Tandem Vet’s Comprehensive Surgery Preparation Guide
Helping You and Your Pet Prepare for a Safe, Smooth Procedure & Recovery
The Pre-operative Process
Performing routine screening and Wellness Care makes sure your pet is in the best possible health for their procedure! Pets must be up to date on appropriate vaccinations (FVRCP/DAPP, Rabies Vaccines) and be flea and tick-free for the protection of all hospitalized patients.
Pre-anesthetic Testing:
A pre-anesthetic screening will be scheduled before your pet’s surgery to evaluate their overall health status and allow our team to custom-design an anesthetic and surgical protocol for your pet.
This test may be required a few weeks to a few months before surgery, depending on your pet’s age, health, and the procedure your pet needs.
Common testing includes: a Complete Blood Count to look for anemia or infection, a Chemistry Panel to evaluate liver and kidney health, a recent negative stool sample to look for parasites, FeLV/FIV screening (cats) and Heartworm/Lyme/Tick Disease Screening (Dogs), and a blood clotting test. Mature pets or pets with medical concerns may also need: a urinalysis to check kidney health, a Thyroid test, a blood pressure test, and diagnostic imaging (X-rays or ultrasound) for specific conditions.
Your Tandem Veterinarian and Surgical Technician will instruct you in the testing that your pet will need, and help you set up a visit to perform this screening.
The Week Prior to Surgery
Preparing one week before surgery allows for a calmer experience and greatly improves recovery success.
Home Setup:
Create a quiet, comfortable rest area away from stairs and furniture — pets should not run or jump after anesthesia.
Use a supportive, low bed (example- memory foam + washable blanket preferred). Avoid overly fluffy beds that are hard to get out of. Wash bedding to reduce infection risk.
Move water and food bowls closer to the recovery area.
Set up gates or crates to prevent access to stairs, couches, and active areas.
Purchase any post-surgical clothing such as onesies to have on hand.
Transportation Planning:
Transport your pet in a crate or lying down on the seat/floor with an adult stabilizing them.
Avoid having a sedated or recovering pet standing during transport.
Prepare Diet & Medications:
Purchase soft treats to hide medications post-op.
Prepare a bland diet for the first meals after surgery, if recommended (plain chicken, GI-specific diets).
Gather all current medications and supplements for review on surgery day.
The Night Before Surgery
Medication Review:
Write out all medications and supplements your pet receives. Bring this list with you or update the medical form online.
Administer pre-anesthetic medications as indicated.
Exercise:
Keep activity normal but avoid strenuous play.
Final Home Prep:
Confirm your pet cannot access food overnight.
Set up your recovery space fully (bed, blankets, water bowl).
Fasting Guidelines (Critical for Safety)
During anesthesia, protective reflexes that prevent aspiration are temporarily absent. A full stomach increases the risk of regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
Unless otherwise instructed:
No food after midnight.
Water allowed until 1 hour before arrival.
Puppies & Kittens (under 8 weeks):
May have a small amount of canned food or cooked chicken up to 4 hours prior.
No dry kibble.
Additional Medication Guidelines: Continue as Scheduled:
Pets under 2 kg, diabetic animals, or those with regurgitation history require custom instructions — contact us ASAP.
The Morning of Surgery
Ensure absolutely NO access to food. Even small amounts increase anesthetic risk. If food is REQUIRED to give medications, use one teaspoon or less of soft food to administer pills.
Water should be removed 1 hour before arrival.
Bring your pet in a secure carrier or on a leash.
Bring any current medications unless instructed otherwise.
Allow your pet a brief walk/bathroom break before travel.
After the Surgery
Expected Behavior:
Your pet will be awake and able to walk unless restricted by injury.
Mild disorientation, wobbliness, or vocalization may occur temporarily.
Home Care:
A responsible adult must monitor your pet for the first 24 hours.
Settle them into their quiet recovery space.
Offer a small amount of water; food may be offered later in the evening (2-3 hours after returning home).
If appetite is low the first night — this is normal.
Elimination:
Your pet should urinate by the night of surgery or next morning.
Your pet should have a bowel movement within 48 hours of surgery
Call us if there is no urination within 12 hours or stool within 48 hours.
Incision Protection:
Your pet must wear an E-collar or Post-surgical onesie for a full 14 days or as directed.
Prevent licking, chewing, or rubbing the incision.
Pain Management:
Give medications as prescribed by the surgeon.
Provide small treats or wet food with medication to prevent nausea.
Activity Restriction:
No running, jumping, climbing, or playing for 10–14 days.
Use a leash outdoors at all times.
Follow-Up:
You will receive detailed discharge instructions tailored to your pet’s surgery type.
Questions? We’re Here 7 Days a Week
If you have questions before or after your pet’s procedure, please contact us anytime.