Try our canine mall. . . . Gypsy has hip dysplasia and at age four it's beginning to bother him a lot. Sunny is 12 years old and has several diseased teeth that must be removed. The prospect of putting Monkey or Gypsy or Sunny through surgery can rattle most pet owners. There are always horror stories about the dogs that didn't make it and empathetic owners who feel every twinge of pain, real or imaginary.
Veterinary medicine is as scientific as human medicine.
They have access to a wide range of antibiotics and other medications to solve or avoid post-surgical problems, and are privy to the latest research for improving their jobs and their patients' health. Once you've chosen a veterinarian, however, don't leave everything in his hands. If there's something you don't understand about the procedure, ask - even if your question seems unscientific or may sound as if you don't trust the doctor. A good veterinarian welcomes questions, and will show you the surgery room and explain the procedures and protocols. Pre-surgery instructions and preparations Dogs should not be fed for 12 hours before surgery and should not drink water for eight hours before surgery.