Before Starting Surgery on a Pet
a good history for the problem, complete physical exam, and proper laboratory data should be taken to prevent risks and to have the right prognosis during and after surgery.

A complete history provided by the pet owner enable the vet. to realize the depth of the problem and the effect of the disease on any related organs.

The Physical Exam allows the vet. to feel and see the problem. Then the vet. can decide what supportive laboratory data are required to minimize the risk of anesthesia and duration of surgery.

The animal physical status and length of surgery time dictates the extent of laboratory work up.

• A young healthy animal that under go an elective surgery such as spay, neuter, and dewclaw require a minimal lab data such as Hematocrit, total protein, and urine specific gravity.
• A healthy animal age 5-7 with localize surgery with expectancy of length of surgery to be one hour or more requires CBC, serum biochemistry profile and urine analysis.
• Animals with tumors should be evaluated for metastasis. Chest x-ray and enlargement of lymph node should be evaluated.
• Animals with heart problems need heart ultrasound, electrocardiogram, and chest x-ray.
• In endemic areas, animals scheduled for surgery should be checked for heartworms.



• Traumatized animals should have a chest x-ray taken to evaluate the lung and diaphragm.

Once the above necessary data are provided, the vet can establish the prognosis. In some animals, the quality of life may not improve after surgery while it may improve life quality and length of life in others. A sick animal should be stabilized before surgery such as dehydration, blood transfusion, and oxygen therapy. Sometimes if the patient's health condition is critical, surgical intervention should proceed immediately.