Before the surgery, we will schedule a physical examination to be sure your pet is healthy enough to undergo the anesthesia and surgical process. During this examination, please feel encouraged to ask your veterinarian any questions, or voice any concerns you have about the procedure so we can give you honest feedback. We know that anytime a loved one goes under the knife, it can cause emotions to run high. Our job as veterinary professionals is to help you through this time by providing you with all of the information you need.
During the surgery, we will use monitors to monitor your pet’s temperature, respiration, pulse oximetry, and blood pressure. One of our veterinary assistants will have the responsibility of monitoring the EKG throughout the entire length of the procedure.
We will also perform comprehensive pain management preemptively. This way, when your pet wakes up, steps will have already been taken to mitigate their pain.
After the surgery we will continue to closely monitor your pet to ensure they are recovering from the anesthesia in a typical manner. Depending on the procedure, we may want to monitor them overnight following the surgery, or they may be able to go home later that day.
When they do have the all clear to return home with you, we will send with them some literature about their post-operative care. Having written directions can help you to have peace of mind that you are doing everything possible to keep them comfortable.
Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus of female animals and neutering is the removal of the testes of male animals. Both procedures prevent future reproduction and improve the overall health of the pet. At All Creatures Veterinary Center, we recommend spay/neuter procedure for all companion animals for several reasons.
Spay/neuter procedure can be performed as early as 8 weeks old. We recommend scheduling the procedure as soon as possible, so your pet can receive all of the benefits. Some behaviors that can be changed with spay/neuter procedure, such as urine marking in males, may become habit before the surgery. But, if they are neutered before they start the habit, they will not develop it. Also, keep in mind that female cats can become pregnant as young as five months old, and dogs as young as six months. Having a litter before a year old is not good for a young pet’s growing body and ongoing training.
If you have an adult pet that has not been spayed or neutered, it is never too late. Whether you have a puppy or kitten, or a mature pet, please ask your veterinarian about spay/neuter procedure.
Abnormalities of the joints require a highly-skilled and experienced team for effective treatment. At All Creatures Veterinary Center, we are proud to provide such a team to you. We work with a board certified orthopedic surgeon who is able to come to our hospital and provide this surgical service.
One of the common treatments for joint repair that we perform is THA, or Total Hip Arthroplasty. This is also referred to as a hip replacement. This surgery treats potentially painful osteoarthritis associated with hip dysplasia, fractured hips, and hip dislocation. The goal of this surgery is to completely “fix” the hip, and the results should last for the rest of the animal’s life.
Another common surgical procedure for joint repair is the TKA, or Total Knee Arthroplasty. This is also referred to as a knee replacement. It is the only procedure which can fully restore the function of patients who experience painful knee osteoarthritis. The goal of this surgery is to restore pain-free knee function.
Tibia Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, more commonly known by the acronym TPLO, is used to treat ACL tears and canine cruciate ligament disease. This advanced surgery completely alters the function of the affected knee without the use of CCL (the main supporting knee ligament) so that the pet can regain mobility.
Veterinarians who specialize in these surgeries must be specially trained. Our experienced veterinary doctors are able to perform these highly-advanced procedures with accuracy.
Depending on the intensity of the surgery, the pet may return home the same day, or may need to be monitored additionally. It is normal for the surrounding area to be inflamed, and for the patient to be lethargic after the procedure. Strenuous exercise or play should be avoided following the procedure so that they do not strain themselves.
Joint repair surgeries have the ability to dramatically increase mobility and quality of life for many pets. Veterinary medicine is rapidly expanding in the footsteps of human medicine to provide every benefit to the pets we love. We are proud to offer these complex and life-changing procedure to the pets of the North Texas area.
No pet deserves to live in pain. Our staff at All Creatures Veterinary Center is dedicated to managing any pain our patients feel, because we want your furry best friend to live a full and happy life.
In short, there are two categories of pain that can be alleviated through different techniques: acute and chronic.
Acute pain is often caused by trauma such as an accident or surgery. It can happen to any pet, regardless of age. Acute pain is sharp and sudden. It can be mitigated preemptively in some cases. For example, if your pet is scheduled for a surgery, our staff can take precautions to decrease their pain beforehand. Frequently, the cause of acute pain can be treated, and once it is cured, the pain will stop.
Chronic pain is often caused by diseases with a slow but steady onset, such as cancer, diabetes, or arthritis. Too often, the cause of the pain is not curable, and to some degree the animal may have to live with the pain for the rest of their life.
As pets age, their chances of developing a chronic condition increases. To make sure that they feel comfortable and healthy into their twilight years, please make sure to bring your senior pet in for regular checkups.
Are you worried that your pet has pain? Look out for the following signs. If they display several, or if their behavior suddenly changes as described, it may be time to schedule a veterinary appointment.
Signs of Pain:
On Hebron Parkway between Marsh Lane and Marsh Ridge Road. 2 miles from the Midway Rd exit on the President George Bush Turnpike W.
Phone: 972.307.7400
Email: info@allcreaturesonline.com
