Your Pet's Surgery
Your Pet's Surgery at Locke A. Taylor Veterinary Hospital
With state-of-the-art technology and a veterinary team with a diverse range of expertise, we can perform almost any surgery your pet might need. Patients are carefully monitored from the time they arrive until the time they leave. We don't just monitor their vital signs, we monitor their comfort level as well. We try to offer options to accommodate you and allow for your pet to receive the most well-rounded surgical treatment available.
Some of the soft-tissue surgeries we perform are spays and neuters, tumor removals and ear and eye repair. We also perform an array of orthopedic surgeries, such as internal fixation, bone plating, TTA, FHO, and cruciate repair.
Richmond Pet Surgery
Whether performing a routine surgery or an emergency procedure, you can have confidence that Dr. Taylor and his entire staff will work hard to ensure each procedure is thorough, done with the utmost expertise, and is as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
At Locke A. Taylor Veterinary Hospital, we fully understand the decision to allow your pet to undergo surgery is never an easy one. To that end, we are happy to answer any questions regarding your pet's specific surgery. In fact, a pre-surgical consultation is an essential part of the process. Additionally, our medical staff is happy to provide you with information on postoperative care to ensure a rapid return to your pet's happy, healthy self.
Modern Facilities
Locke A. Taylor Veterinary Hospital's state-of-the-art surgical facility ensures procedures are both as safe and efficient as possible. Veterinary technology is advancing at a rapid pace. These advancements, combined with each veterinarian's expertise, greatly reduce the risk for complications and allow us to perform surgical procedures quickly and accurately.
Pre-Surgery Exam
Before your pet undergoes any surgical procedure, a thorough examination takes place. This exam includes a pre-surgical blood screen, which—along with your pet's anesthetic history, breed, preexisting conditions and age—will be used to determine a unique anesthesia protocol. These tests have the added benefit of establishing a baseline for the comparison of future blood tests, should your pet require any.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is required for most surgical procedures. While under anesthesia, your pet is continuously monitored by both medical staff and specialized anesthesia monitoring technology. Your pet's blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature and oxygen level are all tracked during surgery. At Locke A. Taylor Veterinary Hospital, we use Cardell and Nonin monitors, and a licensed veterinary technician monitors each procedure. We administer isofluorane and sevofluorane for inhalational anesthetics.
Pain Management
Just as with humans, pain has many negative effects on pets that go beyond physical discomfort. Pain after surgery can slow healing and worsen diseases like arthritis and, because pets don't understand why they are experiencing pain, can cause behavioral issues and interfere with the bond between you and your pet. We closely monitor your pet's pain after surgery and can administer appropriate medication to help alleviate it.
Postoperative Care
The amount of time your pet will need to be monitored after surgery varies. In some cases, animals will need to be monitored overnight. In other cases, they can be sent home the same day. When your pet is discharged, a staff member will provide you with information on proper home care after surgery. Your pet may be prescribed medication; if this is the case, we will explain how and when to administer it. We will also be available to answer questions after your pet arrives home. Contact us at (804) 262-8629 with any questions or concerns following surgery, and we will be more than happy to help you.