pet’s specific recovery time and allowed activity will depend on your individual circumstances. We will provide instructions on a case-by-case basis.

• Eating: Most pets are groggy after coming out of anesthesia, so your pet might not eat the first night after surgery. This is normal; most pets are able to return to a normal feeding schedule the following day.

• Medications: There are several pain medications that could be prescribed to your pet after surgery. The medication your pet receives will depend on the procedure and their medical history. Read all labels carefully and administer the medications as directed. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions.

• Incision Care: You will need to monitor your pet’s incision at least once per day. Make sure that the incision remains clean, dry, and not swollen; you should also keep your pet from licking or chewing at it. If your pet has trouble leaving their incision alone, there are wearable options to keep them from doing any damage. Do not apply any ointments or wound products to the incision unless instructed. If you notice any leaking or oozing from the incision, contact our office right away.

While there is always the risk of complications associated with pet surgery, the team at A Couple of Vets is here to put your mind at ease. We prepare extensively for every procedure to maximize chances of success and do careful research to ensure that we know what we’re doing. We have the education and experience needed to perform each pet surgery with care and precision. Contact our office with any questions or concerns you might have; we will be happy to discuss your pet’s surgery with you!