Anesthesia & Surgery
Dr. Sawyer is able to perform a variety of surgical procedures on the premises, as well as care for pets both before and afterwards. If surgery is recommended, a pre-surgical examination is required to assess your pet's health and ability to have surgery. Additionally, blood tests and possibly other diagnostics will be necessary to design a safe anesthetic regimen. To provide the best care and maintain your pet's health, an intravenous catheter will be placed for procedures lasting longer than 10 minutes. The catheters are used to administer anesthetic drugs and intravenous fluids. During surgery, Dr. Sawyer or a trained veterinary nurse will use state-of-the art-equipment to closely monitor your pet's vital signs, including: heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure.
Among the surgical procedures provided are:
- Spaying of female pets
- Neutering of male pets
- Tumor removal
- Biopsy of skin and tumors
- Exploratory surgery and other abdominal procedures
- Dewclaw removal for dogs
- Declaw procedure for cats (front claws only)
- Ear flushing and surgical care
- Minor eyelid and 'cherry eye' (Prolapsed nicitans) corrections
After surgery, pets are closely monitored by the doctor and the veterinary team. Most pets are sent home the same day, but some of our surgical patients are kept overnight for observation and released the following day. Pets requiring intensive, critical care may be referred to local 24 hour critical care centers. In addition, Dr. Sawyer and his associates maintain close relationships with surgical specialists in the area. If necessary, patients can be referred to these local specialists for surgical care.
