Is Your Pet Having Surgery Soon? Don’t Skip This Crucial Step!

When your pet is scheduled for surgery, it’s natural to feel a mix of worry and hope — after all, they’re family. At Sugarland Animal Hospital, we treat every pet like our own, and that’s why we go the extra mile to ensure their safety, especially when anaesthesia is involved. One of the most important (but often overlooked) steps before surgery is Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Testing.

What Is Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Testing?

Before your pet undergoes general anaesthesia, we recommend a quick and simple blood test to check how their body is functioning internally. It helps us assess vital organs like the liver and kidneys, which are responsible for processing anaesthetic drugs. It also gives insight into their red and white blood cell counts and clotting ability, helping us spot potential issues like infections, anaemia, or inflammation — even if your pet seems perfectly healthy.

Why It Matters – Even for Young Pets

You might be surprised to know that even in young, active pets, hidden health concerns can exist beneath the surface. That’s where this blood test really shines. It allows us to:

• Reduce the risk associated with anaesthesia
• Tailor medications to your pet’s specific needs
• Make informed decisions for safer outcomes

And the best part? The test takes just a few minutes and is done onsite, so we get results fast and can act immediately if anything looks off.

Special Care for Senior Pets

If your furry friend is over 7 years old, pre-anaesthetic testing isn’t just recommended — it’s required at Sugarland. Why? Because senior pets are more prone to age-related conditions like:

• Kidney disease
• Liver dysfunction
• Hormonal imbalances

These can remain hidden during a physical exam, but show up clearly in blood work. Our policy ensures every senior pet gets the extra attention they deserve before any procedure.

A Small Step That Makes a Big Difference

Whether your pet is booked in for a routine dental cleaning or a more complex surgery, pre-anaesthetic blood testing gives us — and you — peace of mind. It’s one more way we provide safer, more personalised care because your pet’s wellbeing is everything to us.

Have questions about your pets upcoming procedure? Ready to book in now?
Call us on 4151 3550, we’re here to make sure your pet’s procedure is as safe and smooth as possible — every step of the way.