Why IV fluids?
The benefits are clear: The fluids help maintain proper kidney function, maintain blood pressure and reduce risks of side effects of postoperative medications. If there are complications during
surgery, the intravenous catheter is in place for immediate administration of medications, such as IV atropine or epinephrine.
PCV/TS
What is a PCV? A Packed Cell Volume is a measurement of the red blood cell content in blood. It uses very little blood and is a simple test, but its results are invaluable. With this test we can monitor whether or not a patient is bleeding somewhere in its body; we also use the result to determine if a patient needs a blood transfusion.
Once the sample is separated in a centrifuge, we also check the Total Solids. This measurement can indicate whether or not a patient would benefit from plasma administration.
AEC's clinicians have many years of experience with emergency surgery. We understand how scary it can be to hear your pet needs emergency surgery. While there is a higher risk for a critical patient, AEC's doctors and staff rely on their experience to support your pet through this process.
Our surgical suite is equipped with EKG, pulse oximetry, and a blood pressure monitoring system. During surgery, your pet is maintained on isoflourane gas, an extensively used anesthetic gas known for its safety. Additionally, our surgery suite has a ventilator which maintains patient breathing throughout their procedures. All surgical patients are on IV fluids before, during, and after their procedures. We have an on premises autoclave to steam sterilize all our surgical instruments and gowns.
We also have a critical care incubator which we use extensively for puppies, kittens, and other babies. Keeping these babies warm is crucial to their survival. And, speaking of keeping warm, emergency surgery patients can have low body temperatures from shock; anesthesia can also lower body temperature. To keep our surgical patients warm, we use a thermal barrier between our patients and the surgical table.
All our surgical patients are closely monitored until they are fully awake. During this time, we check their post surgery temperature and do a PCV if needed. If they are cold, we will place them on a warm water heating pad until they are able to maintain their own temperatures. Our goal is to support our patients as they heal.
