Feline Surgery
Cats On Call Hospital
Trust Cats on Call Hospital for expert feline surgery services. Our skilled veterinarians perform a range of surgeries with precision and care. From routine procedures to complex surgeries, we prioritize your cat’s well-being. Experience compassionate and skilled surgical care for your feline companion.
Feline Surgery
At Cats on Call Hospital, we offer exceptional feline surgery services to address a wide range of medical conditions in cats. Our skilled team of veterinarians has extensive experience in performing feline surgeries with precision and care. From routine procedures such as spaying and neutering to more complex surgeries, we prioritize the safety and well-being of your cat throughout the entire surgical process. We utilize state-of-the-art surgical equipment and techniques to ensure optimal outcomes. Rest assured that your cat is in capable hands at Cats on Call Hospital, where we provide compassionate and skilled feline surgery services.
In addition to our commitment to surgical expertise, we understand the concerns and anxieties that come with entrusting your beloved cat to our care. That’s why we emphasize transparent and open communication with pet owners before, during, and after the surgical procedure. Our team takes the time to thoroughly explain the surgical procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. We address any questions or concerns you may have to provide peace of mind and ensure that you feel fully informed and comfortable with the process. During the postoperative period, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions and support to facilitate a smooth recovery for your feline friend. At Cats on Call Hospital, we strive not only to deliver exceptional surgical care but also to provide a compassionate and reassuring environment for both you and your cat.
Anesthesia and Surgery for Your Cat: Answers for Frequently Asked Questions
Will my cat be examined prior to anesthesia?
YES! A full examination can be crucial in detecting problems that may adversely impact your cat’s stability while under anesthesia, affecting recovery and healing time. For example, if a heart murmur is heard, this could indicate underlying heart disease, which could make anesthesia very risky unless treated appropriately. Poor conditions due to parasites, underlying viral or bacterial infection, and many of their problems may cause anesthesia contraindicated until further treatment.
Is pre-anesthetic blood work recommended?
Absolutely! Whether young or old, a cat may have underlying electrolyte, kidney, or liver problems that would affect its ability to metabolize anesthetic agents and/or pain medications. Knowing about this prior to surgery will allow us to choose the safest and most appropriate way to proceed with anesthesia if deemed safe.
Blood work will also help your veterinarian look for underlying infection, anemia, or dehydration. Furthermore, if all is normal, it is valuable for continued care to have a “baseline” of normal values for your cat, especially if it should become ill in the distant future.
What precautions are taken to make surgery and anesthesia safe?
Here at COC, we place an endotracheal (breathing) tube to help maintain an open airway for oxygen and anesthetic gas as needed. A heating pad is used to help maintain your cat’s body temperature. (Hypothermia is a concern as anesthesia decreases the body’s ability to regulate its core temperature.) An intravenous catheter may be placed in a vein to allow quick delivery of fluids and any emergency medication or antibiotics. Blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, oxygen concentration of blood as well as an EKG are all monitored throughout surgery. Your cat will be recovered in a pre-warmed pediatric incubator. Post-operatively, a designated anesthetic technician carefully watches your cat’s pulse, temperature, and general recovery. Our patients wake up smoothly and comfortably.
Will my cat receive pain medication?
Definitely! If pain is anticipated- and this is assumed anytime tissue is incised, then pain medication is given prior to surgery. Preventing pain before it occurs is most beneficial to a fast recovery. Freedom from pain actually makes healing occur faster, so our patients who have pain medication in the hospital also go home with continued care. In some cases, we may apply a slow-release pain patch to your cat’s skin which can provide 24/7 pain control for 5-7 days. Here at Cats on Call Hospital, we also offer laser surgery (hot laser) and therapeutic (cold) laser treatment. The first decreases the incidence of surgical pain after surgery, and the second machine is used to reduce post-surgical pain and stimulate healing.
Since we are not at home after surgery, it is essential that you call us if your cat is hiding, breathing rapidly, lying in an unusual position, or not eating. These are signs of pain in a cat. Cats will rarely cry in pain. They are silent sufferers, so please be their advocate, and let us know if we need to change the pain plan we have in place. There are now many options available such as liquid and chewable treats.