Checklist for Surgery

Before surgery

• All forms required for surgery must be signed and returned at least 24 hours prior to surgery. (Estimate, Authorization for surgery, credit card authorization/payment, and checklist for surgery)

• No food after midnight (Water is OK-in moderation).

• If your pet needs to take medications the morning of surgery, please call Sirius Vet, at least 1 day in advance, to make sure the medication will not counteract with any treatments planned for your pet.

• Bathe or groom your pet prior to surgery, as there is no bathing for 8 weeks, post-surgery.

• We will call to confirm your surgical appointment 24-48 hours prior to the appointment. At this time we will review forms and will collect the deposit for surgery.

Day of surgery

• Patient drop-off will be between 7:00-8:00am.(The surgical order is determined by the doctor, after all patients are checked in.)

• Please call when you arrive.

• NO personal items (blankets, clothing, toys, plates, bags, etc.) will be accepted.

• Please make a list of all of your pet’s current medications, dosages, and quantities. You do not need to bring the medications, unless they are used to treat a critical medical condition and are prescribed for our patient.

• Sirius Vet will provide food to your pet. *If your pet has food allergies, please bring 1-2 feedings of your pet’s prescribed diet (no raw food). Only prescribed food will be accepted.

• The low end of the estimate will be collected as a deposit the day prior to checking your pet in for surgery.

• We will schedule a pick-up appointment with you.

• You will be asked to mark your pet’s limb that is to be operated on, with a marker we will provide to you. 

• We perform surgeries from 9am – 5pm; you will be contacted as soon as we are finished. 

• Patient will be hospitalized overnight for post-operative care. 

 *Time allowing, our team will send you a text (mobile numbers only) update during your pet’s stay. 

**Hospitalized patients are a priority, if you do not receive a text update, that means that our team is busy caring for patients and that your pet is stable.

Day following surgery 

• Discharge will typically take 20-30 minutes.

✦ Discharge will consist of final payment, scheduling recheck appointments, and going over discharge instructions.

✦ We will discuss medications, give you some exercises to do at home, review and answer any additional questions.

• It is not uncommon for your pet to be a little sleepy or wobbly when they go home. 

• There may be a bandage over the IV catheter site. This can be removed when you get home.

Evening following surgery

• Start by feeding 1/4 to 1/2 of a normal meal. Many patients do not have a big appetite

  following surgery. Allow them a few days to regain their normal appetite.

• Feel free to call or text the clinic with any non-urgent questions. We will try to contact you within 24-48 hours. 

 *Calls received after-hours will not be answered until the next business day. Sirius Vet is CLOSED on the weekends. If you have a serious concern for your pet or an emergency please contact your family veterinarian or closest emergency veterinary clinic.