What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
At Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS),
we know that surgery can be stressful for you and your pet. To help you feel prepared, we’ve outlined what to expect on the day of your pet’s procedure.
Admission Process
We will schedule your pet’s admission time between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM. Please note that this is not the surgery time, but it allows our team to provide the highest level of care.
- Pre-Surgery Fasting: Make sure your pet does not eat after 10:00 PM the night before surgery. You do not need to withhold water. Your pet needs to fast before surgery to reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia. This is a condition that occurs when stomach contents are vomited and inhaled into the lungs while under anesthesia. Since anesthesia relaxes the muscles that control swallowing, having food in the stomach increases the chance of regurgitation.
- Current Medications or Special Diet: Discuss your pet’s medications with our surgery team before admission so our veterinarians can determine if you should give them on the morning of surgery. Bring medications in their original containers to ensure accurate administration. Please bring your pet’s special diet in a labeled container.
- Contact Information: Ensure our team has the correct daytime and evening contact phone numbers.
- Patient Admission Information Form: At check-in, you will fill out a form noting any changes in your pet’s condition over the last 24 hours and any food or medication they have received. If you are leaving food or medication, please inform our staff.
- Questions for Doctor: If you have additional questions for the surgeon, please let us know before admission. You can send questions to info@gcvs.com or call or text us at (713) 693 – 1111.
- Cancellations/Rescheduling: If cancellation or rescheduling is needed, please call us at (713) 693 – 1111 with at least 24 hours’ notice as a courtesy.
Personal Belongings Policy
We ask that you take all personal belongings home to prevent misplaced items.
Procedural Updates
We will contact you after your pet’s procedure with updates. Please note:
- When you admit your pet in the morning, our team takes time to prepare carefully, so the surgery may not happen immediately.
- Our staff is here to liaise between you, your pet, and the surgeon. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to ask.
Discharge Process
A GCVS staff member will contact you when your pet is ready to go home. During discharge:
- A client service representative will review the discharge instructions with you in detail.
- Schedule follow-up appointments before you leave. The surgery cost includes the first post-op surgical exam, but additional treatments, such as bandage changes, medications, and X-rays, may incur extra fees.
Although our surgery department has specific hours, GCVS is a
24-hour patient care facility, ensuring your pet receives continuous care. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you and your pet every step of the way!
Surgery Department Hours
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
