SURGERY
At Parker & Ace, we've invested in state-of-the-art equipment for surgery and anesthesia, which helps minimize the risks for major complications from most surgeries.
Trust Parker & Ace for surgery needs, including spay & neuter, dental extractions, benign growths of the skin, bladder stone removal, and other intra-abdominal surgeries.
WHAT it is
Yes, Parker & Ace is a membership-based veterinary practice. We believe the membership model enables access to care and encourages preventive care
why it’s important
Parker & Ace will be opening in early 2023 and membership will be limited. Join our waitlist to receive more information about becoming a member in January 2023.
How IT Works
Parker & Ace will be opening in early 2023 and membership will be limited. Join our waitlist to receive more information about becoming a member in January 2023.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU COME IN?
Parker & Ace will be opening in early 2023 and membership will be limited. Join our waitlist to receive more information about becoming a member in January 2023.
YOUR PET’S ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM
Parker & Ace will be opening in early 2023 and membership will be limited. Join our waitlist to receive more information about becoming a member in January 2023.
VACCINATIONS
Parker & Ace will be opening in early 2023 and membership will be limited. Join our waitlist to receive more information about becoming a member in January 2023.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU COME IN?
Parker & Ace will be opening in early 2023 and membership will be limited. Join our waitlist to receive more information about becoming a member in January 2023.
PARASITE PREVENTION
Parker & Ace will be opening in early 2023 and membership will be limited. Join our waitlist to receive more information about becoming a member in January 2023.
Dental Care
Parker & Ace will be opening in early 2023 and membership will be limited. Join our waitlist to receive more information about becoming a member in January 2023.
Puppy and kitten care
Parker & Ace will be opening in early 2023 and membership will be limited. Join our waitlist to receive more information about becoming a member in January 2023.
SENIOR PET CARE
Parker & Ace will be opening in early 2023 and membership will be limited. Join our waitlist to receive more information about becoming a member in January 2023.
At Parker & Ace, we understand that it can be frightening to receive the news that surgery is being recommended for your pet. Rest assured, we will explain the procedure, why we are recommending that surgery, and follow-up actions to take. From spay and neuter to bladder stones, you can trust Parker & Ace to care for your pet before, during, and after surgery.
For further detail on any of the surgeries mentioned here, contact your Parker & Ace team.
Veterinary surgical procedures are categorized as either elective procedures or urgent/necessary procedures.
Most common elective procedures
- Spay
- Neuter
- Dental extractions
- Benign growths of the skin
- Airway surgery in short-faced breeds
Most common urgent procedures
- Skin lacerations or abscess
- Intestinal obstruction from a foreign body
- Bladder stones/urethral blockages
- Bleeding internal masses
Surgery is a recommendation that our veterinarians do not take lightly and if your veterinarian is recommending a surgical procedure, rest assured that it is with the best interest of your pet in mind. It is important to us that you understand the reasons as to why a surgical procedure is being recommended and are able to comfortably make the right decisions regarding your pet's health.
Most surgeries are considered to be low risk
Surgery always carries with it numerous concerns ranging from potential complications to prognosis for recovery. However, because Parker & Ace has invested in the most advanced equipment for surgery and anesthesia, the risks are minimized for major complications from most surgeries.
We follow the highest standards of veterinary care
Parker & Ace is committed to the highest standards of excellence in veterinary medicine.
SURGERY PROCEDURE PROTOCOL
Pre-surgical assessments
Prior to surgery, the veterinary team verifies the specifics of the procedure; completes a physical exam of the patient; and ensures blood tests have been completed, documented, and reviewed by the veterinarian. Among other things, these precautions help determine if your pet is at risk for complications while under general anesthesia.
Dedicated surgical suites
To prevent post-surgical infections and cross-contamination, surgeries are performed in a room used only for sterile surgical procedures.
Surgical attire
Staff must wear disposable caps and masks when entering the surgical suite. Anyone involved in the procedure itself must also wear sterile gowns and single-use gloves.
Sterile packs and equipment
Surgical instruments are carefully cleaned, sterilized, and wrapped prior to each procedure to help prevent infections.
Use these pre-surgical instructions as a general guideline for preoperative preparations, but keep in mind that pre-surgical instructions vary depending on the type of procedure being performed, and whether or not the surgery is emergency or planned.
