What to Expect at Your Pet's Appointment

Pre-anesthetic Evaluation - Whenever anesthesia is needed, special considerations are taken to ensure the safety of your pet.  We examine your pet to help ensure they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.  Bloodwork (CBC, Chemistry, and Electrolytes within 90 days unless there has been abnormalities identified.) is run to check for any abnormalities as well as establish normal baselines.  Though there is some risk associated with any medical procedure, modern anesthesia is usually safe, even for older pets.  In most instances, the anesthetic risk is near 0.05%.  

IV Fluids - An intravenous catheter is placed to speed recovery, improve hydration, and have an emergency port for improved safety.  Your pet will have a small spot that is clipped on their front or back leg for comfortable insertion of the catheter.

Anesthetic Monitoring - During anesthesia, we monitor your pet's vital signs including body temperature, heart rate, and respirations to ensure the safety of your pet while undergoing anesthesia.  Special warming blankets are used to help prevent heat loss, improve recovery, and provide comfort.

Oral Exam - Once your pet is under anesthesia, your pet will receive a full oral exam.  Any loose, broken, or missing teeth are noted in the chart along with and oral tumors or abnormal anatomy.  The gums surrounding the teeth are probed to check for any pockets, mobility, and gingival recession.

Dental Radiographs - Radiographs (x-rays) of the teeth are needed to see the 2/3 of each tooth that lies below the gumline to be able to completely evaluate your pet's oral health.  72-86% of pets of all ages have painful hidden problems on x-ray.  3D imaging is 2 to 4 times more diagnostic for many oral conditions, aiding in treatments and reducing anesthesia.