Anesthesia
For most surgical procedures anesthesia is required. While under anesthesia your pet is continuously monitored by our staff and specialized anesthesia monitoring technology. Your pet’s blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and oxygen level are all tracked during surgery. We also use a temperature-controlled operating table to assist in maintaining a constant body temperature during the procedure.
Pre-Surgery Exam
Before your pet undergoes any surgical procedure, the veterinary team at Dodgeville Veterinary Service conducts a thorough examination. This exam includes a pre-surgical blood screen, which, along with your pet’s anesthetic history, breed, preexisting conditions and age, will be used to determine a unique anesthesia protocol. These tests have the added benefit of establishing a baseline for the comparison of future blood tests, should your pet require any.
Surgery
Dodgeville Veterinary Service’s state-of-the-art surgical facility ensures procedures are as safe and efficient as possible. Veterinary technology is rapidly advancing. These advancements, combined with our expertise, greatly reduce the risk for complications and allow us to perform surgical procedures quickly and accurately.
Whether performing a routine surgery or an emergency procedure, you can have confidence our veterinarians and the entire staff at Dodgeville Veterinary Service will work hard to ensure each procedure is thorough, performed with the utmost expertise, and is as stress-free as possible for you and your pet.
At Dodgeville Veterinary Service we fully understand the decision to allow your pet to undergo surgery is never easy. To ease your mind, we’re happy to answer any questions regarding your pet’s surgery. Our medical staff is also happy to provide you with information on postoperative care to ensure a rapid return to your pet’s happy, healthy self.
Soft Tissue Surgery: We perform everything from spays and neuters to bladder stone removal, lump removals and many other procedures. Every patient is closely monitored using state of the art digital monitors that provide real-time EKG, oxygen levels, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature. All of our patients also receive pre-anesthesia blood screening to help us make your pet’s surgical procedure as safe and successful as possible.
Postoperative Care
The amount of time your pet will need to be monitored after surgery varies. In some cases, animals will need to be monitored overnight; in others, they can be sent home the same day. When your pet is discharged, your veterinarian will provide you with information on proper home care after surgery. Often, your pet will be prescribed medication; in this case, we will explain how and when to administer it. We will also be available to answer questions after your pet arrives home.
Contact us at (608) 935-2306 with any questions or concerns following surgery and we will be more than happy to help you.
Pain Management
Just as with humans, pain has many negative effects on pets that go beyond physical discomfort. Pain after surgery can slow healing and worsen diseases like arthritis. Since our companions don’t understand why they are experiencing pain, pain can cause behavioral issues and interfere with the bond between you and your pet.
To minimize your pet’s discomfort, we typically use a combination of local anesthetics, NSAIDs, and narcotic pain relievers. The exact protocol is tailored to each animal, and depends on factors determined by the pre-surgery exam and during the procedure.