Pre-Surgical Requirements

 

All dogs are required to have a current negative heartworm test prior to surgery. Cats are required to have a current negative FeLV/FIV (Triple Test) prior to surgery. If your pet has already had this testing performed, please email the results to book@CHEWac.org for review.

If testing is needed at CHEW, the cost is $35.

 

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is required for all pets to help ensure they are healthy enough to safely undergo anesthesia. This testing screens for underlying medical conditions that may not be apparent during a physical examination, including changes involving the liver, kidneys, blood cells, and other organ systems. Bloodwork should be completed prior to surgery and scheduled in advance with a CHEW nurse unless otherwise arranged.

The cost is $90 for pets under 7 years of age and $145 for pets 7 years of age and older. If your pet has had recent bloodwork performed elsewhere, please email the results to book@CHEWac.org for review.

 

What's Included (and Not Included) in Your Orthopedic Surgery Estimate

 

Our orthopedic surgery estimates include the medications and treatments that have been shown through current veterinary and human medical research to provide meaningful benefit to your pet's surgical outcome and recovery.

 

Take-home antibiotics are not routinely included.

Your pet will receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics before surgery and after surgery. Current research has shown that continuing antibiotics at home after routine orthopedic procedures has not been proven to further reduce infection rates. Unnecessary antibiotic use can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, gastrointestinal upset, and other potential side effects. For these reasons, CHEW follows evidence-based antimicrobial stewardship guidelines and does not routinely prescribe take-home antibiotics following orthopedic surgery.

 

Every patient is unique.

 

If your pet has an increased risk of infection or there are procedure-specific concerns, the surgeon may recommend additional antibiotic therapy, including a long-acting injectable antibiotic when medically appropriate. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis based on your pet's individual needs.

 

Cerenia (maropitant) is not included in the standard surgery estimate. Cerenia is a safe and effective anti-nausea medication that works best when given before nausea develops. Administering Cerenia prior to surgery helps prevent nausea and vomiting associated with anesthesia, making recovery more comfortable for many pets. Preventing nausea before it starts is often more effective than treating it after clinical signs have already developed.  A single injection provides approximately 24 hours of nausea control, helping your pet remain more comfortable during the trip home and through the first day of recovery. By reducing nausea, many pets are more likely to feel comfortable enough to eat, drink, and begin recovering sooner.

During recovery, our medical team closely monitors every patient for signs of nausea, including excessive drooling, lip-smacking, repeated swallowing, vomiting, and restlessness. If we believe your pet would benefit from additional nausea control, we may recommend administering Cerenia before your pet is discharged.
 

You may also choose to add Cerenia to your pet's surgical consent form prior to surgery so it is administered proactively as part of your pet's anesthetic plan.

 

Approximate Cerenia pricing:
Up to 15 lbs: approximately $20
Around 35 lbs: approximately $35
Around 65 lbs: approximately $60
Around 85 lbs: approximately $75

Actual pricing may vary slightly based on your pet's exact weight and required dosage.