Examinations:

Surgical Procedure Pricing:

There are differences in the quality of care before, during, and after a surgical procedure. Common surgeries such as Ovariohysterectomy (Spay) and Orchiectomy (Neuter) prices can vary considerably from neighboring hospitals. Below is a list of supplies, techniques, and procedures in which Dr. Brooks and the staff utilize to provide safe and comfortable surgery protocols for our patients.

• Pre-anesthetic blood testing - Evaluates the patient’s ability to metabolize anesthetics.
• IV catheter and fluids - A catheter allows us to give injections and fluids comfortably in the vein. It becomes a vital life line if there are any complications. IV fluids support circulation and blood pressure during anesthesia.
• Pre-anesthetic pain medications - Pain medications used early on allows us to use lower doses of anesthetics and prevents pain ‘wind up’. Treating pain before it occurs is vital to controlling pain.
• Sevoflurane inhalant anesthetic - Sevoflurane has been used in human medicine since 1995 (especially pediatrics). It is rapidly metabolized by the body which allows the body to rapidly respond to adjustments in the gas anesthesia.
• New, sterile surgical gloves, cap, mask, - We never reuse gloves, needles or syringes. We feel these things are necessary to help prevent contamination and infections.
• Heated Surgery table - Maintaining the body temperature helps a patient feel more comfortable and supports normal metabolism during anesthesia.
• Electronic Monitoring of patient temperature, heart rate, respiration, ECG, and oxygenation of the patient’s blood - Electronically monitoring these vital signs show possible conditions quickly, so we can respond to it appropriately.
• Trained veterinary assistant providing human monitoring of each patient - Machines cannot completely replace having a trained assistant available to monitor the well being of a patient.
• Sterile instrument pack and drape for each patient - Surgery packs are not shared among patients.
• Laser incisions - Laser incisions have less pain and less bleeding because the laser seals nerve ending and small blood vessels.
• Postoperative Pain Medication - Omitting pain medication is not an option at Wicomico Veterinary Hospital.

Surgery prices are based upon type of surgery, species, and weight. For the safety of staff and hospitalized patients, all hospitalized patients must be current on vaccinations and free of fleas and ticks.

The Cost of Veterinary Healthcare

The cost of veterinary healthcare has actually risen very little in the last 20 to 30 years. When compared to the cost of human healthcare, pet healthcare is not at all unreasonable. Keep in mind that your veterinarian is not only your pet's physician, but also its surgeon, radiologist, dentist, dermatologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, psychiatrist, ear/nose/throat doctor, and pharmacist. Your bill is a reflection of the cost of maintaining remarkable facilities, equipment, and support personnel to provide the level of care that is expected in animal medicine today. Unlike our counterparts in human medicine, we receive no financing or grants from federal or state agencies.