Although many technological advancements have made anesthesia and surgery very safe for pets, some risks still exist. To decrease these risks, we require all patients to undergo a physical exam prior to surgery and require a full panel blood screening for all patients 7 years of age and older. For all other pets under 7 years old, it is highly recommended to perform a pre-anesthetic blood screening prior to surgery. This blood panel will help reduce anesthetic risks by ruling out many internal problems, including clotting disorders, liver and kidney abnormalities and anemia. In addition to the examination and blood screening, we also place an intravenous catheter and administer fluids to help keep your pet hydrated and maintain blood pressure during the procedure.