Surgical FAQ's

What You Need to Know Before Surgery

We know surgery can be a little nerve-wracking — not just for pets, but for their humans too!

This guide answers the most common questions we get before surgery day, so you feel informed, prepared, and confident in your pet’s care.

Is the anesthetic safe?

With today’s advanced monitoring and safety protocols, anesthesia has never been safer. At Assiniboia Animal Hospital, we take every precaution to make your pet’s procedure as safe and stress-free as possible.

One of the most important parts of this process is constant, hands-on monitoring. From the moment your pet goes to sleep until they’re fully awake, they are never left alone. An experienced veterinary technologist stays by their side the entire time — carefully tracking heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and more.

We also perform a full physical exam before surgery and tailor the anesthetic plan specifically for your pet’s size, breed, and health status. It's all part of our commitment to giving your pet the safest experience possible.

What about blood tests?

Great question — and a very important step!

We recommend pre-anesthetic blood testing for every surgery. Why? Because even healthy-looking pets can have hidden issues with their liver, kidneys, or other vital organs — and anesthesia can put extra stress on those systems. Testing helps us catch any problems before they become serious.

Ideally, we recommend doing this blood work about a week before surgery.

Why? Because it gives us time to:

»Review results thoroughly
»Reschedule if anything unexpected comes up
»Save you money — doing it in advance is often more economical!

That said, if it's more convenient for you, same-day blood work is absolutely an option — we’ll still make sure your pet is safe and ready for surgery.

For senior pets or those with existing health concerns, we may also recommend a few extra safety checks, including:

»Cardiac ultrasound– to check heart function
»X-rays – to assess internal health
»Additional diagnostic tests – depending on your pet's needs

When Should My Pet Stop Eating Before Surgery?

To reduce the risk of vomiting during anesthesia, we ask that you:

• Withhold food 8–10 hours before surgery
• Water is fine until the morning of surgery

We’ll remind you of this when we call to confirm your appointment!

Will my pet be in pain?

We believe in keeping your pet as comfortable as possible — because pain hurts, even if they don’t show it the way humans do.

 Pain Control

• Pain management starts before surgery even begins with Pre-surgical pain injections
• Oral anti-inflammatories are often sent home
• We use modern medications that are more  gentle on the stomach

• Post-surgical meds based on their needs
• In some cases, pain patches or injectables for long-lasting relief

Whether your pet needs a minor fix or major surgery, we’ll customize a pain plan that works for them — because they deserve to feel safe and cared for.

Will My Pet Have Stitches?

It depends on the procedure. Here’s how it usually works:

• Internal sutures: These dissolve on their own and don’t need to be removed.
• Skin sutures/staples: These are used for things like tumor removals and will need to be removed 10–14 days post-surgery.

No matter the type, you’ll need to:

•  Monitor the incision for redness, swelling, or discharge
•  Prevent licking or chewing (we’ve got comfy cones and other options!)
•  Skip the baths for 10 days
•  Keep your pet’s activity level low for a while

Can We Do Other Things While They’re Under?

Yes — and this is a great time to do it! Since your pet is already under anesthesia, it’s the perfect opportunity to take care of small add-ons like:

•  Dental extraction of baby teeth
•  Ear cleaning
•  Microchip placement
• Nail trim

Just let us know ahead of time so we can prepare.
(Tip: If someone else is dropping off your pet, make sure they’re authorized to make care decisions.)

What Happens on Surgery Day?

Here's what to expect:

•  Check-in time: Please arrive 15 minutes early to go over paperwork, bloodwork options, and any questions
•  Discharge time: When you pick your pet up, we’ll review their post-op care and home instructions with you (plan for about 20 minutes)

Still Have Questions?

We’re always happy to talk! If you have concerns before or after your pet’s procedure, just give us a call. No question is too small when it comes to your furry family.