Preparing for Surgery or a Procedure at OVRA
The answers to the most common questions asked about a pet’s stay at OVRA are answered below. If you do not see the answer to your question, please do not hesitate to ask the doctor or technician you saw.
1. Do I have to leave my pet on the day of the consultation for a surgery or procedure that will be done the following day?
No, many owners choose to admit their pet to OVRA the morning of surgery or the procedure. Of course, if your pet’s medical condition needs over night treatment or it is more convenient for you to leave your pet the day of the initial consultation, we are happy to provide that service.
2. How do I schedule a surgery or procedure for a date other than the day after the initial consultation?
If you do not schedule your pet’s surgery or procedure on the day of the initial consultation you should call OVRA at the number listed on the back of this sheet and ask for the technician that works with the Doctor who examined your pet.
3. If I take my pet home, can my pet have food or water the night before the surgery or procedure?
In most cases, your pet may have food up until 8 pm on the day prior to hospitalization and water can be given up until the time of hospital admission. The doctor in charge of your case or their technician will tell you if different rules apply to your pet.
4. What if my pet is on special food or medications?
If your pet is on a special diet (food allergies) or takes specific medications every day, please bring these items with you for admission to the hospital for the surgery or procedure. The doctor in charge of your case or their technician will tell you if different rules apply to your pet.
5. When do I have to bring my pet to OVRA?
Unless you are instructed differently, present your pet to the OVRA front desk between 7:15 and 7:45 am on the morning of the scheduled surgery or procedure. Remember other owners will be doing the same thing; so be sure to have your pet on a leash or in a carrier. We will make every effort to complete the admission process as quickly as possible.
6. What happens when I admit my pet to the hospital?
Upon arrival you will need to pay one half of the estimate you received at the consultation. You will also need to sign consent forms for anesthesia and the surgery or procedure. You will be asked to provide us with telephone numbers where you can be reached during your pet’s stay here.
7. How will I find out the outcome of what has been done at OVRA?
The doctor will call you with the results of your pet’s procedure or surgery after it is completed. We may not be able to call immediately after the procedure or surgery is completed because your pet or other patients may be in need of attention. We will contact you as soon as possible.
8. Will my pet have to stay in the hospital over night after the surgery or procedure?
Most surgical patients will spend the night after the surgery in the hospital so that their recovery can be monitored and they can be given intravenous drugs to control any postoperative discomfort. Patients that have a diagnostic procedure done may or may not need to spend the night in the hospital.
9. Is there someone in the hospital at night?
The hospital is staffed for 24 hours a day but the night staff cannot answer the phone after 6 pm. If you would like to call and check on your pet, the phones are answered between 8 am and 6 pm.
10. When can I pick up my pet?
The doctor attending to your pet will call you and schedule an appointment time when your pet is ready to go home. Upon arrival the receptionist will collect the remaining balance of your bill.
11. Do I need to schedule any follow-up examinations and will there be additional charges at that time?
The attending doctor will tell you if any follow-up visits are necessary. There may be additional charges for any necessary rechecks or recheck x-rays.