Before surgery
- Follow your vet's recommendations for feeding and drinking the day before and/or morning of the surgery
- Most surgeries are done on a fasted pet. In general, you will be asked to not feed your dog after midnight the night before the procedure
- Most pets are allowed to drink water until the morning of the surgery
Day of surgery
- Drop off for surgery is between 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM. This gives us time to do all pre-surgical exams and verify what is needed for each procedure.
ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE WHEN YOUR PET IS AT THE CLINIC FOR SURGERY
If you will not be available at the phone number we have on file, please leave a number where you can be reached.
Listen carefully to pre-surgical instructions from your veterinary care team and contact a Parker & Ace vet team member if you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s procedure.
Parker & Ace adheres to very stringent guidelines for administering dog anesthesia and pain medication before, during and if necessary, after surgery. The American Animal Hospital Association guidelines require that we first do blood work, and then depending upon your pet's overall health, perform other tests to ensure there is not an overt risk of complications.
Anesthesia is safe when the patients are stabilized before the procedure and all effort is made to have a good understanding of the pet's medical condition before surgery. There is always some risk to anesthesia, however, the risk is extremely low when being performed by a highly-qualified veterinarian and surgical team.
Recovery from surgery depends upon the length of the surgery, the age of the pet and the amount of pain medication required to keep your pet pain free during the postoperative period. Because animals often do not show their pain, all pets undergoing surgery at Parker & Ace are given a personalized pain plan for their procedure and recovery.
- It is normal for your pet to be groggy or disoriented for a few hours after receiving a general anesthetic
- Your pet might sleep deeper or longer for 24 hours after receiving anesthesia
- Your pet might be a duller version of itself for 24 - 72 hours after anesthesia
- You might need to help your dog balance during feeding and bathroom breaks for the first 24 - 48 hours after surgery
Consult the Parker & Ace vet team for any feeding and/or comfort tips depending on what kind of anesthesia is used and the surgical procedure performed.
Just like the pre-operative instructions, surgery recovery protocols and care vary depending on the type of procedure performed, and whether or not the surgery was an emergency.
Parker & Ace will provide you with detailed surgery recovery instructions for your pet but here are some general guidelines for postoperative care:
- If you are leaving your pet during surgery, make sure you are available at all times throughout the day and that you are available to pick up your pet at their dedicated pick-up time
- For routine procedures, most pets can go home a few hours after waking up from anesthesia
- For advanced or emergency procedures, extended monitoring may be necessary in order to observe vital signs and deliver critical care. Because we do not operate our clinics 24/7, your pet will be transferred to an emergency hospital where they can be carefully monitored overnight. Patients are never left unattended at Parker & Ace.
- If you did not do so beforehand, make sure to receive and understand all recovery information, including:
- The administering of medication, food and water
- The changing of bandages, cleaning of stitches, etc.
- Assisted care tips and how to monitor the incision
- Follow up appointment scheduling - At home, allow your pet to recover in a warm, quiet space of its choosing to increase comfort and reduce stress. But, make sure you can access your pet to monitor their recovery properly
- For the first 24 hours, monitor your pet closely as it recovers. Always contact a Parker & Ace vet team member if you have any questions or concerns
- Limit outdoor exposure for at least 24 hours to supervised and if necessary, assisted bathroom breaks. Consult Parker & Ace for more information on the necessity and duration of limited or restricted outdoor exposure
- Suture care (stitches): Most surgeries will require some sutures. Your surgeon will review any after-care directives which will likely include keeping your pet from licking the incision
- Most pets will be sent home with an Elizabethan Collar (e-collar) to ensure they do not lick or bite out the sutures. We understand that pets do not like these. We recommend that you purchase a pet body suit to protect the surgical site if you want to avoid e-collars.
- Monitor the incision for possible signs of infection which will include redness or swelling
Continue to follow your pet's recovery program as directed by your veterinarian and don’t hesitate to get in touch with a Parker & Ace vet team member if you have any questions or concerns.
We limit the number of procedures at Parker & Ace so our surgery team always has adequate time to focus on your pet’s procedure and postoperative care. Because of this, surgery spots fill up quickly at Parker & Ace.
Keep in mind: We require a $200.00 deposit to secure your pet’s surgery appointment.
Our Parker & Ace vet team is always available to discuss surgical options, or to help schedule surgery for your pet.
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Your pet is unique and the care they here receive reflects that. From diagnostic testing to preventive treatments, sustained health is what we strive for.