We never want a pet to be ill, but when this happens, we will be sure that he or she gets the best and most advanced veterinary surgery available. Our staff wants you to know that we will do everything possible to make sure your pet is comfortable and cared for in the most professional and sensitive way we can.
Each and every veterinary surgery we perform at Animal Family Veterinary Care Center uses the highest standards of care.
- Preparation of the surgical site— We will clip the hair from the skin surrounding the surgical site and antiseptically scrub it. The surgical personnel will scrub, cap, mask, gown, and glove prior to entering the surgical suite. All of the surgical equipment is sterilized before the operation begins.
- Fluids— Almost all of our surgical patients have an IV (intravenous) catheter placed prior to surgery. This allows us immediate access for any medications and fluids required to support your pet throughout surgery. Patients that receive intravenous fluids during the procedure have a small area on one of the front legs clipped to allow sterile placement of the intravenous catheter. The site may still be bandaged at your pet’s release time. You may remove the bandage later in the day.
- Warming methods— While pets are under anesthesia, it is very common for them to lose body heat and develop a lowered body temperature. This can slow recovery times from anesthesia and result in complications. We place all surgical and dental patients on heated circulating water blankets as well as Bair Hugger® air warmers to maintain normal body temperature throughout the anesthetic period.
- Anesthesia— Local or general anesthesia may be used. Some risk is involved depending upon the general condition of your pet, but all precautions are taken to minimize this risk. Anesthesia protocols are tailored to your pet’s individual needs. If a surgical procedure needs to be delayed for any reason, we will contact you immediately to discuss the situation. Sevoflorane and Isoflorane gas anesthesia are used. These are the safest anesthetic agents available for your pet.
- Monitor— Heart rate, a continuous ECG (electrocardiogram) tracing, respiratory rate, blood pressure, body temperature, pulse, and oxygenation saturation are monitored throughout the procedure by a certified veterinary technician. That technician will monitor your pet before, during, and after his or her surgery.
- Laser surgery— The laser uses a very concentrated beam of light to make incisions, cut, and cauterize tissues. Laser has several advantages over both a scalpel blade and electrocautery:
- Laser provides a much more precise incision that results in less tissue swelling and decreased cellular reaction. This means less pain.
- Laser minimizes bleeding and swelling by sealing off blood vessels and nerve endings.
- Laser sterilizes the tissues it comes in contact with so it minimizes infections.
- Laser can be used selectively to kill cancer cells that it touches.
- Pain relief— All veterinary patients receive appropriate pain control pre- and post-surgically to minimize discomfort and optimize healing.
- Post-surgical care— Your pet’s well-being will be monitored continuously by our veterinarians and trained staff until he or she is released back into your care. A trained surgical technician will discuss any home care instructions with you during a special discharge appointment. If you would prefer, you can arrange in advance to discuss this information directly with your veterinarian.
Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon
Animal Family Veterinary Care Center is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Kristi Sandman, a board-certified veterinary surgeon, to our family. Dr. Sandman received her DVM from Iowa State University in 1993 and completed her surgical residency at the University of Illinois in 2001. Her experience includes development of a 24-hour emergency and referral center in the Chicago area in addition to her years in general practice. We are confident that her advanced training and experience will help us to provide the very best in care to our complex soft tissue and orthopedic surgical patients.
