PATIENT FORMS
For your convenience you can download, print and complete the new client forms and bring them with you to your appointment.
New Patients
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Patient Arrival Policy
We recommend that animals be placed on a leash or in pet carriers before entering the waiting room.
Please do not bring a cat in loose for his or her safety. We can provide a loaner carrier.
Vaccination Requirements
For the safety of all animals in our care, we prefer that all vaccinations be up to date.
Patient Arrival Policy
We recommend that animals be placed on a leash or in pet carriers before entering the waiting room.
Please do not bring a cat in loose for his or her safety. We can provide a loaner carrier.
Vaccination Requirements
For the safety of all animals in our care, we prefer that all vaccinations be up to date.
SURGICAL FAQ'S
What you need to know before your pet's upcoming surgery
Will my pet be in pain?
Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals. Pets may not show the same signs of pain as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it. Pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed. Major procedures require more pain relief than minor procedures.
For dogs, we may recommend an oral anti-inflammatory the day after surgery and several days after to lessen the risk of discomfort and swelling. We use newer medications, which are less likely to cause stomach upset. The cost of the medication varies depending on the size of your dog and the medication needed.
Because cats do not tolerate standard pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol (acetaminophen), we are limited in what we can give them. Recent advances in pain medications have allowed for better pain control in cats than ever before. We administer a pain medication at the time of the surgery. After surgery, pain medication is given as prescribed by the doctor depending on a patient's needs. Any animal that appears painful will receive additional pain medication.
Injectable pain medications may also be used after surgery on both dogs and cats. We occasionally need to use narcotic patches for some surgeries in dogs and cats as well. The cost will depend on the size of the dog. Providing whatever pain relief is appropriate is a humane and caring thing to do for your pet.
Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals. Pets may not show the same signs of pain as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it. Pain medications needed will depend on the surgery performed. Major procedures require more pain relief than minor procedures.
For dogs, we may recommend an oral anti-inflammatory the day after surgery and several days after to lessen the risk of discomfort and swelling. We use newer medications, which are less likely to cause stomach upset. The cost of the medication varies depending on the size of your dog and the medication needed.
Because cats do not tolerate standard pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol (acetaminophen), we are limited in what we can give them. Recent advances in pain medications have allowed for better pain control in cats than ever before. We administer a pain medication at the time of the surgery. After surgery, pain medication is given as prescribed by the doctor depending on a patient's needs. Any animal that appears painful will receive additional pain medication.
Injectable pain medications may also be used after surgery on both dogs and cats. We occasionally need to use narcotic patches for some surgeries in dogs and cats as well. The cost will depend on the size of the dog. Providing whatever pain relief is appropriate is a humane and caring thing to do for your pet.
Preparing for Surgery
It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia. You will need to withhold food for at least 10 to 12 hours before surgery. Water can be left down for the pet until the morning of surgery. We will call you the night before your scheduled surgery appointment, to confirm the time you will be dropping your pet off and to answer any questions you might have. Please don't hesitate to ask us any questions about your pet's health or surgery.
It is important that surgery be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia. You will need to withhold food for at least 10 to 12 hours before surgery. Water can be left down for the pet until the morning of surgery. We will call you the night before your scheduled surgery appointment, to confirm the time you will be dropping your pet off and to answer any questions you might have. Please don't hesitate to ask us any questions about your pet's health or surgery.
Day of Surgery
When you bring your pet in for surgery, we will need to 5 to 10 minutes of time to fill out paperwork and make decisions about blood testing and other options available. A telephone number where you can be reached is required in case we need to call about your pet. When you pick up your pet after surgery you can also plan to spend some time to go over your pet's home care needs.
When you bring your pet in for surgery, we will need to 5 to 10 minutes of time to fill out paperwork and make decisions about blood testing and other options available. A telephone number where you can be reached is required in case we need to call about your pet. When you pick up your pet after surgery you can also plan to spend some time to go over your pet's home care needs.
Is the anesthetic safe?
Today's modern anesthetic monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past. Here at Barton Creek Animal Clinic, we do a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anesthetics to ensure that a fever or other illness won't be a problem. We also adjust the amount and type of anesthetic used depending on the health of your pet. The handout on anesthesia explains this in greater detail.
Pre-anesthetic blood testing is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia. We recommend blood testing before surgery to ensure that the liver and kidneys can handle the anesthetic and screen the blood count and other organ function. For young patients the risk of finding something abnormal is extremely rare. However, even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without a blood panel. If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before it causes anesthetic, surgical complications or a patient that does not do well post op. If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected.
