Sometimes the drapes will be sewn into the skin for extra protection. The stockinette is cut just above the incision area and its edges are sewn into the skin. The animal is now ready for surgery. Another important step involves feeding and watering instructions for your pet prior to surgery. She explains that while the animal patient is under anesthesia, it has no swallowing reflexes.
Food can cause the patient to vomit, resulting in complications such as choking or pneumonia.
Of course, your veterinarian will provide specific instructions based on the type of surgery to be performed, the age of the animal, and time frame prior to surgery. Water can usually be given until the morning of the surgery. This helps the animal strengthen its ability to fight off infection. For more information about surgery preparations, contact your local veterinarian or the U of I Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital.