Routine veterinary surgery and emergency procedures
Whether performing a routine veterinary surgery or an emergency procedure, you can be confident that our experienced medical staff will work hard to ensure each procedure is thorough and as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet. At Indian Hills Animal Clinic, we fully understand the decision to allow your pet to undergo surgery is never an easy one. To that end, we are happy to answer any questions regarding your pet’s specific surgery. In fact, a pre-surgical consultation is an essential part of the process.
We regularly perform many types of elective veterinary surgeries, including but not limited to:
- Spays and neuters
- Bladder surgery
- Tumor removal
- Gastrointestinal surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Cancer surgery
- Skin surgery
We perform tumor or tissue mass excisions, lymph node removal, stomach-feeding tube placement, gastrointestinal foreign body removal, bladder stone removal, exploratory, liver or intestinal biopsy, anal sac removal, and wound management.
We make referrals to Veterinary Surgery of Birmingham for complicated fracture repair or intervertebral disk disease of the back.
Before Your Pet's Surgery
Before your pet undergoes any surgical procedure, a thorough examination takes place. 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.
Safe Anesthesia and Monitoring
For most surgical procedures, anesthesia is required. While under anesthesia, your pet is continuously monitored by both 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 constant body temperature during the procedure.
Comprehensive 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. And, because pets don’t understand why they are experiencing pain, their discomfort can cause behavioral issues and interfere with the bond between you both.
To minimize your pet’s pain, we typically use a combination of local anesthetics, NSAIDs, and narcotic pain relievers. The exact protocol is tailored to each animal and depends on a number of factors that are determined by the pre-surgery exam and during the procedure.
Caring for Your Pet After Surgery
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, the medical team will provide you with information on proper home care after surgery. Often, your pet will be prescribed medication. If this is 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 205-345-1231 with any questions or concerns following surgery, and we will be more than happy to help you.