When surgery is recommended, understanding the reason, the preparation, and the recovery plan can make decisions easier. Our goal is to explain the options and help you know what to expect for your pet.
Southwest Pet Hospital has served Springdale and Northwest Arkansas for more than 50 years. Under Dr. Michelle Wendel’s care, surgical recommendations are based on each patient’s condition and needs.
Why surgery may be recommended
Surgery may address an injury, remove a growth, treat an internal condition, or prevent reproductive disease. Dental surgery, including extractions, may be needed for painful or damaged teeth. Some orthopedic or complex procedures may require referral, depending on the diagnosis and care needed.
A lump’s appearance alone does not establish whether it is cancerous. Sampling, imaging, or laboratory examination of removed tissue may be recommended as part of diagnosis and planning.
Spaying and neutering prevent reproduction and can prevent certain reproductive diseases. Timing and potential benefits and risks should be discussed for the individual animal.
Preparing for the procedure
A pre-surgical visit, ideally at least a week before a planned procedure, allows time to discuss the estimate, consent forms, medications, testing, and home care. If a separate visit is not possible, contact us about arrangements; some preparation may be completed by phone, text, or email, and testing may be performed on the procedure day when appropriate.
Please provide an updated list of medications and supplements and tell us about changes in appetite, thirst, breathing, activity, or general health. Follow the fasting and medication instructions provided specifically for your pet. Ask before changing or withholding medication.
Pre-anesthetic testing and blood pressure
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is strongly recommended and is required in some cases, depending on the patient’s health and procedure. A complete blood count can identify anemia and platelet abnormalities, while chemistry testing helps assess liver and kidney health and other concerns relevant to anesthesia. Urinalysis or additional tests may also be recommended.
At Southwest Pet Hospital, pre-anesthetic blood pressure measurement is required for all pets seven years of age and older. Blood pressure assessment may also be recommended for younger pets when indicated by their health or examination findings.
Testing helps us identify concerns, select appropriate drugs, and adjust the anesthetic plan. Normal results do not eliminate every anesthetic risk or rule out every underlying condition.
Anesthesia and monitoring
Anesthetic care is tailored to the patient and procedure. Preparation may include an intravenous catheter, fluids when appropriate, and medication for comfort and anxiety. IV fluids can support hydration and circulation, including blood pressure, when used as part of the individualized plan.
The team monitors the patient during anesthesia and recovery. Monitoring helps us recognize and respond to changes in breathing, circulation, temperature, and other vital signs.
All anesthesia carries risk. Serious complications, including death, are possible but rare. Careful assessment, preparation, monitoring, and recovery support help reduce those risks. Please ask questions before signing the consent forms.
Pain relief and recovery
Pain management is planned before, during, and after the procedure according to the patient’s needs. At discharge, we review medication, feeding, incision care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments and provide written instructions and/or email guidance.
Provide a quiet recovery space and prevent licking or chewing of the incision as directed. Give medication exactly as prescribed and do not add human pain relievers. Follow the procedure-specific activity restrictions even if your pet appears eager to resume normal activity.
When to call after surgery
Contact us for worsening pain, repeated vomiting, failure to eat as expected, incision swelling or discharge, or any recovery concern. Breathing difficulty, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, or inability to urinate needs immediate veterinary attention.
Call Southwest Pet Hospital at 479-751-5601. If we are not immediately available, contact Animal Emergency and Specialty Center of Northwest Arkansas at 479-927-0007. Do not use an online appointment request for an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Does every pet need the same tests? No. Testing is selected for the patient and procedure. Pre-anesthetic blood pressure measurement is required at our hospital for pets seven and older.
How long does recovery take? It varies with the procedure and your pet’s health. Follow your individual discharge plan.
Is surgery always the only option? No. We discuss reasonable alternatives when available, including the implications of delaying or declining treatment.
Contact Southwest Pet Hospital
1202 Henryetta Street, Springdale, AR 72762
479-751-5601 | southwestpethospital.com