Frequently Asked Questions
.avif)
We’re Here for All of Your Questions
At your pet’s consultation, our board-certified surgeon will go over their medical history, conduct a physical exam, and explain any recommended diagnostics or surgical procedures. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of the options available.
In some cases, further testing may be recommended, such as bloodwork, CT scans, or ultrasound. When needed, our team will help arrange these diagnostics either during your visit or as a follow-up.
For many pets, surgery can often be scheduled within just a few days, based on their condition and the surgeon’s guidance. If urgent care is required, procedures may be arranged even sooner.
Yes, in most cases, your pet will remain in the hospital overnight so we can carefully monitor their recovery and manage their comfort. Our overnight veterinarian and skilled technicians are on-site to provide dedicated, compassionate care throughout the night.
Anesthesia plays a vital role in keeping your pet safe and comfortable during surgery, and it’s something we handle with the utmost care. At HVS, licensed technicians with specialized training in anesthetic monitoring administer all anesthesia. Every anesthetic plan is customized to your pet’s unique needs, considering their age, medical history, and overall health. From start to finish, throughout surgery and recovery, your pet is continuously monitored to ensure their well-being at every stage.
Many orthopedic and soft tissue surgery patients benefit from rehabilitation as part of their recovery. Our in-house rehabilitation services are designed to reduce pain, restore mobility, and support healing through personalized treatment plans. Your surgeon will let you know if physical therapy is recommended for your pet and guide you through the next steps.
The cost of care depends on the type of procedure and any additional diagnostics required. Following your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan with a clear cost estimate. We also support clients with pet insurance by providing all necessary documentation for claim submission, helping you make the most of your coverage. Please confirm with your provider what your policy includes.
Outpatient Ultrasound FAQs
An outpatient ultrasound is where your dog or cat comes into the hospital to get an ultrasound performed of their abdomen without a full doctor appointment. This is similar to outpatient imaging services in human medicine where the patient receives the imaging and the results are shared at a later time by their primary care provider.
Yes! Dr. Burns, our boarded internist, will introduce herself and then give you a brief summary of the findings at the end of the exam. The full report will be sent to your veterinarian who will help you formulate a plan for your pet based off of the ultrasound results.
The process will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
It is very important that your pet is fasted for at least 8 hours prior to the scan in order to ensure Dr. Burns can get the best images. Additionally, it is best not to let your pet urinate shortly before the exam so that the entire bladder can be well visualized. If your pet is unable to be fasted (i.e. they are under a year of age, they are diabetic, they need to receive their medications with food, etc.) please let us know ahead of time so we can best advise you on how to proceed.
Your pet will be gently placed on their back in a padded "v" shaped bed and their abdomen will be shaved. They will have alcohol followed by ultrasound gel applied to their abdomen to help ensure the images are the clearest they can be. The room is dimly lit and our team ensures a stress free environment while your pet is receiving their imaging.
Rarely! Our goal is always to perform the ultrasound on an awake patient. If our team determines your pet is getting stressed during the exam, Dr Burns will come and discuss options with you which may include returning at a future date with calming medications administered orally at home prior to the visit, or the administration of a short term injectable sedative to help your pet remain calmed and relaxed during their ultrasound so it can still be performed during the original visit.
Although your pet may be referred for a specific organ to be evaluated, our outpatient ultrasounds include the evaluation of the entire abdomen. This includes the liver and biliary tree, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, adrenal glands, pancreas, lymph nodes and mesentery. If present, the reproductive tract will be evaluated. It will also evaluate for any fluid within the abdomen.