Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How can I schedule an appointment?
You may call our office at (434) 295-8387 to set up an appointment. Appointments are scheduled ahead of time so you don't have to wait to see the doctor.
2. How far in advance must I schedule a surgical procedure?
Most often, common surgical procedures may be scheduled as early as a day or two in advance, sometimes on the same day.We also offer local anesthetics and LASER surgery to reduce pain and bleeding and the risk of anesthesia.
Most often, common surgical procedures may be scheduled as early as a day or two in advance, sometimes on the same day.We also offer local anesthetics and LASER surgery to reduce pain and bleeding and the risk of anesthesia.
3. Why do I have to bring my pet in so early for surgery?
Drop off times for surgery patients are between 8 and 9 am for several reasons. Typically, during this time the front office staff will have more available time to go over any estimates prepared or paperwork needed before the procedure and to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the procedure. In addition, this extra time gives your pet the opportunity to become more familiar with his/her surroundings and become less anxious about being in a strange place. Pre-surgical medications are also given to help relax your pet and aid in the anesthesia that will later be administered.
Drop off times for surgery patients are between 8 and 9 am for several reasons. Typically, during this time the front office staff will have more available time to go over any estimates prepared or paperwork needed before the procedure and to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the procedure. In addition, this extra time gives your pet the opportunity to become more familiar with his/her surroundings and become less anxious about being in a strange place. Pre-surgical medications are also given to help relax your pet and aid in the anesthesia that will later be administered.
4. What is "Pre-operative Bloodwork" and is this really necessary?
The anesthetic agents used to "knock-out" your pet are utilized and eliminated by the body in different ways. One reason for this blood work is determine if these agents may be less effective or safe if there is a pre-existing condition in your pet that has not been diagnosed. Our in-house blood panel checks liver and kidney functions as well as blood sugar level. If any of these values are not within the expected range, the anesthetic agents may need to be altered, or the procedure may have to be postponed or cancelled so that we may further determine the cause of the abnormality. The safety and well-being of your pet is our first priority.
The anesthetic agents used to "knock-out" your pet are utilized and eliminated by the body in different ways. One reason for this blood work is determine if these agents may be less effective or safe if there is a pre-existing condition in your pet that has not been diagnosed. Our in-house blood panel checks liver and kidney functions as well as blood sugar level. If any of these values are not within the expected range, the anesthetic agents may need to be altered, or the procedure may have to be postponed or cancelled so that we may further determine the cause of the abnormality. The safety and well-being of your pet is our first priority.
5. Will my pet hurt after the surgery?
Basically, yes. Pets feel pain just like humans, however they are highly motivated to hide their discomfort from us and other animals as part of the survival instinct. It used to be thought that a bit of pain afterward helped the animal to be less active and help heal faster. Studies show that this couldn't be farther from the truth. Pain medication helps the pet rest comfortably after the surgery and makes them less likely to lick and chew the incision. At the Animal Hospital of Ivy Square we take pain management very seriously and use every means available to control it.
Basically, yes. Pets feel pain just like humans, however they are highly motivated to hide their discomfort from us and other animals as part of the survival instinct. It used to be thought that a bit of pain afterward helped the animal to be less active and help heal faster. Studies show that this couldn't be farther from the truth. Pain medication helps the pet rest comfortably after the surgery and makes them less likely to lick and chew the incision. At the Animal Hospital of Ivy Square we take pain management very seriously and use every means available to control it.
6. Why is it important to spay/neuter my pet?
There are a number of reasons for spaying/neutering animals. Besides the fact that thousands of animals are euthanized at local shelters every year, there are specific health risks associated with intact animals. The risk of mammary and prostate cancer is much greater as well as the possibility of a life threatening infection in unspayed females. Aggression can be linked to reproductive hormones as well.
There are a number of reasons for spaying/neutering animals. Besides the fact that thousands of animals are euthanized at local shelters every year, there are specific health risks associated with intact animals. The risk of mammary and prostate cancer is much greater as well as the possibility of a life threatening infection in unspayed females. Aggression can be linked to reproductive hormones as well.
7. At what age should I spay/neuter my pet?
There are differing opinions as to what is the best age to alter pets. We prefer to wait until the animal is between 4 and 6 months of age for several reasons. Firstly, we like to wait until the animal is a little bigger before undergoing anesthesia. An additional benefit is seen with smaller dogs, who are prone to having baby teeth that do not fall out by the time they are supposed to. Waiting until the animal is 6 months or so allows us to evaluate the need for pulling any of those retained deciduous teeth that can affect the dental health of the pet later on.
There are differing opinions as to what is the best age to alter pets. We prefer to wait until the animal is between 4 and 6 months of age for several reasons. Firstly, we like to wait until the animal is a little bigger before undergoing anesthesia. An additional benefit is seen with smaller dogs, who are prone to having baby teeth that do not fall out by the time they are supposed to. Waiting until the animal is 6 months or so allows us to evaluate the need for pulling any of those retained deciduous teeth that can affect the dental health of the pet later on.
8. Why should I buy my pets medications at the office instead of at an online pharmacy?
Many pet owners find the internet a convenient place to shop. There are several advantages to purchasing prescriptions and over the counter flea products directly from the veterinarian. Many of the flea products offer a free dose with purchase or rebates from the manufacturer that are not available through online pharmacies. Products through the veterinarian are purchased directly from the manufacturer, carrying product guarantees and are shipped and stored according to product guidelines. In most cases, we will match the price of medications and flea and tick control prices found elsewhere.
Many pet owners find the internet a convenient place to shop. There are several advantages to purchasing prescriptions and over the counter flea products directly from the veterinarian. Many of the flea products offer a free dose with purchase or rebates from the manufacturer that are not available through online pharmacies. Products through the veterinarian are purchased directly from the manufacturer, carrying product guarantees and are shipped and stored according to product guidelines. In most cases, we will match the price of medications and flea and tick control prices found elsewhere.
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