It’s your loved one. We’re here to make you comfortable too.
What do I need to know before my appointment?
What happens at the appointment?
What should I expect if my pet needs surgery?
Pre-op prep:
- Don’t give your pet any aspirin for seven days prior to the procedure.
- To better prepare your pet for recovery, we suggest acclimating him/her to the crate or room where they’ll need to be confined (usually two-six weeks after a surgical procedure). Introducing this confinement will go a long way toward lessening post-surgery anxiety.
The day of surgery:
- Give them any medication they routinely take. If you’re not sure which medications cannot be given, please check with our staff.
- Bring any medications that you are currently giving your pet in their original labeled containers.
- If your pet has a sensitive stomach or special dietary needs, bring a small amount of food at time of admit and please label it with your pet’s name. We do not accept raw diets.
- Bring a favorite blanket or toy. Please refrain from bringing irreplaceable items.
- No food after midnight the day of surgery. Water is OK.
- Please arrive on time for admission.
- Be prepared to pay a 50% deposit at admission.
- We will call you with an update on your pet’s condition once your pet is in recovery from surgery. At admission, please be sure to provide your contact information for the day. Of course if you have any concerns, feel free to call our office at any time.
The day after surgery:
- You’ll receive a phone call before 10 a.m. with an update. Please let us know if this time isn’t convenient for you so we can make other arrangements.
- When your pet is ready to go home, our staff will coordinate a time with you to discharge your pet.
The day of discharge:
- You’ll receive thorough discharge instructions including confinement requirements and any medicines that will need to be administered.
- Our staff will give you details regarding physical rehabilitation, which is recommended following most procedures.
- An appointment for suture removal/re-evaluation can be made at the time of discharge. Suture removal/re-evaluation is typically 10-14 days postoperatively.
- The remaining balance is payable at this time.
Follow-up appointments
We typically like to recheck patient 10-14 days after a procedure. Orthopedic procedures will usually need imaging, six to eight weeks from surgery. We will discuss this with you when your pet is discharged.
Contact after surgery
During regular business hours:
If you have any questions or concerns during business hours, please contact the office where your pet had surgery.
After hours or weekends/holidays:
Non-urgent messages can be left after hours on our voicemail system and will be returned the following business day. Our staff checks our voice mail over the weekend. If you have an urgent need after hours or on weekends, please call your regular veterinarian or the emergency clinic associated with our office where your pet had surgery. Be sure to tell them that you are a VRSP client.
Veterinary Referral Surgical Practice, Marietta
Cobb Veterinary Emergency Clinic and Referral Center
Weekend hours emergency phone number: (770) 424-9157
Veterinary Referral Surgical Practice, Roswell
Animal Emergency Center of North Fulton
After hours emergency phone number: (770) 594-2266
Veterinary Referral Surgical Practice, Woodstock
Cobb Veterinary Emergency Clinic and Referral Center
Weekend hours emergency phone number: (770) 424-9157