News & Events


News and Events

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgery

Surgery at VRC

 

Why do I fast my pet if surgery is not scheduled for the same day?

We ask that you fast your pet in the event that additional diagnostics need to take place. When your pet has eaten, it can sometimes change the results of a test so to get the most accurate information possible, fasting may be necessary even if your pet is not having surgery that day.

Will my pet experience discomfort before, during, or after their surgical procedure?

The level of discomfort your pet may experience all depends on the type of procedure that is taking place. For minor procedures, there may be little to no pain involved. For more advanced procedures, there may be some discomfort. However, we are very proactive about using medications to relieve pain and discomfort for your pet. When necessary, we provide medication before, during, and after the procedure that will allow your pet to feel comfortable and safe.

Is anesthesia safe for my pet?

Anesthesia is considered extremely safe in the veterinary field. Our trained doctors and nurses monitor your pet throughout the entire procedure to ensure his/her comfort and safety. We are experienced in providing anesthesia to all pets including higher-risk patients with sensitivities such as old age and weakness; heart, kidney, and liver disease; as well as other critical and/or unstable conditions. Anesthesia is such a valuable tool in veterinary medicine and you can rest easy knowing that your pet is in highly experienced hands at VRC.

How will my pet react to anesthesia and pain medication?

Every pet reacts differently to anesthesia and pain medication. Constipation is normal for 3-5 days after your pet’s surgery as long as there is no obvious straining. Decreased appetite and lethargy is also normal as long as they are eating small amounts. If you have a question regarding your pet’s behavior after a surgery, please give us a call at (610)647-2950.

What kinds of physical restrictions will be placed on my pet after surgery?

Physical restrictions placed on your pet after a procedure will depend on the type of operation that took place. Often, we recommend that your pet refrain from running, jumping, or any excessive activity until the first recheck. You can accommodate your pet by arranging his/her living space to include everything (s)he might need at a close distance. This will reduce his/her need to exert too much energy or movement, which helps result in a speedy recovery. You will receive more specific home care instructions upon your pet’s discharge from VRC.

Why is exercise restriction so important?

For the first two weeks, exercise restriction is essential for incision, muscle, and tissue healing. It prevents the incision from opening and causing complications. To maximize the success of your pet’s surgery, following discharge instructions regarding follow-up care is very important. This way, your pet can get back to their normal selves in no time! If you have any questions about your discharge instructions, please feel free to give us a call.

What care is involved with my pet’s surgical site?

Specific instructions with how to care for your pet’s surgical site will be included with your discharge paperwork before you leave the hospital. Every pet is different, which is why we provide care instructions that are catered specifically to your pet’s individualized needs. If you have any questions regarding the follow-up instructions you were given, please give us a call.

I live far away. Do I have to come back to VRC for rechecks?

We do suggest that you return for a recheck so that we can assess the healing process. However, we understand that not everyone lives close to our facility, so you can speak to your VRC surgeon about having your primary veterinarian perform the recheck exam. We always keep your primary veterinarian involved with the status of your pet throughout his/her time spent at VRC, which allows for a seamless transition from specialty to primary veterinary care.

8 Plants for Your Pets to Avoid this Summer

VRC Vet HospitalSummer is here, and for pet owners that can be a good thing and a bad thing. While the sunny mornings and warm nights are definitely good for taking your dog on long walks in the woods or the local park, and the rapid growth of hedges, flowers, and ornamental shrubs make for happy, curious cats, summer also means there are a lot of blooming, toxic plants out there that can put your pets at risk.

Even if you keep your dog on a leash during daily walks and monitor their trips into the yard to do their business, it can be difficult to stop an eager dog of any age from chewing on the various plants it encounters. The same goes for cats. Outside cats tend to slip away and out of sight to do whatever they want, and even indoor cats may get interested in and nuzzle or take a bite out of plants you bring indoors, whether they’re potted ornamentals or a vase of cut blossoms you just brought in from the yard. That’s why it’s a good idea for pet owners to keep in mind the sorts of flowers and other foliage they plant and bring inside in order to keep their homes a pet-safe zone.

While most pets are pretty smart about the things they choose to nibble on, they make mistakes. It’s good to be aware of the sorts of plants that are toxic to pets before you get your indoor garden going—or before you take that nice long walk to see the beautiful blooms all around your suburban neighborhood. For example, be extra careful around the following:

  • Lilies: The entire lily plant is toxic to cats, and this is especially true of the lovely day lilies that grow outside and Easter lilies, which tend to be grown in pots.
  • Azaleas: A pretty staple of many a yard, azaleas are toxic to house pets.
  • Oleander: The leaves of this notoriously toxic plant can harm your pets.
  • Daffodils: It’s the bulbs of these common flowers that pose a risk to your dog.
  • English Ivy: The leaves and berries are especially toxic to your pet, but the whole plant is dangerous.
  • Bird of Paradise: The pods of this common tropical beauty pose a risk.
  • Morning Glory: The seeds and roots of this beautiful wildflower are poisonous if ingested.
  • Sago Palm: All of this ornamental plant is deadly to pets, especially the seeds.

