Surgery

Dr Suehiro has been BHSAH’s head surgeon for over 20 years.  He is staffed by some of southern California’s best surgical technicians, and they have been working together to create a surgical and anesthetic protocol that we are all very proud of.  Whether a straight-forward feline neuter, complex exploratory surgery, or a high risk dental procedure, every surgical patient is given top-of-the-line treatment.

The main surgical suite after a busy day.

Diagnostic testing, such as and ECG and blood work, is performed first to ensure that your pet is a safe candidate for general anesthesia.  Every patient is given both pre- and post- surgical pain management, as well as peri- and post- operative IV pain medications for more invasive procedures.  By using a specific combination of medications, we are able to minimize pain, as well as reduce recovery time.  This combination also allows for minimal gas anesthetic use.  To further ensure your pet’s safety during his or her anesthetic procedure, we have made the decision to use a gas anesthetic known as Sevoflurane, the absolute safest gas available, used even by the most advanced children’s hospitals.

Our kitty friend recovering from eye surgery.

Throughout the duration of your pet’s surgical procedure, we provide them with both heating pads and warming blankets to prevent hypothermia and reduce recovery time.  Patients are kept on IV fluids during procedures, which also aids in recover time, as well as keeping the body well hydrated.

Each patient is individually monitored by a veterinary assitant, who records the patient’s vitals, such as heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and temperature.  By closely monitoring these values, we are able to  adjust the amount of anesthesia being administered, accordingly.

Once the surgery is complete, the patients are kept in our intensive care unit, where they are continuously monitored by the ICU technician throughout the day. Our surgeon and technicians will stay in close contact with you throughout your pet’s stay, giving you important updates and talking you through what your responsibilities will be once you bring your pet home.

Some types of surgeries may be beyond the scope of our surgeon. In that case, we work to have your pet referred to a board certified surgeon, who better suits your pet’s needs.  Even in that event, we will continue to work closely with you and the referral surgeon to ensure that your pet is well-cared for and has the best chance for a successful procedure and recovery.

"I'm ready to go home now, Momma!"