Surgical Services
Here at Ruckersville Animal Hospital, we are happy to provide scheduled surgical services Tuesday - Friday. These include, but are not limited to, Spay/Neuter, mass/tumor removals, soft tissue/laceration repair, orthopedic/amputation, and exploratory (abdominal) procedures.
All of our surgical patients should have a preanesthetic examination with the veterinarian prior to the scheduled procedure. At the pre-surgical appointment, the doctor will do a full examination, from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail, review any previous medical records which may have been provided, and discuss with you the necessary treatments and what options come along with this. We are also happy to offer a treatment plan estimate at that time of the initial visit and will review it with you.
There are of course some exceptions to this rule in the event the surgery required is an emergent situation, and we while we try to accommodate every patient, especially in the event of an emergency, we ask that you please be understanding if this is not possible. In some cases, we may refer you to a local emergency veterinary facility or a referral veterinary clinic for further and necessary care.
All of our surgical patients should have a preanesthetic examination with the veterinarian prior to the scheduled procedure. At the pre-surgical appointment, the doctor will do a full examination, from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail, review any previous medical records which may have been provided, and discuss with you the necessary treatments and what options come along with this. We are also happy to offer a treatment plan estimate at that time of the initial visit and will review it with you.
There are of course some exceptions to this rule in the event the surgery required is an emergent situation, and we while we try to accommodate every patient, especially in the event of an emergency, we ask that you please be understanding if this is not possible. In some cases, we may refer you to a local emergency veterinary facility or a referral veterinary clinic for further and necessary care.
Pre-surgical care
Once your pet's surgical procedure is scheduled, we may prescribe medications to be given prior to their procedure including antibiotics, pain/anti-inflammatory or sedatives. This is strictly on a case-by-case basis and will be determined by your pet's surgeon.
We ask that no food/treats be given to your pet after 8:00pm the evening prior to the procedure or the morning of. Water should be available to your pet as normal until they are admitted to the hospital. If your pet is on a chronic medication that requires a meal, please speak to one of the Licensed Veterinary Technicians or your pet's surgeon to verify how to proceed.
We ask that no food/treats be given to your pet after 8:00pm the evening prior to the procedure or the morning of. Water should be available to your pet as normal until they are admitted to the hospital. If your pet is on a chronic medication that requires a meal, please speak to one of the Licensed Veterinary Technicians or your pet's surgeon to verify how to proceed.
Surgical, Dental & Hospitalization Policy
- All surgical, dental and drop-off appointments will receive a reminder via e-mail and/or text message 24 hours prior to the scheduled date. Your appointment can be confirmed electronically through the received message.
- All animals scheduled to receive sedation or anesthesia should be fasted beginning at 8:00 pm the evening prior to the procedure. Your pet can still have free access to water up until your drop off time. If your pet is not fasted the night before, there could be potential health complications prior to, during and after the procedure. Most anesthetic medications used here at Ruckersville Animal Hospital can cause nausea when administered. While we take the upmost caution with every pet receiving anesthesia, there are still risks associated for even the healthiest of pets. Should your pet vomit during anesthesia, they run the risk of inhalation of small food/liquid particles, even with an Endotracheal tube in place. Even the smallest amount of vomit could potentially cause aspiration pneumonia.
- If you pet is on any daily medications, please call our office to speak to one of the Licensed Veterinary Technicians prior to your pet's procedure. Some medications including insulin and anti-inflammatories should be administered at the normal time but with alterations. It is imperative that all prescribed medications be discussed with the LVTs to ensure your pet receives their medications as needed.
- Drop off time for all surgical and dental procedures is 7:00-7:30 am Monday - Friday. When you arrive with your pet for admission, one of our Licensed Veterinary Technicians will admit your pet and review information about the procedure, including any preanesthetic testing that is recommended/required. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have and be sure to mention any health concerns about your pet that may change how we proceed. The technician will also review the prepared cost estimate for your pet's procedure and will have you sign an authorization form and leave phone numbers at which you can be reached while your pet is hospitalized. We also require a 50% deposit based on the estimated cost for all procedures.
- While your pet is hospitalized with Ruckersville Animal Hospital, we will do everything we can to ensure that the procedure proceeded without issue. However, please understand that there are always risks associated with anesthesia. The technician can and will review these risks with you and answer any questions you may have about your pet's procedure. The doctor caring for your pet will contact you prior to or during the procedure should they have concerns and/or questions, but will also call you once they are in recovery to review the procedure, discuss medications and post-op care, and inform you of an appropriate time to pick up your pet.
- At the time of discharge, you can be assured that our Licensed Veterinary Technicians will thoroughly review your pet's discharge information including exercise restrictions, diet changes, medication administration schedules and any necessary follow up appointments. Should you have any additional questions, our veterinary staff is happy to answer them and provide additional information as needed.
- Once your discharge instructions and medications have been reviewed, our client care representatives will present you with the final invoice for payment, in full, and then your pet will be released for a happy reunion with you!
**Please note that all animals admitted to Ruckersville Animal Hospital are required to be up to date on their Rabies vaccine and Flea free. Should your pet require a vaccination or flea treatment while hospitalized with us, it will be done so at owner's expense. Some exceptions may be made in the event vaccine/treatment may cause further harm to your pet's condition.**