Hearing “your pet needs surgery” can be stressful. Our goal is to keep you informed, your pet comfortable, and the process as smooth as possible.
➡️ General surgery: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/services/general-surgery/
➡️ Request appointment: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/request-appointment/
Before surgery: how to prepare
Your pre-surgery plan may include:
- Pre-anesthetic exam
- Recommended bloodwork
- Fasting instructions (typically no breakfast the morning of surgery, unless instructed otherwise)
- Medication guidance (what to give/hold)
Tip: Bring a list of current medications and supplements.
Surgery day: what happens
A typical timeline:
- Check-in + review of plan
- Pre-op exam and sedation
- Anesthesia with monitoring
- Surgery performed
- Recovery with monitoring and comfort care
- Discharge instructions and follow-up plan
Pain management and comfort
Modern veterinary surgery includes pain control throughout the process:
- Before, during, and after surgery
- Take-home medications when needed
- Recovery guidance tailored to your pet and procedure
After surgery: recovery basics
Most pets do best with:
- Restricted activity (no running/jumping)
- E-collar use if recommended
- Incision checks daily
- Scheduled recheck appointments
- Clear feeding instructions (especially after dental or abdominal surgery)
➡️ Soft tissue surgery: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/services/soft-tissue-surgery/
When to call after surgery
Call if you see:
- Severe swelling, bleeding, or discharge
- Incision opening
- Vomiting, refusal to eat beyond what your vet advised
- Extreme lethargy
- Trouble breathing
➡️ Contact: https://poplarviewpethospital.com/contact-us/
