Question 1

Should I withhold food the night before surgery?

Accepted Answer

If your dog or cat is under four months of age, you do not need to withhold food. If your pet is over four months of age, they should not eat any food after 8pm.

Question 2

Should I apply flea control prior to my pet’s surgery?

Accepted Answer

Fleas are present in Southern California all year round. It is important to use flea control once monthly on all of your pets. We carry both Advantage and Frontline in our clinics (sold by the single dose or with discounts available when purchasing four and six doses). Your pets are exposed to areas with fleas every time they leave your house. If your pet comes in close contact with animals that have fleas, as he or she may during their surgery appointment, we recommend that you visit our clinic and purchase flea control. We are happy to apply the flea control at time of purchase in one of our clinics.

Question 3

Should I take my dog for a walk prior to surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you are able to get your dog to urinate and defecate prior to surgery it is very helpful. This will help prevent them from getting dirty because many dogs will go to the bathroom in their kennels, when they get nervous.

Question 4

Should my cat come in a carrier?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All cats MUST come in a separate carrier. Even if you have a great, manageable cat, she/he must be in a secure carrier. Our lobby will be filled with dogs and people that can frighten your cat and could potentially even attack your cat - bringing your cat in a carrier is the safest thing for you, your cat, and our clients. Do not carry your cat in your arms into our clinic, as it could potentially jump out of your grasp when frightened and run away. We cannot release more than one cat in the same carrier. After anesthesia, cats can be dysphoric and can fight with other cats - especially in confined areas; therefore, you must bring a separate carrier for each cat you bring into the clinic.

Question 5

Should I put anything in my cat’s carrier?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you should line your cat’s carrier with a towel or newspaper. Many cats will get nervous on their way into the clinic and go to the bathroom in the carrier. If you line the carrier with a towel or newspaper, it will help your cat from becoming soiled. Do not leave food, toys, or water bowls in the carrier.

Question 6

How long will CHECK-IN take in the morning?

Accepted Answer

The check in process can take anywhere from thirty to forty-five minutes. The weekend days are usually about forty-five minutes. Our check in process is a "group check in,” so all of our appointments for the day come in at the same time, and we check in the patients on first come, first served basis. You will need to fill out paperwork for your pet and provide us with information about any health concerns/history. It is important that you are on time because we cannot accept late check-ins.

Question 7

My dog is dog aggressive. What should I do at check in?

Accepted Answer

If your dog is aggressive, see if you can bring a friend or family member to sit in the car with your dog until the clinic is ready for him/her. If you cannot bring someone with you, you should leave your dog in the car with the window slightly opened. Come into the clinic and get your paperwork to fill out. Let the receptionist know that you will be waiting with your dog in the car. The receptionist will inform you about the rest of the check in process.

Question 8

Should I get my pet vaccinated?

Accepted Answer

If your pet is not already vaccinated, you should definitely get him/her vaccinated. Please see our vaccines page. It is not dangerous for your pet to get vaccines at the time of surgery.

Question 9

My pet is over six years old. Is it safe for him/her to have surgery?

Accepted Answer

While we successfully perform surgeries on animals six years plus daily, we do highly recommend that senior animals have blood work done prior to surgery to assess possible infections, liver, or kidney issues. We ask that you bring your pet in about 1 week prior to the surgery date as it takes approximately 48-72+ hours to receive the results and have them reviewed by a doctor prior to the surgery date. We also offer in-house blood work on the same day, however if the results are not adequate for surgery your pet may be declined. Owners with senior animals will be required to sign a form that acknowledges that their pet is at an increased risk of anesthetic complications.

Question 10

My dog or cat is in heat. Is it safe for them to have surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes! It is safe for your dog or cat to have surgery while in heat.

Question 11

My dog or cat is pregnant. Is it safe for her to have surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes! It is safe to spay your pet if she is pregnant. While performing surgery on a pregnant animal is potentially complicated, the health benefits far outweigh the risks. If your pet is pregnant, please make your appointment today. Prolonging pregnancy increases the risk of surgical complications.

Question 12

My dog or cat has a medical issue that needs to be addressed. Can the doctor check it while my pet is there?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, unless your pet has a medical issue related to spay/neuter, we cannot provide medical services at the time of your surgery appointment. Please visit our Wellness Clinics located at our Los Angeles or Mission Hills locations if your pet has a medical issue that needs to be addressed. Please call us to schedule an appointment at 310–574–5555.

Question 13

My pet is a brachycephalic "short-nosed" breed (ex. French Bulldog, English Bulldog, etc.). Is it safe for him/her to have surgery?

Accepted Answer

Brachycephalic breeds are dogs and cats with short noses and flat faces, such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers. These breeds often face unique health challenges, particularly related to breathing due to the shape of their head, muzzle, and throat. Heat, stress, and exercise can lead to life-threatening respiratory distress. Brachycephalic breeds are also at higher risk of anesthetic and surgical complications due to their conformation. The abnormal upper airway can lead to inflammation, deformation of throat tissues, and obstruction of breathing.

CAMP recommends additional precautions for these breeds when undergoing anesthesia, such as pre-medications to prevent vomiting, intravenous catheter placement, and other additional pre- and post-anesthetic care. These precautions help minimize potential problems, but there is still an increased risk of serious complications for brachycephalic breeds when undergoing anesthesia. The benefits of surgery and anesthesia must be weighed against the potential risks for each individual patient. If you have a pet who may be at high risk for anesthesia or surgery, you should consider a comprehensive exam with a doctor prior to their surgery date to further assess their individual needs. Consider scheduling an exam with our Community Medicine department or with your primary veterinarian to discuss the individual considerations and risks for your pet prior to surgery.

Surgery FAQ