Surgery Is Stressful. Your Pet Should Never Have to Face It Alone.
Handing your pet over for an operation is hard, and the team at Sarasota Animal Medical Center knows it. We treat every patient as we would our own, with clear explanations before the procedure, careful attention during it, and support at home afterward. If your pet needs surgery in Sarasota, FL , we’ll walk you through each step so you feel confident about the plan.
What to Expect When Your Pet Needs Surgery
Pets need surgery for many reasons. A suspicious mass may turn up during a routine exam, an injury may need repair, or your pet may be coming in for a planned procedure such as spay or neuter surgery. Whatever the reason, we explain the procedure, how to prepare your pet, and what recovery will look like before the day arrives.
Before Surgery
Preparation helps keep your pet safe under anesthesia. In general, we ask that you:
- Withhold food and water after midnight on the day of surgery, since eating or drinking before general anesthesia can raise the risk of complications
- Tell us about any medications, supplements, or health changes your pet has had
- Ask us any questions about the procedure, so you know exactly what to expect
When surgery is recommended after an exam, we may suggest diagnostic testing first so we understand your pet’s condition and can plan the safest approach.
After Surgery
Once your pet’s procedure is finished, we give you written aftercare instructions covering activity restrictions, incision care, medications, and signs to watch for at home. We also schedule any follow-up visits needed to check that your pet is healing well. If something doesn’t look right during recovery, call us and we’ll help you decide what to do next.
Urgent Surgical Needs
Sometimes surgery can’t wait. If your pet has an emergency during our normal business hours, call us right away so we can fit your pet into the day’s schedule. If an emergency happens outside our hours, please go to your nearest emergency veterinarian for immediate treatment. You can also read about our emergency veterinary care.
A Team That Treats Your Pet Like Family
When your pet needs an operation, you want skilled, compassionate care. Sarasota Animal Medical Center has served pet families in Sarasota, FL for years, and we treat every patient with respect and patience. Contact our practice at (941) 954-4771 to learn more about our surgical services or to schedule your pet’s visit.
Pet Surgery Questions Answered
How do I prepare my pet for surgery?
We give you specific instructions before the procedure. In general, pets should not eat or drink after midnight on the day of surgery, because food or water before general anesthesia can increase the risk of complications. Let us know about any medications or health changes beforehand.
What types of surgery does your practice perform?
Our surgical care includes routine procedures such as spay and neuter surgery, as well as procedures to address conditions like suspicious masses. Call us to ask whether your pet’s specific procedure can be done at our practice.
Will I be told what to expect before my pet’s surgery?
Yes. Before the procedure, we explain what will be done, how to prepare your pet, and what recovery will involve, and we welcome your questions.
What happens after my pet’s surgery?
We send you home with aftercare instructions that cover activity, incision care, and medications. We also schedule any follow-up visits needed to make sure your pet is recovering well.
What should I do if my pet needs emergency surgery?
During our regular business hours, call us right away so we can get your pet onto our schedule that day. Outside of those hours, take your pet to your nearest emergency veterinarian.
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Anesthesia always carries some risk, but careful preparation and monitoring help keep it as low as possible. Fasting before surgery and telling us about your pet’s health history are two of the most important steps. We are happy to discuss any concerns before the procedure.
When will my pet be able to return to normal activity?
Recovery time depends on the procedure and on your pet’s age and health. Your aftercare instructions explain how long to limit activity, and we check healing at follow-up visits before clearing your pet for normal play.
Questions About Your Pet’s Upcoming Procedure?
Our team is ready to talk through your pet’s surgery and answer your questions. Call (941) 954-4771 or request a visit online and we’ll help you plan the next step.