We offer in-house blood testing before surgery, which we will go over with you when you bring your pet in. We can also send the lab work out with a one day turn around time. For geriatric or ill pets, additional blood tests, electrocardiograms, sonograms, or x-rays may be required before surgery as well.
Today's modern anesthetic monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past. Here at Barton Creek Animal Clinic, we do a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anesthetics to ensure that a fever or other illness won't be a problem. We also adjust the amount and type of anesthetic used depending on the health of your pet. The handout on anesthesia explains this in greater detail.
Pre-anesthetic blood testing is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia. We recommend blood testing before surgery to ensure that the liver and kidneys can handle the anesthetic and screen the blood count and other organ function. For young patients the risk of finding something abnormal is extremely rare. However, even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without a blood panel. If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before it causes anesthetic, surgical complications or a patient that does not do well post op. If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected.
We offer in-house blood testing before surgery, which we will go over with you when you bring your pet in. We can also send the lab work out with a one day turn around time. For geriatric or ill pets, additional blood tests, electrocardiograms, sonograms, or x-rays may be required before surgery as well.
Will my pet have stitches?
We prefer to place most sutures beneath the skin in what is called a subcuticular pattern. These sutures are used for cosmetic closure and prevent our patients from removing them on their own. They are slowly absorbed and provide long term strength to the wound, and there is no need to return to remove them. Occasionally we do use sutures in the skin which will need to be removed 10 to 14 days post-op. With either type of suture, you will need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge. Most dogs and cats do not lick excessively or chew at the incision, however if they do, they will need an Elizabethan collar (cone of shame). You must notify the doctor if your pet licks or chews at stitches as they can remove them prematurely requiring an additional surgery or cause significant infection and delayed healing. You will also need to limit your pet's activity level for a time as directed by the doctor and no baths are allowed until the stitches are removed, generally for the first 10-14 days after surgery.
We prefer to place most sutures beneath the skin in what is called a subcuticular pattern. These sutures are used for cosmetic closure and prevent our patients from removing them on their own. They are slowly absorbed and provide long term strength to the wound, and there is no need to return to remove them. Occasionally we do use sutures in the skin which will need to be removed 10 to 14 days post-op. With either type of suture, you will need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge. Most dogs and cats do not lick excessively or chew at the incision, however if they do, they will need an Elizabethan collar (cone of shame). You must notify the doctor if your pet licks or chews at stitches as they can remove them prematurely requiring an additional surgery or cause significant infection and delayed healing. You will also need to limit your pet's activity level for a time as directed by the doctor and no baths are allowed until the stitches are removed, generally for the first 10-14 days after surgery.
What other decisions do I need to make?
While your pet is under anesthesia, it is the ideal time to perform other minor procedures, such as dental cleaning/scaling and polishing, ear cleaning, or implanting an identification microchip. If you would like an estimate for these extra services, please call ahead of time. This is especially important if the person dropping the pet off for surgery is not the primary decision maker for the pet's care. Some pets need more extensive dental treatment or surgery in addition to routine cleaning requiring a separate anesthetic procedure at another time.
While your pet is under anesthesia, it is the ideal time to perform other minor procedures, such as dental cleaning/scaling and polishing, ear cleaning, or implanting an identification microchip. If you would like an estimate for these extra services, please call ahead of time. This is especially important if the person dropping the pet off for surgery is not the primary decision maker for the pet's care. Some pets need more extensive dental treatment or surgery in addition to routine cleaning requiring a separate anesthetic procedure at another time.
HELPFUL DIGITAL LINKS & PET LIBRARY
We would like to hear your ideas about links that you think would be helpful to share with other pet owners. Contact us
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Rainbow Bridge
Anyone who has ever lost a pet should visit this wonderful site. It is a terrific tribute to our lost family members. Choosing a new puppy
Nice starter guide of things that you should consider when you are thinking about getting a puppy. AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines
A comprehensive review of canine vaccines currently available in North America. AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines
A comprehensive review of feline vaccines currently available in North America. |
Veterinary Partner
This website has useful information and can provide answers for many questions about animal health and diseases. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
The USDA maintains this website with information on a variety of animal health related topics, including the latest news on such things as Mad Cow Diseases, foot and mouth disease, and many other things. National Animal Poison Control Center
Includes a library, links to other sites, and phone numbers for the poison control center. |
Heartworm Society
Everything you ever wanted to know about heartworm disease can be found here! Behavior problems
Founded by Brian Kilcommons and Sharon Wilson, best-selling authors and recognized experts on animal training and behavior, this site is a terrific resource for advice on a variety of behavioral problems. If you want to learn more about feline housesoiling, barking dogs, aggression, or any other behavioral problem, check this one out! America Veterinary Medical Association
Information on general animal diseases and public health issues. |