petdoctor

A Cornelia veterinarian explores rich memories of becoming a veterinarian, her veterinary education,and people and places along the way. Gain insights into the daily life of a small animal veterinarian in northeast Georgia.

Monday, February 01, 2010

My Surgery at Northeast Veterinary Hospital

Hi! my name is Charlotte, this is a very important day for me. I had an ovariohysterectomy (OHE) or "spay" surgery performed by Dr. Nelms at Northeast Veterinary Hospital in Cornelia, GA. This surgery will prevent unwanted litters of kittens, seasonal "heat" cycles, and bad infections or problems as I get older.

My day started early when Dr. Nelms and the nursing staff made sure I was healthy enough to have surgery. They really looked me over carefully and took blood samples for tests. These blood tests help them uncover any problems I may have that they could not see on my outsides. It didn't hurt at all.

Next, a veterinary nurse put a small needle in my arm that she called a catheter. She was very nice and told me what she was doing. Then, I got fluids through the IV catheter. They bragged about how good I was being. I had a shot that caused me to be very sleepy, and I also had something for pain. Dr. Nelms told me that I would become very sleepy, and that when I woke up the surgery would be over. She told me that a nurse would watch me very carefully during the surgery and computers would check my heart rate and rhythm (EKG), the oxygen levels in my blood (pulse oximeter), my temperature, my blood pressure, and the nurse would record everything and keep a close watch over me while I slept.

She also told me I would have a breathing tube in my mouth for oxygen and the anesthetic gas, and that it might make my throat a little sore. It seemed like only a few minutes until I woke up, but of course it was longer. I was being held by the nice nurse, and everyone was coming by to pat my head & speak to me. It felt wonderful all warm in my fleece blanket. I loved the attention. Dr. Nelms smiled at me and bragged on what a terrific patient I was.

I felt pretty good to have just had surgery, I guess that was what all the medications were for to keep me comfortable. The nurse told me I would continue to take pain medication for the next few days at home. I had a little bandage on my leg where the catheter had been. Later, I would have a light meal. Boy! Was I hungry. I had not eaten since the night before.

The nurse told me that if I continued to be a good kitty that I would be going home the next day. They telephoned my "mom" to let her know that I was fine. I could hear her voice on the phone. She sounded relieved. So that was my day. Everyone at NEVH made me feel so special!