Questions to ask before your pet surgery

At Pine Castle Animal Care Center in Orlando, we understand that the thought of your pet undergoing surgery can be extremely stressful. We aim to make our clients feel as comfortable as possible, confident that their pets will receive the best care at our animal hospital. We encourage any and all questions and believe other pet health providers should too. If you're unsure what to ask, here are some questions to get you started.

1. What is My Pet's Specific Diagnosis?

A good vet will explain your pet's condition and why surgery is needed to correct it in simple terms. Don't be afraid to ask for the medical term and spelling so you can do your own research.

2. How Many of These Surgeries Have You Done?

This question can be uncomfortable or awkward to ask, but it's perfectly reasonable and is your right to know as an advocate for your pet. You want a vet who has performed the procedure at least a few times.

3. Are There Alternatives to the Surgery?

Don't hesitate to ask your vet about possible alternatives to the surgery. Sometimes medication and various therapies can help delay the need for surgery or eliminate it altogether.

4. What Happens During the Surgery?

Your vet should be able to provide a detailed explanation of what occurs during the procedure, as well as a visual. Some vets use photos or 3-D models, while others draw their own diagrams or show a video of a similar procedure.

5. What Are the Risks?

Always ask about the risks. If a vet tells you there are none, it's a red flag. Whenever a pet is put under anesthesia and undergoes surgery, risks are involved. The vast majority of surgeries involve minor risks such as swelling, bruising, small amounts of bleeding and oozing, and some vomiting. However, more serious risks can occur, such as infection, opening of the incision, and severe bleeding.

6. What Will Post-Op Care Look Like?

Speak with your vet about any special accommodations your pet may need once it returns home, such as round-the-clock care, equipment, physical therapy, etc., so that you can plan accordingly.

Contact Pine Castle Animal Care Center

If you live in the Orlando area and need a surgical consultation or general pet exam, give us a call at Pine Castle Animal Care Center. Are you looking for a veterinarian near you? Our friendly staff is here to help.