Our staff at West Orange Animal Hospital understands that bringing your pet in for surgery can be very stressful. We strive to make this experience as stress-free as possible for you and your pet. We believe in utilizing the highest level of medical technology and our surgeons are experienced and highly trained in the latest surgical procedures. Your pet’s comfort and well-being is our number one priority, and we will take all necessary precautions before, during and after their surgical procedure to ensure their safety. It is our goal to make the entire process go smoothly, and to eliminate the stress and worry of anesthesia and surgery. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Before anesthesia

  • A thorough physical examination will be performed to ensure your pet is in good health prior to surgery
  • Your pet must be up-to-date on their Rabies and Distemper (DHPP/FVRCP) vaccines and Bordetella (for dogs)
  • We recommend blood work for all patients prior to surgery in order to screen for any abnormalities that may complicate general anesthesia
  • If your pet is > 7 years old, we recommend a pre-op electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to ensure that your pet’s heart is functioning properly before anesthesia
  • Additional diagnostics, such as x-ray, ultrasound, and/or echocardiogram may be indicated

During surgery

  • Your pet will be monitored closely by one our veterinary nurses using state-of-the-art equipment comparable to human medicine
  • We will monitor your pet’s:
    • Comfort and depth of anesthesia
    • Respiratory rate and effort
    • Hydration status
    • Body temperature
    • Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)- monitors your pet’s heart rate and rhythm
    • Pulse oximetry – monitors the oxygenation of your pet’s blood
    • Capnography – monitors the concentration and partial pressure of CO2
    • Blood pressure

After surgery

  • You will get a phone call from the veterinary surgeon or nurse after your pet’s surgery is complete and they are recovering from anesthesia
  • Your pet will be closely monitored during his/her recovery until they are completely alert – keeping particularly close attention to your pet’s comfort and vitals
  • When your pet is ready to go home, you will be sent with thorough discharge instructions to review including exercise restriction, feeding, incision care, and medications. Our doctors are always happy to answer any additional questions you may have!

Our state-of-the-art surgical suite and highly trained veterinarians allows us the ability and versatility to perform many different surgeries at our clinic, from routine spays and neuters to more complex procedures including emergency surgeries!

  • Spay and Neuter
  • Mass removals and biopsy
  • Gastrointestinal surgery
  • Urogenital surgery
  • Preventative surgeries
  • Emergency surgery
  • Laceration repair
  • Simple fracture repair
  • And much more