We are proud to provide Seattle, WA and surrounding communities with state-of-the-art veterinary surgical procedures. We believe in utilizing the highest level of medical technology, and our surgeons are experienced and highly trained.
We also realize that it can be stressful to have your pet undergo surgery. We want to assure you that your pet is in good hands, and that we will do everything to provide the best care possible.
We will communicate with you about the things you need to know before, during, and after your pets’ surgery. It is our goal to make the entire process go smoothly, and to eliminate the stress and worry of surgical procedures. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (206) 403-1108.
Surgery FAQs
Does my pet need to fast before surgery?
Yes. Most pets should have no food after midnight the night before surgery. An empty stomach helps reduce the risk of vomiting or aspiration while under anesthesia.
Water is generally okay until the morning of surgery unless we instruct you otherwise. Puppies, kittens, diabetic patients, and other pets with certain medical conditions may have different fasting instructions, so always follow the recommendations provided by our team.
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe, and patient safety is our top priority.
Before every anesthetic procedure, we perform a thorough physical examination and recommend pre-anesthetic blood work to evaluate organ function and identify any underlying concerns.
Throughout the procedure, a trained veterinary professional continuously monitors your pet’s heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, temperature, and other vital signs so we can respond immediately to any changes.
Will my pet be in pain after surgery?
Keeping your pet comfortable is one of our highest priorities.
We use a multimodal pain management approach, which means combining different medications before, during, and after surgery to provide effective pain relief while minimizing side effects.
Most pets are much more comfortable than owners expect and are often ready to rest comfortably at home the same day.
When can my pet eat after surgery?
Most pets can have a small meal the evening they return home.
Because anesthesia can occasionally cause mild nausea, we usually recommend offering only half of their normal meal initially. If they keep that down well, you can resume their regular feeding schedule the following day unless we provide different instructions.
How long will my pet need to rest after surgery?
Activity restriction is an important part of recovery.
Most surgical patients should avoid running, jumping, rough play, and off-leash activity for approximately 10–14 days. Leash walks for bathroom breaks are usually encouraged unless otherwise directed.
Your veterinarian will provide specific recommendations based on your pet’s procedure.
Should my pet wear an e-collar (cone)?
In most cases, yes. Even a few minutes of licking or chewing at an incision can lead to infection, swelling, or the incision opening.
Your pet should wear their e-collar whenever they are not being directly supervised until the incision has healed.
Alternatives such as recovery suits or inflatable collars may be appropriate for some patients. Our team can help you choose the best option.
What should my pet’s incision look like?
A normal incision should remain clean, dry, and only mildly swollen or bruised. Small amounts of redness or bruising can be normal during the first few days.
Contact us right away if you notice:
- Significant swelling
- Thick or foul-smelling discharge
- Persistent bleeding
- The incision opening
- Excessive redness or heat
- Your pet repeatedly licking or chewing the area
We recommend checking the incision once or twice daily during recovery.
When should I call the veterinarian after surgery?
Please contact us if you have any concerns about your pet’s recovery. We especially want to hear from you if your pet:
- Will not eat for more than 24 hours
- Has persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Appears excessively lethargic or difficult to wake
- Has trouble breathing
- Experiences uncontrolled pain despite medication
- Develops significant swelling or discharge at the incision
- Opens the incision or removes sutures
Our goal is to ensure your pet has a smooth, comfortable recovery, and we are always happy to answer questions after surgery.
Early communication allows us to address small concerns before they become larger problems.