For Pet Owners

If your pet needs a surgical procedure Vet SurgiCare, PLLC is a mobile surgical practice that can work directly with your primary veterinarian to provide experienced, convenient, timely, and compassionate surgical care for your family member.

At this time, VSC is the only surgical specialty practice providing local services in Northern Arizona. Service areas include Prescott, Prescott Valley, Verde Valley, Sedona, Flagstaff, Payson, and the White Mountains communities.

Vet SurgiCare can work with your family as a direct referral from your primary veterinarian or you as the pet owner can submit the referral form and we will reach out to your primary veterinarian to discuss options.

Steps

CONSULTATION/SCHEDULING

1. Your pet will need to have an initial appointment with your established primary veterinarian so that a thorough physical examination can be performed.
2. Appropriate diagnostic tests such as radiographs (x-rays), bloodwork, or advanced imaging (i.e., ultrasound or CT scan) will be performed as indicated.
3. A diagnosis or primary problem will be identified by your primary veterinarian.
4. Your trusted primary veterinarian will then educate you on the condition and review the recommended surgical procedure, postoperative care, possible complications, and expected outcome.
5. Your primary veterinarian will then contact APVS and submit a referral form including all patient records. Dr. Schaible will review the details provided and discuss with your primary veterinarian her recommendations.
6. APVS will work with the referring hospital to schedule the surgical procedure for your pet in a timely manner. This procedure will be conveniently located at your primary veterinarian’s hospital.
7. A completed surgical consent form will need to be signed and provided to APVS prior to or on the day of surgery to allow the procedure to be performed.

SURGERY DAY

1. You and your pet will arrive for admission to your primary veterinarian’s hospital the morning of surgery at the predetermined time. Water is typically allowed until you leave your house and healthy pets should not have any food after midnight the night before. Please review FAQs for more fasting details.
2. Please bring all medications and inform the hospital staff of the last dose given.
3. Your primary veterinarian will perform a morning examination to ensure your pet is ready for anesthesia.
4. Anesthesia will be administered and monitored by your primary veterinarian and their staff. Dr. Schaible will make recommendations and assist them as needed.
5. Dr. Schaible will evaluate your pet to confirm the diagnosis and contact you preoperatively to briefly discuss the procedure, risks, and postoperative care. Please be available by phone at the number you provide.
6. Dr. Schaible will perform the advanced surgical procedure with necessary surgical equipment.
7. Once the patient is in recovery, Dr. Schaible will contact you to review the outcome and let you know how your pet is doing.
8. Your pet will continue to be hospitalized and monitored by your trusted primary veterinary hospital until appropriate discharge.
9. Arizona Peaks Veterinary Surgical will provide a detailed surgical report and customized postoperative care instructions to your family veterinarian. These instructions will be reviewed with you at discharge by their staff.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS

1. Please review the provided discharge instructions for specific recommendations for your pet.
2. Typically, most surgical patients will need a brief recheck with your primary veterinarian for incision recheck or suture/staple removal in 10-14 days after surgery.
3. Many orthopedic cases (i.e., TPLO, MPL or fractures) will need a recheck examination and radiographs (x-rays) 6-8 weeks after surgery. We recommend you feed your pet 50% volume of normal meal the morning of these appointments since sedation may be needed. Dr. Schaible would be happy to review any follow-up imaging emailed to her and provide her opinion.
4. Dr. Schaible is also available to discuss any questions or concerns that arise. We recommend any urgent concerns be directed to your primary veterinarian.