Surgery & Anesthesia

Your pet at some time in its life may require general surgery. Gallatin Veterinary Hospital understands the concern every owner has for their pet when they undergo general anesthesia, sedation and surgery. We have made a significant investment in facilities, equipment and staff training to minimize the risks of anesthesia and surgery. We have two state-of-the-art surgical suites, with positive pressure air flow, specific cleaning protocols and disinfectants designed to minimize the contaminants present in each area. All of our surgical instruments are sterilized with steam or gas. If an item cannot be re-sterilized it is thrown away.

After an exam by the nurse and the veterinarian, your pet receives a premedication containing sedatives and pain medications. Once they are sedated an IV (intravenous) catheter in placed, the surgical site is clipped and the pet is kept warm with warm air blankets. In the surgical suite your pet receives IV fluids, antibiotic if indicated and a dedicated nurse monitors blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, respirations, oxygen saturation and level of anesthesia. We use heated surgical tables to maintain proper body temperature throughout surgery. All surgical personnel wear surgical scrubs, caps, masks and shoe covers. Veterinarians and staff members involved in the surgery scrub prior to donning a sterile gown and gloves.

We are fully equipped to handle both routine and non routine surgeries. Some examples of common surgeries are spay, neuter, laceration repairs and mass removals. More involved and less common surgeries include abdominal exploratory, organ biopsy or removal, gastrointestinal surgery and eye/ear surgeries.

The veterinarian in charge of your pet will communicate with you about the surgery, your pet’s progress, prognosis, recovery from surgery and when your pet can be discharged. Each pet is sent home with personalized written discharge instructions for at home care and a follow up plan. You will receive phone calls from staff members checking on your pet’s progress and to answer any questions. Most surgeries have stitches or staples that need to be removed in 12-14 days. This appointment is with a nurse/technician unless there is a complication or you have specific questions about your pet that a veterinarian would need to address.