Surgical Care

Yes. For most procedures, pets should not eat after 7pm the night before and have no breakfast the morning of. Water is allowed until the morning of surgery unless otherwise instructed. If your pet is on medication and usually takes it with food or a treat please call the office so we can provide you with further instructions.

Medical admissions are typically in the morning starting at 7:30am and will be scheduled in advance. Medical admissions can take up to 30 minutes to complete as our staff will take a deposit, review the procedure, answer any last-minute questions, and confirm contact information before surgery.

Some medications should be given, while others should be withheld. Please follow the instructions provided by our medical team. If you are unsure, contact us prior to surgery day for guidance.

Your pet is closely monitored by trained veterinary staff throughout the procedure. We monitor vital signs such as heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and blood pressure to ensure your pet’s safety.

Yes, depending on the procedure. Pain management is a priority. Your pet will receive appropriate pain medication before, during, and/or after surgery, depending on the procedure.

Discharge timing can vary based on the type of procedure performed and how your pet is recovering from anesthesia. Our medical team will closely monitor your pet throughout the day to ensure they are awake, comfortable, and recovering well before going home. Some patients may take longer to recover and may need to remain in the hospital for a few additional hours for observation prior to discharge.

No, our hospital does not have overnight staff and therefore does not keep patients overnight. If a patient requires continued care or monitoring beyond our hours, the doctor will discuss appropriate options with you to determine the best plan for your pet’s needs.

In most cases, small amounts of water and food can be offered the evening of surgery unless otherwise instructed. Appetite may be decreased for the first 24 hours, which can be normal after anesthesia. Our team will discuss your pet’s after care instructions at the time of release.

Your pet may be sleepy, groggy, or quieter than normal for the first 24 hours. Mild discomfort, decreased appetite, or slight unsteadiness can occur. Our team will review detailed discharge instructions with you at pick-up so you know what to expect. As always if anything occurs that you are unsure about please call the office for further information.

Recovery time varies depending on the procedure and the individual pet. Most pets feel close to normal within a few days, but full healing may take 10–14 days or longer for certain surgeries.

Many pets will need to wear an E-collar to prevent licking or chewing at the incision site. This is important to ensure proper healing and prevent infection. E-collars can be purchased here in hospital or at a local pet store.

Activity is usually restricted for 10–14 days. This typically includes leash walks only, no running or jumping, and no rough play. Specific instructions will be provided at discharge, every surgery and patient is different.

Our office will follow up with you the following business day to check in and see how your pet is doing. Contact us if you notice excessive swelling, redness, discharge, bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy lasting more than 24 hours, or if your pet seems painful or uncomfortable. If an emergency arises after business hours there are 3 local emergency clinics that are open 24/7. Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center (616-662-6660), Blue Pearl Pet Hospital (716-839-4043), and Green Acres Veterinary Center (716-694-0122)

Many pets go home with pain medications and, in some cases, additional prescriptions. These will be reviewed with you at discharge. Medications will be determined case by case as every pet and surgery is different.

Our staff will provide clear instructions on how and when to administer medications. Please follow directions carefully and contact us if you have difficulty giving them.

Some procedures require a follow-up exam to ensure proper healing. We will let you know if a recheck is recommended or required.

If you have concerns after hours, please contact a local emergency veterinary hospital. Our team can provide emergency contact information at discharge. There are 3 local emergency clinics that are open 24/7. Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center (616-662-6660), Blue Pearl Pet Hospital (716-839-4043), and Green Acres Veterinary Center (716-694-0122)

If you are concerned about your pet’s recovery at any point, please contact our hospital as soon as possible so we can advise you on next steps.