We require that your pet have appropriate tests before your appointment. To make anesthesia as safe as possible, pre-anesthetic blood tests should be performed by your veterinarian within one month of your appointment. Your veterinarian will know which tests we need to evaluate major organ function such as the liver and kidneys. In some cases other tests may be required such as chest x-rays or consultation with a cardiologist. Your veterinarian and the dentist will determine exactly which tests are needed.
Your pet should be fasted approximately 12 hours before any anesthetic procedure is performed. Most often removing food after midnight the night before your appointment is sufficient. Water can be given any time. Please let us know if your pet must eat in the morning because of a condition such as diabetes or if medications must be given the morning of your consultation.
When you arrive for your consultation you will be asked to fill out a brief information form. Please note any medications that your pet is taking including aspirin and heartworm preventative. You should also note any allergies your pet has and describe the reason for your visit. You and your pet will then be seen in the exam room by the doctor. A physical exam will be performed and the nature of your pet’s problem will be discussed. The doctors will do their best to examine your pet’s mouth to determine what problems may be present. In some cases this can be difficult, especially if a patient is nervous or painful. Not all problems can be seen during this initial exam and x-rays are often required to make a complete diagnosis. You will be given an estimate range during your consultation that will detail the potential treatments needed for your pet. You will be asked to sign a consent form allowing the doctors to administer anesthesia and begin treatment.
Since all problems are not immediately determined during the initial oral exam, you will be asked to stay in the office or provide a contact number where you can be reached once your pet is anesthetized. After anesthesia a thorough oral exam will be performed and any necessary x-rays will be taken. At this time, the doctor will need to speak to you to update the estimate and give a more accurate description of what will be needed.