When your pet needs surgery, you worry not only about the condition being treated but also about your pet’s safety. At Stone Ridge, your Ocala vets employ the most advanced measures available to ensure your pet’s safety and recovery, and will make certain that all your questions are answered and all your concerns are addressed.
State-of-the Art Surgical Capabilities
Our highly skilled and experienced vets perform a wide range of surgical procedures, from simple to complex, on several species, including cats, dogs, and small mammals.
Among the surgeries performed at Stone Ridge are:
- Spays and neuters
- Dental cleanings, tooth extractions and teeth trims for small mammals
- Selected eye and ear procedures
- Biopsies
- Mass removal
- Foreign body removal
- Hernia repair
- Wound repair
- Cystotomy (for identification and removal of bladder stones)
- Splenectomy (removal of the spleen)
- Thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland)
- Cryptorchid neuters (retained testicle)
- Orthopedic surgeries, such as amputations and femoral head ostectomy (FHO)
Preparing for Surgery
Prior to your pet’s surgery your Stone Ridge team will thoroughly explain the procedure and answer all of your questions. You will be provided with instructions regarding any preparation required at home (such as making sure your pet doesn’t eat or drink prior to surgery) and your Ocala vets will explain what you can expect during your pet’s recovery. Pre-operative bloodwork is offered to make certain your pet can safely tolerate anesthesia, and to help determine which anesthetic agents will best meet your pet’s needs.
Anesthesia
At Stone Ridge, a number of factors—such as your pet’s age and health, the type of surgery being performed and the results of preoperative testing (blood work)—are taken into consideration to create an individualized anesthesia plan.
Our vets employ the most advanced anesthetic agents—including state-of-the-art inhalation therapy, intravenous medications and, when appropriate, local blocking agents. We also monitor your pet’s heart rate, EKG, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen levels and carbon dioxide levels continuously during surgery.
Postoperative Pain Management
Depending on your pet’s overall health and the type of surgery performed, a certain amount of discomfort may be experienced for a short time after surgery. The Stone Ridge surgical team will make certain that your pet is as comfortable as possible with:
- Pain medications provided before, during and after surgery
- Oral take-home medications, often including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
At-Home Recovery
Prior to discharge, your pet will be monitored closely in our surgical recovery area. When your pet is ready to go home, you will be provided with instructions for your pet’s care during recovery and will have ample opportunity to ask questions.
Your pet’s postoperative at-home care may include the following:
- An e-collar may be provided to keep your pet from licking, biting or scratching the incision site;
- Antibiotics, if deemed appropriate;
- Oral pain medications to keep your pet as comfortable as possible;
- A special diet formulated specifically to meet your pet’s individual needs, if necessary;
- Temporary restrictions in activity will be explained, if needed; and
- A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to ensure that your pet is recovering appropriately.