Surgery, Dental & Anesthesia Consent Form

Your pet is scheduled for a professional dental procedure today. While we take every precaution to ensure a safe and successful outcome, it is important to understand that all medical procedures carry some risks. Below is an overview of potential complications associated with dental procedures in pets.

Potential Risks and Complications:

1. Anesthesia Risks: While modern anesthesia is very safe, there is always a small risk of complications such as:
   1. Adverse reactions to anesthesia
   2. Low blood pressure or heart rate
   3. Respiratory difficulties
   4. Aspiration pneumonia
2. Tooth Extraction Risks: Some pets require tooth extractions due to severe dental disease. Possible complications include:
   1. Excessive bleeding
   2. Jaw fracture (especially in small breeds or pets with weakened bone structure)
   3. Retained root fragments requiring further treatment
   4. Oronasal fistula (an opening between the mouth and nasal cavity)
3. Post-Operative Complications:
   1. Pain and swelling
   2. Infection at the surgical site
   3. Delayed healing
   4. Temporary or permanent changes in chewing ability
4. Other Risks:
   1. Bacteria entering the bloodstream (bacteremia)
   2. Temporary or permanent vision changes (rare)
   3. Tracheal irritation from the breathing tube

Dental cleaning with general anesthesia is included within the provided estimate. Tooth extractions can significantly increase the total cost. Extractions add anesthesia time, analgesia, antibiotics, and surgical supplies. Minor extractions, such as incisors, vary with difficulty and range from $25 to $85 per tooth. More complex extractions average $280 to $300 per tooth. The estimate reflects expected findings based on the current oral exam. Dental disease often extends below the gumline. Conditions such as fractures, resorptive lesions, periodontal pockets, and root exposure are frequently identified after scaling and dental radiographs. These findings alter the treatment plan and total cost. We aim to provide an accurate estimate. Final costs depend on intraoperative findings and required procedures.

Be assured that the health of your pet is our highest concern and we will do everything possible to maintain that health.

Procedure: Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog’s ovaries and uterus to prevent pregnancy, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and eliminate the possibility of heat cycles.

Potential Risks and Complications: While the procedure is generally safe, like all surgeries, there are inherent risks and potential complications. These may include, but are not limited to:

1. Anesthesia Risks:
   • The use of anesthesia carries a small risk, including allergic reactions, breathing issues, or complications due to pre-existing health conditions.
2. Infection:
   • As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the incision site or internally. Proper post-operative care is crucial in preventing infections.
3. Bleeding:
   • There may be minor or, in rare cases, significant bleeding during or after surgery. This could require additional medical intervention.
4. Post-Surgical Pain:
   • Some pain and discomfort are expected following surgery. This can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
5. Incision Issues:
   • There may be complications with the healing of the incision site, such as irritation, swelling, or the development of a seroma (fluid buildup) or hematoma (blood buildup).
6. Reaction to Medications:
   • Your dog may have an adverse reaction to medications given during or after the surgery. Signs of a reaction may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or allergic reactions.
7. Urinary Incontinence:
   • In rare cases, some pets (dogs) may experience urinary incontinence post-surgery due to hormonal changes.
8. Changes in Behavior:
   • Spaying may result in subtle changes in behavior, including reduced aggression or changes in activity level.
9. Failure to Prevent Pregnancy:
   • Though rare, there may be a failure in the procedure, resulting in retained ovarian tissue or other complications that could lead to pregnancy.
10. Other Rare Complications:
    • In very rare cases, the procedure may result in complications such as damage to surrounding organs, blood clots, or life-threatening conditions, requiring additional treatment or surgery.

Procedure: Neutering is the surgical removal of a male dog’s or cat’s testicles to prevent reproduction, reduce certain behaviors, and minimize the risk of certain diseases, including testicular cancer and prostate issues.

Potential Risks and Complications: While neutering is a common and generally safe procedure, there are inherent risks involved. The following complications are possible, but not guaranteed, and will be managed to the best of our ability by the veterinary team:

1. Anesthesia Risks:
   • As with any surgical procedure, anesthesia carries a small risk. This includes potential allergic reactions, breathing issues, or adverse effects on heart rate or blood pressure, especially in pets with pre-existing health conditions.
2. Bleeding:
   • Although rare, some bleeding may occur during or after the surgery. Severe bleeding may require additional medical attention or treatment.
3. Infection:
   • The surgical site can become infected, leading to swelling, redness, or discharge. This can be minimized with proper sterile technique and post-operative care.
4. Pain, Discomfort, Swelling at the Surgical Site:
   • Some level of discomfort or pain may occur after surgery. Pain management is provided through prescribed medications to ensure your pet's comfort during recovery.
   • Temporary swelling of the scrotum or incision site may occur post-surgery. In some cases, a seroma (fluid buildup) or hematoma (blood buildup) may develop and may need to be addressed.
5. Anesthetic Recovery:
   • Some pets may experience prolonged recovery from anesthesia, including grogginess, incoordination, or minor digestive upset. These effects usually resolve within a few hours to a day.
6. Changes in Behavior:
   • Behavioral changes are often noted after neutering. These may include a decrease in roaming, aggression, or marking behavior in males. However, some behavior changes may take time to fully manifest.
7. Complications from Hemorrhage/Clotting, or Wound Healing Problems
   • Rarely, complications from bleeding or clotting problems may occur, requiring further treatment.
   • In some cases, the incision site may experience delayed healing, irritation, or wound dehiscence (opening of the surgical site), particularly if your pet licks or scratches the area.
8. Testicular Remnants:
   • Occasionally, a small portion of testicular tissue may remain, which can lead to the development of testicular cancer or other issues. If this occurs, additional surgery may be required.
9. Increased Risk of Urinary Tract Issues (Rare):
   • Although rare, some pets may experience urinary tract issues, including incontinence or difficulty urinating post-surgery. This typically resolves with time or medical intervention.
10. Other Rare Complications:
    • As with any surgery, there may be rare complications such as damage to surrounding structures, such as blood vessels, nerves, or the abdomen, leading to the need for more extensive treatment or surgery.

Surgical removal of a skin or subcutaneous mass, performed under general anesthesia.

• Anesthetic Complications: All anesthesia carries a rare but possible risk of adverse reactions, including death.
• Bleeding (Hemorrhage): Can occur during or after the procedure.
• Infection: Risk of infection at the surgical site.
• Incisional Dehiscence: The incision may open, especially in high-motion areas.
• Tumor Recurrence: The mass may grow back if removal is incomplete. A biopsy is always recommended for diagnosis.
• Nerve Damage: Possible depending on the location and depth of the mass.

Surgical correction of a prolapsed third eyelid gland, performed under general anesthesia.

• Anesthetic Complications: All anesthesia carries a rare but possible risk of adverse reactions, including death.
• Recurrence: The gland may re-prolapse.
• Infection or Inflammation: Of the surgical site.
• Dry Eye (KCS): Potential damage to the tear-producing gland, requiring lifelong medication.
• Suture Reaction: Inflammation caused by the suture material.
• Gland Atrophy: The gland may shrink over time.

Procedure-specific risks will be discussed with you by the veterinary team.

• General Anesthetic Complications: All procedures requiring general anesthesia carry a rare but possible risk of adverse reactions, including changes in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory function, and, in extremely rare cases, death.