Pre-operative & Post-operative Care for Pets — Surgery Safety at Shivraj Pet Clinic & Lab

What to expect before and after your pet's surgery at Shivraj Pet Clinic & Lab. Our gas anaesthesia protocol, recovery monitoring and complete post-op care guide.

Surgery in progress under the operation theatre lights
Surgery in progress under the operation theatre lights. Photographed at Shivraj Pet Clinic & Lab.

Our Commitment to Surgical Safety

At Shivraj Pet Clinic & Lab we have performed over 200 surgical procedures on exotic and companion animals. Our protocol prioritises safety at every step.

🏥 We use gas anaesthesia (isoflurane) for all surgeries — the same standard used in human hospitals. Significantly safer than injectable-only anaesthesia.

Pre-operative Preparation

Dogs and Cats:

  • Fast for 8–12 hours before surgery — no food after midnight
  • Water is fine up to 2 hours before
  • Pre-surgical blood work — we run CBC and biochemistry
  • Do NOT give medications on the morning of surgery unless instructed

Exotic Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Birds):

  • Do NOT fast rabbits or guinea pigs — their digestive system must keep moving
⚠️ Most dangerous mistake: fasting a rabbit before surgery. Always tell us if another vet recommended this.

Post-operative Care at Home

  • Rest for 24–48 hours — no running, jumping or stairs
  • E-collar (cone) — must be worn to prevent licking the wound
  • Wound care: Keep dry, check daily for redness or discharge
  • Medications: Give exactly as prescribed — never skip pain relief
  • Follow-up: Suture removal 10–14 days after surgery

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