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 (Dr. Reynolds) 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 diagnosed with a luxating patella that needs surgical repair. Orthopedic surgery is a combination of both art and science and the orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your pet’s radiographs and determine the best method of repair given your pet’s age, extent of luxation, underlying joint confirmation, and the home environment for post-surgical rehabilitation. The surgeon may utilize one or more methods of repair depending upon the joint. This can include other torn or stretched ligaments, meniscal damage (cartilage), rotation of the tibial crest, and stretching of the joint capsule. The goal of any orthopedic surgery is fast return to function of the injured joint. In most cases, there will be no complications and your pet’s joint will heal fully in 8-12 weeks. After fully discussing the planned surgical procedure and associated risks with your doctor or the surgeon, please sign the consent for surgery below:

The undersigned owner or authorized agent of admitted patient hereby authorizes the admitting 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, understand that anesthesia has inherent risks). The incidence of complications from anesthesia is extremely low and we do not anticipate any 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
4. Just like in humans, on very rare occasions, general anesthesia can result in death.

I consent to the following surgical procedure(s): Patella Luxation Repair, Joint Imbrication, and possible Tibial Crest Transposition.

Surgical Risks Include: 1. Infection (less than 3%) which may require additional testing and medication at an additional cost. 2. Blood clots that can lodge in major organs causing stroke or rarely death. 3. Re-luxation of the patella (up to 5-10% in more severe cases) but most have a lower grade of luxation and no pain. 4. Allergic reaction to the suture material utilized in the repair causing a seroma to form (small pocket of fluid) which usually resolve over time without drainage or surgery. 5. Advancing arthritis that makes the joint stiff and sore, especially after exercise or in cold weather. 6. Implant failure, migration, or loosening if tibial crest is transposed (especially if pet is overactive). 7. If utilized in a tibial crest transposition, the metal pin can sometimes protrude into the back of the joint after the bone is healed and cause slight discomfort and lameness. Removing the pin with sedation and a local anesthetic at no cost is sometimes necessary to alleviate the discomfort. 8. Pivot shift which results in stifle turning out while walking. In most cases, this is temporary and causes no problems if it persists. 9. Epidural complications are extremely rare but include transient (temporary) urinary retention, allergic reaction, itching at site of injection and transient rear leg weakness for 1-2 days.

Strict adherence to post-surgical care and medicating of your pet will minimize these potential complications and serious problems are very uncommon in most cases.