Gold-Standard Surgical Care

Because your pet deserves no less.

Surgery
Anesthesia
Pre/Post-op Care

Gold-Standard Surgical Care

Because your pet deserves no less.

Surgery
Anesthesia
Pre/Post-op Care

At Northwood Animal Hospital, our primary concern is for the health and well being of your cat. Unfortunately, there may arise a circumstance when a surgical procedure is in the best interest of your feline friend, and in these times you will need to make that decision. We understand what that feels like, and our veterinarians and staff are here for you too.

If a cat surgery is being recommended, our veterinarian will have sound medical reasoning and it is important that you understand what surgical procedure is being recommended and why, how the procedure will be performed and when it should take place. There are two categories of cat surgeries, elective and urgent/emergency.

Elective cat surgeries include:

Urgent cat surgeries include:

  • Skin lacerations or abscess
  • Intestinal obstruction from a foreign body
  • Skin cancers
  • Fracture repair

At Northwood Animal Hospital, our primary concern is for the health and well being of your cat. Unfortunately, there may arise a circumstance when a surgical procedure is in the best interest of your feline friend, and in these times you will need to make that decision. We understand what that feels like, and our veterinarians and staff are here for you too.

If a cat surgery is being recommended, our veterinarian will have sound medical reasoning and it is important that you understand what surgical procedure is being recommended and why, how the procedure will be performed and when it should take place. There are two categories of cat surgeries, elective and urgent/emergency.

Elective cat surgeries include:

Urgent cat surgeries include:

  • Skin lacerations or abscess
  • Intestinal obstruction from a foreign body
  • Skin cancers
  • Fracture repair

Anesthesia

Safe cat anesthesia requires that close attention be paid to the patient before, during, and after the anesthetic. At Northwood Animal Hospital, we treat every cat according to its specific medical and surgical needs. Each anesthesia is tailored to each patient. We adhere to very stringent guidelines for administering cat anesthesia before, during and if necessary, after surgery.

Cat anesthesia is extremely safe when the patients are stabilized before the procedure and all effort is made to have a good understanding of the cat’s medical condition before surgery. There is always some risk to anesthesia, however, the risk is extremely low when being performed by a highly qualified veterinarian and surgical team. To learn more about safe anesthesia click here.

Anesthesia

Safe cat anesthesia requires that close attention be paid to the patient before, during, and after the anesthetic. At Northwood Animal Hospital, we treat every cat according to its specific medical and surgical needs. Each anesthesia is tailored to each patient. We adhere to very stringent guidelines for administering cat anesthesia before, during and if necessary, after surgery.

Cat anesthesia is extremely safe when the patients are stabilized before the procedure and all effort is made to have a good understanding of the cat’s medical condition before surgery. There is always some risk to anesthesia, however, the risk is extremely low when being performed by a highly qualified veterinarian and surgical team. To learn more about safe anesthesia click here.

General Pre-Op and Post-Op Care

Cat pre-surgical instructions vary depending on the type of procedure being performed, and whether or not the cat surgery is emergency or planned. However, we will provide you with a set of cat pre-surgical instructions that can be used as a general guideline for preoperative preparations:
  • We recommend that you fast your cat the night before surgery but allow them to drink water through the night. Generally, this involves simply picking up your cat’s food but allowing them access to water til you depart for the veterinary hospital.
  • Be on time for your feline surgery, There is an important pre-surgical process that requires your cat be in the hospital when scheduled.
  • Listen carefully to post surgical instruction from your veterinary care team and call the hospital if you have any questions regarding the post op care for your cat.

We will tailor all post surgical instructions for your cat depending upon the procedure and your cat’s needs. However, we will provide you with a set of cat surgery recovery instructions that can be used as a general guideline for postoperative care:
  • Pick up time appointment to review the procedure and post surgical care needs
    • For routine procedures, most cats can go home a few hours after waking up from anesthesia
    • For advanced or emergency procedures, extended stays of 24 hours or longer may be necessary in order to monitor vital signs and deliver critical care
  • Make sure you have a good understanding of post surgical instructions. Remember, all questions are good. Some things to review at pick up time include:
    • The administering of medication, food and water
    • The changing of bandages, care of stitches, etc.
    • Assisted care tips
    • Follow up appointment scheduling
  • At home, allow your cat to recover in a warm, quiet space of its choosing (if possible) to increase comfort and reduce stress
  • For the first 24 hours, monitor your cat closely as it recovers. Always call if you have any concerns.
  • Keep cat indoor for at least 24 hours to supervise.
  • Suture care (stitches): Most surgeries will require some sutures. Your veterinary staff will review you the after-care which will include keeping the cats from licking the incision.
    • Some cats will be sent home with an Elizabethan Collar to ensure they do not lick or bite out the sutures
    • Monitor the incision for possible signs of infection which will include redness or swelling.
  • Continue to follow your cat’s recovery program until told to alter or discontinue it by your veterinarian.

General Pre-Op and Post-Op Care

Cat pre-surgical instructions vary depending on the type of procedure being performed, and whether or not the cat surgery is emergency or planned. However, we will provide you with a set of cat pre-surgical instructions that can be used as a general guideline for preoperative preparations:

  • We recommend that you fast your cat the night before surgery but allow them to drink water through the night. Generally, this involves simply picking up your cat’s food but allowing them access to water til you depart for the veterinary hospital.
  • Be on time for your feline surgery, There is an important pre-surgical process that requires your cat be in the hospital when scheduled.
  • Listen carefully to post surgical instruction from your veterinary care team and call the hospital if you have any questions regarding the post op care for your cat.

We will tailor all post surgical instructions for your cat depending upon the procedure and your cat’s needs. However, we will provide you with a set of cat surgery recovery instructions that can be used as a general guideline for postoperative care:

  • Pick up time appointment to review the procedure and post surgical care needs
    • For routine procedures, most cats can go home a few hours after waking up from anesthesia
    • For advanced or emergency procedures, extended stays of 24 hours or longer may be necessary in order to monitor vital signs and deliver critical care
  • Make sure you have a good understanding of post surgical instructions. Remember, all questions are good. Some things to review at pick up time include:
    • The administering of medication, food and water
    • The changing of bandages, care of stitches, etc.
    • Assisted care tips
    • Follow up appointment scheduling
  • At home, allow your cat to recover in a warm, quiet space of its choosing (if possible) to increase comfort and reduce stress
  • For the first 24 hours, monitor your cat closely as it recovers. Always call if you have any concerns.
  • Keep cat indoor for at least 24 hours to supervise.
  • Suture care (stitches): Most surgeries will require some sutures. Your veterinary staff will review you the after-care which will include keeping the cats from licking the incision.
    • Some cats will be sent home with an Elizabethan Collar to ensure they do not lick or bite out the sutures
    • Monitor the incision for possible signs of infection which will include redness or swelling.
  • Continue to follow your cat’s recovery program until told to alter or discontinue it by your veterinarian.