Surgery

Paws of the Rockies Animal Hospital provides soft tissue, orthopedic and oncologic surgical (tumor removal) services. We perform castrations (neuters), ovariohysterectomies (spays), tumor removals, amputations, exploratory surgeries of the abdomen, as well as ocular surgeries.  The veterinarians at Paws of the Rockies are able to repair ligament ruptures of the knee (cruciate ligament) and provide fracture repair. We also repair lacerations and treat abscesses.

If a more specialized surgery is required, we will not hesitate to refer you and your pet to a board certified surgeon for care.

Prior to surgery, your pet will receive a complementary complete physical examination. The veterinarians strongly recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork for all pets prior to anesthesia, regardless of age. This bloodwork may detect potential health problems that could pose an anesthetic risk. Anesthetics are then specifically tailored to your pet. We require bloodwork for animals over 6 years of age. We provide continuous monitoring of your pet with equipment that measures pulse oximetry, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure,  EKG, and body temperature throughout your pets surgery. The veterinarians at Paws of the Rockies Animal Hospital believe pain management is essential for optimal healing and recovery for your pet. We provide preemptive and post-operative pain medication for all surgical and dental procedures. Elective surgeries such as spays and neuters are performed with the same care and dedication as the more complex surgeries.

The doctors at Paws of the Rockies Animal Hospital will take the time to explain the surgical procedure that will be performed on your pet and ensure that you understand all your options.

Surgical Admissions:

• Please make sure that your pet does not have any food after 8 PM the night before surgery.
• Water is allowed up until the morning of surgery.
• Please have your pet at the hospital at 7:30 AM on the morning of their surgery.
• You will need to fill out a surgical consent form when you arrive at the hospital. You will need to provide us with a contact number where you can be reached throughout the day.

After surgery:

• Feel free to call during the day to check on your pet’s recovery from surgery, however the veterinarian will contact  you as soon as your pet is recovered from surgery.
• At the time of surgical dismissal, you will receive home care instructions for your pet. A trained staff member will be dismissing your pet and reviewing any specific home care instructions.
• To ensure that your pet’s recovery is optimal after surgery please follow all instructions given to you.
- Monitor your pet’s incision for swelling and redness.
- Monitor your pet’s appetite closely.
- Give all medications as directed.
- Maintain bandages as directed.
- Return for follow-up for your pet as directed.