Medical, surgical, and dental patients are admitted to the hospital between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 9:00 A.M. Arrangements can be made for earlier patient admissions when necessary.
Although we do not require admissions the night before, sometimes circumstances make this necessary. We know that this can be a stressful time for the pets and their families, and every effort is made to make their stay as brief and comfortable as possible.
All pets who are going to have general anesthesia will have a complete physical examination and preanesthetic blood tests to insure their safety. If any abnormalities are found, we can call and inform you, and then discuss whether the procedure should be postponed. Performing these procedures will always increase the health and safety of your pets.
Patient discharge times will vary, but because of rapid recovery from anesthesia, most patients are ready to go home by the later afternoon. However, patients may stay at the hospital for a later discharge if it is more convenient for the family. In the event a patient should require overnight hospitalization, arrangements will be made for a discharge time the next day. Our patient services coordinator will go over the written discharge instructions and answer any questions or concerns at the time the patient is released. One of our patient services coordinators will call the next day to see how your pet is feeling.
There is always concern over the safety of general anesthesia, especially in the senior pet, and we share the concern with you. It is for this very reason that we follow a strict protocol, including the safest anesthesia available today, vital signs monitoring, sterile surgical techniques, and pain management. We will do everything possible to insure the health and well being of your pet.