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Pre-op requirements will vary depending on the procedure, species, age of pet,
as well as their current health status. Testing may involve blood work,
EKG/echocardiograms, X-rays and such. We run
these pre-operative tests to check organ function to make sure there is nothing
else wrong with your pet that will affect the outcome, and to make the procedure
as safe as possible.
All anesthetized pets have an anesthesia-trained technician monitoring them continually. These highly skilled nurses are our eyes and ears during any procedure, and are invaluable at achieving a successful outcome. We own and utilize multiple Pulse Oximeters, ECG machines, and Blood Pressure monitors. Although it is true that using the newest anesthetic agents makes procedures very safe with problems occurring only very rarely, the use of these monitors is one more way of ensuring successful anesthesia for your pet. What does a Pulse Oximeter do and what does it mean for your pet? This device measures OXYGEN LEVELS in the blood, HEART RATE, and your pet’s EKG. It is used as a monitoring device during anesthetic procedures and to evaluate certain medical conditions involving the heart and lungs. During anesthetic procedures, changes in oxygen levels and heart rate may be the earliest signs of impending problems. A pulse oximeter warns the doctor before these levels drop dangerously low and action can be taken to pre-empt a problem. In addition, the monitor audibly measures heart rate and rhythm, both of which may change early enough to allow correction of a problem before it results in a crisis. We also monitor ECG tracings during anesthetic procedures. These allow the doctor and technician to keep a close eye on the patients heart rate and rhythm. If any irregularities occur they can act quickly to avoid trouble. From a medical standpoint, the pulse oximeter is also an integral part of measuring the progress and prognosis of many heart and lung conditions. It allows us to track the ability of the lungs and heart to supply oxygen to your pet. It will also tell us how well your pet is responding to the chosen therapy. Be assured that although technology is forever improving and the Marlton Animal Hospital will continue to keep up with these advances, there is no substitute for the “HUMAN FACTOR” and hands-on assessment by our doctors, technicians, and nurses remains the most important aspect of our patient care. Although these monitors will assist us in giving your pet the best that veterinary medicine has to offer, we remain committed to having the best trained staff available to provide care for your pets. What kind of procedures do we do here? We provide routine dental, spay, neuter, and de-claw procedures. We also perform everything from relatively simple lumpectomies and cyst removals, to advanced tumor removal/reconstructive procedures, as well as gastrointestinal procedures, and such. We also perform limited orthopaedic procedures To get specific information about any specific procedure please speak with one of our doctors. |
When it's time
for your pet to have a surgical procedure, a dental cleaning, or tests requiring
anesthesia, what should you expect? Our doctors and technicians take every
precaution possible before proceeding with any procedure, especially those
requiring anesthesia. If and when your pet needs a procedure, please ask
questions, - there is no such thing as a "stupid" question, - we want you to be
well informed and feel comfortable with our recommendations.