What to Expect Before and After Your Pet’s Surgery
Whether your pet needs a routine spay or neuter or a more complex surgical procedure, it’s natural to feel nervous. At Dominion Valley Animal Hospital, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from pre-surgical evaluations to post-op recovery care—ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort.
Every surgery begins with a pre-operative exam to assess your pet’s health and reduce risk during anesthesia. We perform a physical examination and may recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork to check organ function, red and white blood cell counts, and clotting ability. This allows us to tailor the anesthetic plan and identify any concerns before proceeding.
On the day of surgery, we provide instructions such as fasting after midnight to prevent complications under anesthesia. Our surgical team uses state-of-the-art equipment to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and more during the procedure. Your pet is never alone—we have trained technicians monitoring their condition from start to finish.
Once surgery is complete, your pet moves to a recovery area where we continue monitoring until they are fully awake. We keep you informed throughout the day and give clear instructions for post-operative care at home.
After surgery, your pet may be groggy or sore. It’s important to restrict activity, provide a quiet space for rest, and prevent licking or chewing at the incision site. We often recommend an e-collar and provide pain management medications to keep your pet comfortable.
We’ll also schedule a follow-up appointment to assess healing and remove sutures if needed. If any complications arise—such as swelling, discharge, or behavior changes—we encourage you to contact us immediately.
Our goal is to make every surgical experience as safe and stress-free as possible. If your pet has an upcoming procedure or you’d like to learn more about our surgical services, reach out to Dominion Valley Animal Hospital today at (703) 753-4444 or visit us at 5371 Merchants View SquareHaymarket, VA 20169.
