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At Newtown
Veterinary Hospital your pet’s comfort and safety is our primary
concern. |
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We know that
anesthesia and surgery are stressful for both you and your pet.
We also understand
that cost is often a factor in choosing your pet’s care, and we want to
be sure that you understand how our hospital policies and procedures can
make a real difference to you and your pet.
The following are
just a few ways that we strive to minimize your pet’s stress and pain
while at NVH. |
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Pre &
Post Surgical Pain Control: |
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Scientific
evidence proves that pets experience pain the same way we do.
Proper pain management involves not only anesthesia, but additional
medications given for the sole purpose of relieving surgical and post
surgical pain. Each patient is evaluated during their stay to determine
their individual needs for additional pain medications. As well,
additional medications may be sent home for your pet if necessary.
Pain management has
been proven scientifically to improve healing and speed recovery. It is
considered “standard of care” by the PA State Board of Veterinary
Examiners. |
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Intravenous Catheters: |
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Our patients that
receive general anesthesia have an intravenous catheter placed prior to
the induction of anesthesia. This cost is included in our surgical fee.
IV catheters are crucial for patient safety. They are used for the
administration of IV fluids to support circulation during surgery, and
for the delivery of emergency drugs, if necessary.
Fluids are
delivered through the use of infusion pumps that prevent overdosing and
underdosing of IV fluids. These can be adjusted based on each patients
individual needs. |
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Induction
Anesthetics:
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| NVH prides itself on the
anesthetic protocols we choose to use on our patients. We use the safest
human injectable anesthetics that have a quick onset, but a short
duration so that your pet has a minimum amount of drug exposure. They
then have a breathing tube placed and are maintained on Isoflurane gas
and 100% oxygen. |
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Surgical Anesthesia
Monitoring:
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| We have a trained
technician with your pet from the start of a procedure through recovery.
This again affects cost, but many hospitals do not have anyone
monitoring your pet during a procedure. Additionally, we place your pet
on an EKG machine which tracks the hearts electrical activity, a pulse
oximeter which monitors blood oxygenation levels AND have trained
technicians feeling pulse rates and monitoring respiration. We also keep
blood pressure monitors at hand when deemed necessary. |
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Heated
Water Circulation Blankets:
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| While your pet is under
general anesthesia they are unable to regulate their own body
temperature. Our anesthetized patients’ core body temperature is
continuously monitored and it is supported with heated water blankets
which are much safer than electric heat sources. Body temperature is
important in recovery from anesthesia especially in pediatric and the
smaller patients. |
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Emergency
Drugs: |
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emergency we have a fully stocked area with essential drugs and supplies
needed if such an event were to arise. |
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Precision
Suture & Surgical Instruments: |
| Some hospitals save
money by using less expensive, poorer quality instruments and some even
REUSE suture material or buy expired human hospital suture.
Unfortunately the same safety regulations in human medicine do not apply
in the veterinary world. We only use high quality instruments that are
sterilized between every patient. We use individually packaged
sterilized suture that fits the needs of each patient. |
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Syringes
and Needles:
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There unfortunately
are no regulations to prevent veterinary hospitals from reusing syringes
and needles to lower their costs. Our hospital would NEVER risk
your pet’s health by reusing syringes or needles. This does, however,
requires us to charge a fee to dispose of the high volume of medical
waste through licensed haulers. |
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Post
Surgical Care: |
| At NVH your pet is
treated as if it were OUR own. Every patient is individually assessed
throughout their stay. Pain medications are routinely given on an as
needed basis. As with humans, some patients require an overnight stay
(or 2). We know this is difficult for some, but it is in the best
interest of your pet. The stay allows them to be re-dosed for pain,
evaluated by trained personnel for complications and keeps them safe and
confined during recovery. |
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Informational Discharges: |
| In this busy world
the importance of one on one time is sometimes overlooked. At NVH we
make sure we take the time to go over your pet’s individual case and
care with you at the time of discharge. We give you detailed care sheets
and medications. It allows you to ask any questions you may have. You
may also ask to speak with a doctor at that time as well if your
questions are unanswered. |
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Please do not hesitate to ask us questions OR ANY veterinary care
provider you may choose.
You
have the right and the responsibility to your pet to know what services
are being provided. |
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Ask
other hospitals whether they practice pain control measures and what
they use.
Ask
if they place breathing tubes in their surgical patients.
Ask
if they have a trained staff member monitoring your pet during all
aspects of their procedure.
Ask
if they use sterile instruments and wear surgical attire.
Ask
if your pet will have an intravenous catheter AND intravenous fluids.
Ask
if they are using the safest anesthetic drugs available. |
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| Do not be
afraid to ask these questions wherever you choose to take your pet. |
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Yes, the materials and
resources listed here may cost more than less expensive alternatives,
but their true value lies in increased safety. |
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| Do not
assume that all veterinary hospitals are alike. That is what some would
like you to think. |
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Knowledge
is power and if we can reach the public and educate them then we can
help many animals avoid suffering in silence. |
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Cheaper is
not always better. Be an informed pet owner!!!!!!!!!!! |
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last edited
06/20/2008 |
