We'd like to show you the excellent expert care our patients receive when they're here for a procedure or operation. The patients are all carefully assessed and monitored following guidelines established by the American Animal Hospital Association. Let us take you through a typical ovariohysterectomy (spay) operation to demonstrate what happens during a procedure.

All patients receive a pre-surgical examination from the surgeon veterinarian upon admission. Pre-operative blood tests are performed when indicated. We can assess blood counts and organ function to assist in determining anesthetic risk. While every anesthetic procedure carries some degree of risk, we can minimize this by diligent pre-operative assessment. After its exam, the patient may receive appropriate pre-induction medications such as pain relievers, sedatives, cardiac protectants and antibiotics.

Anesthesia is then induced through careful administration of intravenous medication by a veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician. When indicated, an intravenous catheter may be placed and fluid therapy begun.

Alternatively, gas anesthesia may be induced by administration through a mask in high risk or fractious patients.

After induction, an endotracheal tube is placed in the patient's throat to ensure direct administration of oxygen and anesthetic gas.

The surgical site receives the initial cleaning and is shaved of all overlying fur.

The patient is transferred to our surgical suite and attached to the monitoring equipment. During the procedure, heart rate, ecg, oxygen levels, blood pressure and body temperature are constantly evaluated.

The surgical site is then aseptically prepared and scrubbed for surgery, and the surgeon scrubs in and gowns up prior to entering the surgical suite.

A sterile instrument pack is then prepared for each procedure.

The surgery then begins, paying careful attention to maintain sterile precautions at all times. In a spay procedure both the ovaries and uterus are removed.

During the procedure a technician assesses and records all of the monitoring equipment. This helps to make the anesthetic administration as safe as possible.

After the procedure is completed, the animal is moved from the surgical suite to a recovery area where its recovery from anesthesia continues to be closely monitored. Once the proper level is achieved, the endotracheal tube is removed from its throat. Most patients are back on their feet within thirty minutes of surgery.

Patients are continuously monitored after recovery for any signs of pain, discomfort or complications. Some patients remain in the hospital overnight or longer for continued monitoring.

Our goals are always to provide the highest and safest levels of patient care possible. Our patients are returned to their families as soon as possible to continue their recovery at home. Specific written instructions for after care are provided with each patient at the time of discharge.