Anesthesiology and Pain Management

Cat vitals taken before anesthesia

Having a balanced anesthetic protocol is very important for the safety of your pet.  At Cary Grove Animal Hospital we look at each pet as an individual in order to choose the best anesthetic medications for them.  

Pre-anesthetic evaluations will include a physical examination, blood work and for more involved cases may also include urine tests, EKG, x-rays, or other advanced diagnostics.  These test results will help us tailor the anesthesia to the needs of the pet.

All pets will receive pain medication prior to their surgery or procedure to prevent pain before it starts.  This will continue post-operatively with oral medications that may be sent home with your pet. 

All pets are monitored closely under anesthesia and in recovery.  Advanced monitoring equipment monitors their heart rate, blood oxygenation, blood pressure, EKG and more.  Also a dedicated veterinary technician will also be keeping a close eye on your pet’s vital signs.  Our surgical table is state-of-the-art and is heated for patient comfort.  Pets undergoing a dental procedure are placed on a circulating warm water pad to keep them warm. 

After your pet has recovered from anesthesia we will contact you to let them know they are in recovery.  We can call, text, or even text/e-mail a photo of your pet in recovery to you!  Warm blankets and plenty of TLC will be provided in recovery.  Most patients in for surgery will be sent home that same day. 

Pain management is important following surgical procedures.  Medications will be discussed with you at your pet’s discharge time.  Pain management is also important for pets that are experiencing arthritis, cancer pain or other types of discomfort.  We have several medications, supplements and diets that will help keep your pet feeling good!  Individual multimodal pain management programs are designed to fit your pet’s needs and may change with their age.

Recommended Pet Vaccines

Which vaccines should your pet have? “Core” vaccines are those recommended—and possibly mandated by law—for most pets.

Core vaccines include:

After evaluating these issues, we can provide you with the information you need to decide on the immunization program that best protects your pet.

Additional Information

Puppies and kittens usually start their vaccine series between 6 to 8 weeks of age. The specific schedule for pet vaccinations will depend on the type of vaccine and our veterinarian’s recommendations.

The frequency of vaccines will depend on a number of factors, including the type of pet you have. For example, you should make sure that your dog completes the initial series of core vaccines administered at the puppy stage, as well as booster shots at one year of age. Following the one-year boosters, it’s recommended that the distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus core vaccines be administered once every three years.

Additionally, some vaccination schedules are regulated by local and state law. States and municipalities govern how often rabies boosters are administered. 

Non-core vaccines should be administered whenever the risk of disease is significant. For example, the kennel cough vaccine should be administered once every year or once every six months. If your pet boards a lot or goes to doggie daycare, you may consider vaccinating for kennel cough every six months.

Vaccinations play a crucial role in safeguarding your pet’s health by stimulating their immune system to fight off potential infections. By administering routine vaccinations, we can prevent serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and more. Not only do vaccinations protect your pet, but they also contribute to the overall health and well-being of the entire community by preventing the spread of contagious diseases.

At Cary Grove Animal Hospital, we take a personalized approach to animal vaccinations, tailoring our recommendations to meet the unique needs and lifestyle of each pet. Our team of experienced veterinarians will work closely with you to develop a vaccination schedule that aligns with your pet’s age, breed, health status, and risk factors. We prioritize the safety and comfort of your pet throughout the vaccination process, ensuring a stress-free experience for both you and your furry companion.

Vaccinations can be administered during routine wellness exams. Vaccine reactions are generally nonexistent. However, if your pet does have a reaction which may include swelling or local pain, call your veterinarian immediately. Most reactions will occur soon after the vaccination.

Although some of your pet’s vaccines are administered every three years, this does not mean you should skip your pet’s yearly wellness exam. Routine wellness exams provide the opportunity for your veterinarian to detect and prevent problems at an early stage.

After evaluating these issues, we can provide you with the information you need to decide on the immunization program that best protects your pet.

To schedule a routine wellness exam for your pet, or to make an appointment for pet vaccinations in Cary Grove, contact us at 847-462-8387.