Pre-op Instructions at Animal Outpatients Surgery

For Dogs

Here are a few tips and instructions for you PRIOR to surgery day.

  • The evening prior to surgery day, please feed a REGULAR dinner meal between 4pm and 7pm. Do not give any snacks before bedtime or any breakfast in the morning. Water is fine to leave out until you come in. DO NOT GIVE ANY MEDICATIONS IN THE MORNING PRIOR TO SURGERY WITHOUT DR. FARRELL’S APPROVAL.
  • Please take your dog for a nice “potty walk” the night before and in the morning as well.
  • It’s always a good idea to bathe your dog a day or two before surgery. Clean skin is very helpful for the healing process and preventing infection. However, if your pet has a bandage or splint already in place PLEASE DO NOT BATHE THEM! A wet bandage will cause skin irritation…not what we want.
  • If you notice that your dog has any new skin irritation, or “rash”, please notify us right away as this may be cause for cancelling your scheduled surgery. You can text pictures if you see anything suspicious for review.
  • If your dog is having any type of orthopedic surgery (see special “fracture” requirements below) please prepare your home ahead of time for the (generally) 8 week post-op rehabilitation schedule. If you have hardwood or tile floors, you may need to invest in some inexpensive rugs/mats for the area where your dog will be to prevent slipping. your dog will need to be confined to a small area (not necessarily kenneled) where he/she cannot jump on furniture, have free access to a doggie door, or be able to run around. There is to be no jumping on/off a bed either so plan ahead if your furry friend sleeps with you. Baby gates or pet corrals can help with limiting accessibility. If your dog likes to run to the front door when the bell rings, ask friends and delivery drivers to not ring the bell upon arrival. A simple note on the door works well.
    • Fracture repairs require much stricter confinement. Activity is to be limited to leash walks for bathroom duties ONLY! Kenneling may be necessary to limit movement. If your dog is a young puppy, or very energetic, too much movement may hinder proper healing and additional surgeries may be required.
  • Do not purchase any e-collars without clearing it with us first! Save your money and time as the soft cones or the blow up “donuts” are generally not acceptable for most surgeries. We supply the proper e-collars with all of our surgeries.
  • If your dog is brachycephalic (bulldog or pug etc), please see below for additional instructions or click here.

For Cats

Our feline patients do not require much preparation prior to surgery. Please pick up any food by 8pm the night before your procedure is scheduled. Do not offer any treats before bedtime and do not feed breakfast the morning of surgery. Please leave water available at all times. 

Do not give any medications the morning of surgery without permission from Dr. Farrell. If your cat is on a daily medication please be sure to ask if it is ok to give and what protocol should be followed to ensure that we do not need to cancel the procedure.

Do not purchase any e-collars without clearing it with us first! Save your money and time as the soft cones or the blow up “donuts” are generally not acceptable for most surgeries. We supply the proper e-collars with all of our surgeries.

  • If your cat is coming in for a fracture repair, be aware that strict confinement may be needed post operatively. A small kennel, one with enough room for food, water, a litter box, and a bed, may be recommended. If this has not be discussed with you prior to surgery day please call to discuss our recommendations so you can prepare.

For Brachycephalic Dogs

(squished in face dogs like bulldogs, frenchies and pugs!)

  • The evening prior to surgery day, please feed a REGULAR dinner meal between 4pm and 7pm. Before bedtime, please give 2-3 Tablespoons of wet food. Do not give any breakfast in the morning. Water is fine to leave out until you come in. 1-2 hours prior to arrival, please give the prescribed dose of Trazodone. It is ok (and  recommended) to give the Trazodone in a pill pocket or small “meatball of wet food”. *Please ask if you do not have this medication.
  • Please take your brachycephalic dog for a nice “potty walk” the night before and in the morning as well.
  • It’s always a good idea to bathe your brachycephalic dog a day or two before surgery. Clean skin is very helpful for the healing process and preventing infection.
  • If you notice that your brachycephalic dog has any new skin irritation, or “rash”, please notify us right away as this may be cause for cancelling your scheduled surgery. You can text pictures if you see anything suspicious for review.
  • If your brachycephalic dog is having any type of orthopedic surgery (see special “fracture” requirements below) please prepare your home ahead of time for the (generally) 8 week post-op rehabilitation schedule. If you have hardwood or tile floors, you may need to invest in some inexpensive rugs/mats for the area where your brachycephalic dog will be to prevent slipping. Your brachycephalic dog will need to be confined to a small area (not necessarily kenneled) where he/she cannot jump on furniture, have free access to a doggie door, or be able to run around. There is to be no jumping on/off a bed either so plan ahead if your furry friend sleeps with you. Baby gates or pet corrals can help with limiting accessibility. If your brachycephalic dog likes to run to the front door when the bell rings, ask friends and delivery drivers to not ring the bell upon arrival. A simple note on the door works well.
    • Fracture repairs require much stricter confinement. Activity is to be limited to leash walks for bathroom duties ONLY! Kenneling may be necessary to limit movement. If your brachycephalic dog is a young puppy, or very energetic, too much movement may hinder proper healing and additional surgeries may be required.
  • Do not purchase any e-collars without clearing it with us first! Save your money and time as the soft cones or the blow up “donuts” are generally not acceptable for most surgeries. We supply the proper e-collars with all of our surgeries.