WHAT PREOPERATIVE EXAMINATIONS OR TESTS ARE NEEDED BEFORE A LACERATION REPAIR?
Preoperative tests depend in part on the age and general health of the animal as well as the cause of the laceration. If a sharp object or bite from another animal is the cause, simple blood tests, such as a packed cell volume or blood count, may be done prior to anesthesia. If the laceration is associated with major trauma, extensive tests such as radiographs, blood count, serum biochemical tests, a urinalysis and possibly an EKG may be necessary. Repair of the laceration may even be delayed until the animal is stabilized and more severe injuries are treated. WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS NEEDED FOR A LACERATION REPAIR? In small lacerations, anesthesia may not be needed at all. Sometimes, local anesthetic is used. Large lacerations or uncooperative patients may require general anesthesia to induce complete unconsciousness and relaxation. In this case, the pet will receive a pre-anesthetic sedative-analgesic drug to help him relax, a brief intravenous anesthetic to allow placement of a br