Summer can mean a lot of fun with your pet, but it does pose its own unique dangers. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic that might make them ill, or if your pet is exhibiting signs of poisoning such as listlessness, panting, disorientation, or vomiting. They require medical attention from a veterinarian in the greater Philadelphia area, so take them right away.

 

VRC is located in the greater Philadelphia area. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so if you suspect your pet has been poisoned by a plant, contact us immediately.

Upcoming Continuing Education Lecture


Bacterial Pneumonia: So Many Antibiotics to Choose From

 

John Anastasio, DVM, DACVECC
Medical Director of VRC

Wednesday, July 13, 2016
7:00pm

This lecture will provide an evidence-based discussion about common etiologies, diagnoses, and empirical treatments of bacterial pneumonia in dogs. Bacterial pneumonia is a potentially life-threatening disease that affects dogs of all ages. Early identification and treatment with appropriate empirical antibiotics has been shown to improve outcomes in humans with severe sepsis. Applying this concept to our patients brings to light the following questions: Which  empirical antibiotics are appropriate for the treatment of pneumonia? Should there be a different approach for patients with hospital acquired pneumonia? Do we have enough veterinary literature on the subject to make proper recommendations? The hour will focus on addressing these questions by evaluating the different types of bacterial pneumonia, veterinary literature assessments of antibiotic therapy, and various methods used to ensure appropriate spectrum of antibiotic coverage.

Lecture provides 1 credit of complimentary CE through RACE to veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

LOCATION

VRC
340 Lancaster Avenue
Malvern, PA 19355

PROGRAM

Complimentary dinner meet and greet starts at 7:00pm on Wednesday, July 13th. Session begins at 7:30pm followed by Q & A.

RSVP

Space is limited so please RSVP by Friday, July 8th to reserve your seat. You can RSVP to this event by clicking HERE.  Please give us a call at 267-566-6302 with any questions.

Thank you to our sponsor!

Simple Things You Can do to Keep Your Dog Happy And Healthy

healthy dogDog owners want to give their pets the best life possible. Sometimes that takes the form of splurging a bit on high-quality food — which is a great idea as long as it’s nutritionally balanced, of course. Sometimes it means lavish toys and designer collars, both of which are fun, though we all know such things are more about the owner than the dog. Really, improving your dog’s quality of life can be very easy with a few simple changes. Read on and see the sorts of things you can do to improve the day-to-day of your favorite companion.

Structure

Dogs need guidance from their owners. They are pack animals, and thus need to know who is in charge—otherwise they can become anxious, nervous, and insecure. Basically, knowing how to behave, and when and where, is essential to your dog’s happiness. Understanding the rules will make your dog more secure and at ease than one who is forced to guess. Dogs need boundaries to feel happy, so it’s important to teach them good and bad behavior, as well as to enforce consequences. Build a routine, be consistent, and offer praise. A few obedience classes will help any dog and its owner have a happier life together.

Continuing Education

Dogs are intelligent creatures. They need stimulation and enrichment in their lives. A bored dog is an unhappy dog, and often their intelligence will manifest as misbehavior if not properly channeled. Take the time not only to walk your dog and play with them, but also to train them to do tricks, build their vocabulary, or even retrieve specific toys. An agility class can also help keep your dog’s mind active. For a dog, improved focus means an improved life.

Socialization

As we mentioned, dogs are pack animals. They need to have a social life to be happy. But some dogs need different sorts of socialization than others. While one dog might enjoy the freedom of the dog park, another will need smaller social circles or risk becoming stressed or aggressive. Watch your dog carefully and see what they like, and plan doggy play dates around your dog’s individual needs.

Health

Naturally, you want your dog to be in tip-top shape. Good quality food is essential, of course, so ask your greater Philadelphia area veterinarian about what sort of nutrition your dog needs at every stage of life. Also, make sure your dog gets all their regular vaccinations, and that you take them in to the vet to talk over any issues such as joint problems, allergies, or strange behaviors. It’s also essential to keep your dog active. Dogs that are sedentary tend to gain weight, which affects their overall health. Go to the park, go jogging—whatever it takes!

VRC is a specialty veterinary healthcare hospital located in the greater Philadelphia area. Consult your dog’s regular vet for any concerns, but we’re here when you need us. As a specialty veterinarian, we’re open 24/7, 365 days a year.