VHUP uses the most modern and safe anesthe ic drugs available, and patients are continuously monitored with state of the art technology. Anesthetic protocols are individually tailored to each pet's medical status, which takes into account such factors as age, liver, kidney, and heart function, and any underlying medical problems. Most pets are at minimal risk for problems associated with general anesthesia. All pets experience mild pain and discomfort after surgery. Pain medication is available and is used routinely.
Most surgical wounds require little or no care beyond observation and simple hygiene.
Each specific surgery and tumor type has it's own set of potential complications. If risk factors are present, supportive measures before, during, and after surgery are employed. Prior to surgery, your veterinarian will discuss with you any recognized risk factors and known potential complications relevant to your pet. For those pets that will require nutritional support after surgery, a variety of feeding tubes may be placed at the time of surgery. Depending on many factors, such as cancer type, completeness of surgical removal, and the likelyhood of cancer spread, additional treatments may be recommended for your pet, and you will be referred to the appropriate cancer specialists to discuss these options.