Preparing For Your Pet's Dental Procedure
What to expect during your pet's procedure with us:
All Animal Dental Center facilities offer our patients safe individualized anesthetic procedures utilizing state-of-the-art dental instrumentation and equipment. The following helps illustrate what steps for preparing pets dental procedure:
Patient History / Physical Exam
All pets are seen by appointment only. Once checked-in, a member of our team begins by taking a thorough patient history followed by a comprehensive oral exam. Any prior diagnostic testing is reviewed and assessed for potential risk factors related to anesthesia and the procedures they will be undergoing.
Pre-Op Testing Completed
Complete blood count and serum chemistry screening prior to the procedure allow us to check for any abnormalities that contribute to increased anesthetic risk. If abnormalities are present we may modify the anesthetic or surgical protocol to accommodate the problem.
Advanced Patient Monitoring
During the procedure highly trained veterinary technicians monitor patients on a 1-on-1 basis from induction through recovery. While under anesthesia, your pet will receive the following treatments:
Intravenous Catheterization
An intravenous catheter is placed in one of the patient’s legs. The catheter is used to administer fluids and injectable medications directly into the bloodstream. Intravenous fluids help to replace fluid losses, maintain blood pressure and support blood pressure.
Customized Anesthesia Protocol
Isoflurane inhalant anesthesia is used to maintain anesthesia during the procedure. The anesthetic gas is carried by pure oxygen administered through a cuffed endotracheal tube that protects the animal's airway by preventing water or debris from the oral cavity from entering the lungs. Once the procedure is completed the isoflurane is turned off and the pet recovers within minutes.
Body Temperature
Body temperature is maintained using a forced air warming blanket and continuous temperature monitoring. The warmer can be adjusted to raise or lower your pet’s body temperature as needed.
Vital Signs Monitoring
Multi-parameter vital signs monitoring: all pets undergoing anesthesia have their pulse oximetry (oxygen saturation), capnography (exhaled carbon dioxide), blood pressure, EKG and temperature continuously monitored. Your pet’s designated technician regularly records these vital signs and can immediately respond to any changes with adjustments to the anesthetic protocol.
Pain Management
Pain management of our patients is an essential aspect of our oral treatment protocols. Combinations of multiple medications are chosen to minimize discomfort a speed recuperation. The Animal Dental Center uses local blocks, opioid and anti-inflammatory medications. The combination of technology (state of the art dental materials and equipment) and trained veterinary personnel provides for a high level of care for your pet's oral needs.
Patient Discharge
Most pets will be discharged to go home the same day. A member of our nursing staff will provide written and oral discharge instructions as well as any medications and home care needed when you pick up your pet. We will send a detailed referral summary report to your veterinarian for your pet’s medical records.
Pet Food & Water Guidelines
For all scheduled procedures, please do not feed your pet within 12 hours of the procedure appointment. Water can be given as usual, and you may continue to give any medication prescribed by your veterinarian.
If you have an appointment for a consultation followed by a procedure, please do not feed your pet within 12 hours of the procedure appointment. This generally means no food / treats after 8PM the night before. Water can be given as usual, and you may continue to give any medication prescribed by your veterinarian.
If you have an appointment for a consultation / examination only (you do not wish to schedule the procedure on the same day), there are no special considerations for feeding or allowing water the morning of your appointment. While our team always contacts your primary veterinarian for all patient records, please bring any x-rays / laboratory tests that your veterinarian has given you.
Thinking about Anesthesia Free Pet Dentistry?
Call (410) 828-1001 to make an appointment at any of our locations.
