Preoperative Precautions

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                      General Information



Your pet is scheduled for surgery.  Modern veterinary surgery is

safer than in the past, and every precaution before, during

and after surgery will be taken.  There are, however, a few

simple procedures you can carry out at home to minimize problems

and prevent unnecessary risks.  Follow the instructions

carefully.



General Considerations



1.  Good nutrition is very important to reduce surgical stress

    and aid prompt recovery.  If you have not already done so,

    discuss your pet's diet with the doctor.



2.  Surgical stress may decrease your pet's resistance to

    infectious diseases;  therefore, all vaccinations must be

    current at the time of surgery.  If you are in doubt, check

    with your doctor before surgery.



3.  Parasites (worms) constitute considerable stress to your

    pet's health.  Their presence combined with surgery may cause

    serious problems.  If your pet has not been checked recently,

    discuss this with the doctor.



4.  If your pet is taking medication or has an existing health

    problem, inform the doctor before surgery.



5.  Certain routine laboratory procedures may be done before

    surgery to rule out any pre-existing health problems that

    might complicate anesthesia or make the surgery more risky.



                      Specific Precautions



1.  Anesthetics should be give on an empty stomach, if possible.

    Do not feed your pet for ____ hours before admittance for

    surgery.  Water may be given up to ____ hours before

    admittance.



2.  Exercise your pet before bringing it to the hospital, making

    sure it urinates and moves its bowels.  Male dogs should be

    allowed to urinate several times before presentation to the

    hospital.



3.  Special instructions:





    Your pet's surgery is scheduled for: