Info

Your pet has been scheduled for an upcoming surgery in the near future.  In an attempt to assist our clients, we have put together this information to make surgery day as easy and stress-free as possible.

Like you, our greatest concern is the well-being of your pet.  Before putting your pet under anesthesia, we will perform a full physical examination.  However, we recommend a pre-anesthetic blood profile to be performed in order to maximize patient safety and alert the doctor to the presence of infection, anemia, dehydration, diabetes and/or kidney or liver disease which could complicate the procedure.  These conditions may not be detected unless a pre-anesthesia profile is performed.  This test is similar to those your own physician would run were you to undergo anesthesia.  In addition, the results of these tests may be useful later to develop faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatments in the event your pet’s health changes.

We require a phone number(s) where you can be reached on surgery day.  Failure to be reached on the day of the procedure may result in postponement of the surgery.

The night before your pet’s surgery…

• Withhold all food and treats after 8:00pm
• Water may be left out overnight, but picked up first thing in the morning.
• If you are currently administering any medications, vitamins and/or injections, withhold the morning doses unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.

Please make arrangements for your pet to be dropped off on the morning of the scheduled surgery between 7:00-7:30, unless other arrangements have been made in advance.  At time of drop off, our team will be happy to answer any questions or concerns.  There will be a Pre-Anesthetic blood testing consent form that will need to be filled out.

Our veterinary nurse will escort your pet to the surgical prepping area to wait for their surgery.  If you have elected the recommended blood test, our nurse will collect all blood sample and test prior to surgery.  If any questions arise, the doctor may contact you at the number you have provided on the Pre-Anesthetic Blood Test Form.

You are welcome to call and check up on your pet’s status, however, we request that you allow plenty of time for your pet’s procedure to be done.  At this time, we will be able to give you an idea when your pet may be discharged.  When you arrive to take your pet home we will give instructions for aftercare and answer any questions you may have.

We hope surgery day will be a stress free experience.  Remember, our team knows surgery can be an anxious time and we are always available to answer any and all questions concerning the upcoming procedure.

We look forward to serving you and your pet on the upcoming surgery day and years to come.

Hooray! You’ve just adopted a new pet! With all the joy and excitement of a new puppy comes a great deal of new responsibility- mainly, responsibility for your pet’s health. It can definitely seem overwhelming, but have no fear- we are here for you!

Puppy vaccinations generally follow this schedule (core vaccinations are noted first, and you should speak to your veterinarian about the optional vaccinations that follow).

6-8 weeks old: It is recommended that your puppy receive the DHPP (Distemper adenovirus [hepatitis], Parainfluenza and Parvovirus) vaccine, and optionally, the Bordetella vaccine. It is also beneficial to bring in a fecal sample to make sure your pup is parasite free.

9-12 weeks old: It is recommended that your puppy receive DHPP, and optionally Leptospirosis and Bordetella vaccines.

12-16 weeks old: It is recommended that your puppy receive DHPP, Rabies and optionally, Leptospirosis and Boretella vaccines.

12-16 months old: It is recommended that your puppy receive the Rabies and DHPP vaccines, and optionally, Leptospirosis and Boretella vaccines.

Every 3 years: It is recommended that your adult dog receive the DHPP vaccine. It is also recommended (and Washington State Law) that your adult dog receive a Rabies vaccine every 3 years.

If you have any questions or concerns about your puppy's needs, don't hesitate to call. We are happy to discuss your puppy's vaccine schedule so you don't miss any of these important vaccines.

While it may be heartbreaking to imagine your fluffy new kitten having to endure a shot, vaccines are essential in protecting him or her from preventable illnesses and diseases that can be fatal. In other words, it's worth the "me-ouch"!

6-8 weeks old: It is recommended your kitten received the FVRCP (Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, and  Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis vaccine), and to bring in a fecal sample to make sure your furry friend is parasite free.

9-12 weeks old: It is recommended that your kitten receive the FVRCP vaccine, and if going outside or around other cats that go outside it is recommended to start the Felv (Feline Leukemia Virus) vaccine.

12-16 weeks old: It is recommended your kitten receives the Rabies vaccine, as well as the FVRCP and Felv vaccine boosters.

Every 1-3 years: It is recommended your cat receive the FVRCP and Felv vaccine booster. It is also recommended (and Washington State Law) that your adult cat receive the Rabies vaccine every 3 years.

8-16 week old puppies are in a critical socialization period, making it important for them to be introduced to new experiences. At this time, it is okay to introduce them to dogs who you know have friendly temperaments and are fully vaccinated, or to enroll them in a puppy school where all their classmates will be at similar stages of their vaccination schedules.

It is recommended that you wait at least 7 days after your puppy has received their final round of puppy vaccination booster (which usually occur around 12-16 weeks old) before introducing them to any new or unknown dogs, such as at parks and beaches.

For dogs: Healthy puppies can be spayed/neutered as young as 6 months old, and as old as an adult. Increasingly, it is recommended that larger breeds are spayed/neutered after the age of 1 but this can vary depending on the pet's individual circumstances.

For cats: It is advised to spay/neuter your cat at 5-6 months of age in order to avoid your pet going into heat (this usually comes with urine spraying and a higher chance of pregnancy). Female cats can be spayed while in heat, however, Clearview Animal Hospital typically advises against this as there is increased inflammation and the risk of complications.

The clinic will provide you with information for your specific pet. Generally, you will want to prevent any trauma to the incision site. Give your pet a quiet, calm place the recover away from other animals. It is advised to use a cone to keep your pet from licking their surgery site. If your pet cannot tolerate a plastic collar, there are 'doughnuts' available that some pets find much more comfortable. Prevent your pet from major activity for up to two weeks after surgery, or as recommended by your veterinarian. Avoid bathing your pet for at least 10 days after the procedure, and check the incision daily for proper healing. Because spays are more invasive, female pets will need a longer recover time.

Firstly, if your instinct is telling you that something is wrong, contact us immediately. Generally, however, you should be looking out for excessive redness, swelling or discharge at the incision site, or for a gaping or open incision. If your pet is lethargic beyond the anesthesia wearing off, is vomiting or has ongoing diarrhea following surgery, contact us immediately.

After surgery, your pet may be groggy, sleepy or agitated following anesthesia. There may be mild coughing for the first day or two, and eyes may look teary or gunky (ointment is used during surgery to keep moisture in eyes). There may be a small amount of blood around the incision, and some swelling and redness for a week following the procedure. For your cat, keep separated from other cats in the house for the next 24 hours. Make sure to keep them indoors until they are completely healed.

Seek immediate care if your pet is unable to walk or stand after 12 hours. If your pet is not eating or drinking. Is coughing, vomiting, or is experiencing diarrhea and discomfort 24-48 hours post-op. Or, anytime you notice your pet having difficulty breathing, the incision reopens, significant bleeding, swelling, drainage or fever.