Pet Surgery Preparation & Aftercare | PetVet Animal Hospital


Whether your pet is undergoing a routine spay/neuter procedure or something more advanced, the word “surgery” can make any pet parent nervous. At PetVet Animal Hospital, we understand the anxiety that comes with trusting someone else with your pet’s health. That’s why we make it a priority to keep you informed, prepared, and reassured at every step.
Before any procedure, we start with a comprehensive pre-operative exam. This includes a physical checkup, medical history review, and pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. These tests help us detect any underlying issues that might complicate surgery, such as liver or kidney problems. If we discover something concerning, we’ll talk with you about next steps or adjustments to the plan.
On the day of surgery, we ask that your pet arrives with an empty stomach—usually no food after midnight—to reduce the risk of nausea during anesthesia. Once your pet is admitted, our veterinary team provides calm, gentle care while preparing them for surgery. We use modern monitoring equipment to track heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature throughout the entire procedure. Your pet will have an IV catheter to administer fluids and medications as needed, keeping them stable and comfortable.
After surgery, your pet is monitored closely in our recovery area. Most pets wake up groggy but calm. We keep them warm, check their vital signs, and ensure they’re recovering well before discharge. When it’s time for pickup, we’ll go over home care instructions in detail, including feeding recommendations, medication schedules, and how to watch for any signs of complications.
We encourage you to call us with any questions after you bring your pet home. Our team is always available to talk you through the healing process or make follow-up appointments for suture removal or progress checks. Most pets recover quickly and are back to their normal selves within days.
Pet surgery may feel scary, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At PetVet Animal Hospital, your pet’s safety, comfort, and outcome are our top priorities. Call us todat at (317) 792-8919. When you entrust your pet to us, you’re choosing a team that treats them like family.