I have discussed the aforementioned surgery and the importance of pre-surgical blood testing with the referring veterinarian. I understand that there are risks and hazards involved with the recommended surgical procedure, including anesthetic risk. I realized that no guaranty or warranty can ethically or professionally be made regarding the results or cure.

I authorize the surgeons and/or associates of On the Spot Veterinary Surgeons LLC to perform surgery on my pet. I am also aware that Dr. Reynolds is not board certified. I understand that there are other board-certified surgeons in small animal available in the area.

Your pet has been recommended to receive an exploratory surgery to identify abnormal contents within the abdomen (intestinal foreign body, mass or tumor, abscess, puncture wound, etc). The objective of surgery is identify any abnormal areas or sections of organs and remove them. Oftentimes, more than one area is affected, however one specific organ or section of an organ can be affected only. The goal during surgery is to identify the abnormal contents within the abdomen and remove all or most of the abnormal contents or section of intestine that might be affected. This may require numerous incisions within the intestine or organ or removing a section of intestine or entire organ. Other organs within the abdomen can be affected and may need to be removed as well. (Gastrointestinal tract, Urinary tract, Liver, Spleen, Pancreas)

Many different surgical techniques are available to the surgeon but using a variety of suture or electrosurgical techniques (Ligasure), the abnormal section will be removed or debulked as necessary. Other intestinal organ biopsies may be warranted. Although every effort is made to prevent or minimize complications, any surgery near these important structures are not without complications.

The biggest complication of exploratory surgery is dehiscence of the intestinal anastomosis site or hemorrhage from mass removal or debulking. It is critical that your pet should have an e-collar placed postoperatively to avoid issues with suture. Additionally, strict confined, controlled activity (leash activity only) is imperative for several weeks till defect has healed from surgery.

Postoperative swelling or pain should be brought to the prompt and immediate attention of your veterinarian.

The undersigned owner or authorized agent of admitted patient hereby authorize the admiring veterinarian (and his/her designated associates or assistants) to administer such treatment as is necessary to perform the below-mentioned procedure. The nature of the procedure(s) has been explained to me and no guarantee has been made as to results or cure. I understand that there may be risk involved in these procedures.

I consent to the administration of such anesthetics or tranquilizers as are necessary.

Anesthetic Risks: Although every effort is made to make anesthesia as safe as possible including vital sign monitoring and use of the most up to date anesthetic agents and equipment, I understand that anesthesia carries inherent risks. The incidence of complications from anesthesia is extremely low and we do not anticipate any complications in your pet but on rare occasions the following can occur:
1. Allergic reaction to the anesthetic agents 2. Heart rhythm abnormalities 3. Untoward reactions to the gas including drops in blood pressure or respiratory difficulties.

Procedure: Abdominal exploratory (intestinal incision, resection and anastomosis, organ removal-spleen, lymph node, liver lobe, etc, biopsies of multiple organs)
Major Surgical Risks: 1. Dehiscence (suture breakdown) of the repair site necessitating additional repair 2. Hemorrhage 3. Infection, usually seen in the first few days