We do lots of different kinds of surgery here at Vernon Hills Animal Hospital, from repairing a simple laceration to exploratory abdominal surgery, and from lump removal to knee surgery. Surgical procedures are done using sterile technique, which means that we use a sterile instrument pack and a sterile cap, gown, and gloves. The patient is clipped, prepped with surgical scrub, and covered with a sterile drape. This technique is used for the same reason that a human hospital uses it -- it helps ensure that your pet will not be exposed to harmful bacteria which could cause an infection.

We use the most effective and safe anesthetic possible. The anesthetic gas we use is called Sevoflurane.  It is exhaled rather than metabolized, which allows your pet wake up quickly and helps prevent "hangover". We monitor your pet's vital signs during anesthesia (see below). The respiratory rate, heart rate, electrocardiogram, oxygen in the blood, CO2, blood pressure and temperature are monitored using several different kinds of instruments. This helps us adjust the level of anesthesia so that we don't give too little or too much.

After surgery your pet will receive an injection for pain, and/or will be sent home with pain medication. Dogs and cats will recover more quickly if they are happy and comfortable.