02/11/2026
Same morning. Same hospital. Two very different experiences.
The dog on the left was a rescue that visited us for a spay. The dog on the right is a client-owned pet here for a routine dental cleaning. What you’re seeing isn’t a difference in care. It’s the difference that pre-surgical medications can make.
For our clients, we require a Comfort Package designed to reduce fear, stress, and nausea before surgery. This includes the medications Trazodone and Gabapentin given the night before and again prior to drop-off. They are also given Cerenia to help prevent nausea from pre-surgical injections and anesthesia. The result? A calmer, more comfortable patient during what can an already be a stressful day.
In rescue medicine, we don’t always have the same flexibility to use every protocol due to cost constraints but every patient still receives safe, thoughtful, and compassionate care. This video simply highlights how impactful pre-surgical medications can be when they’re an option.
A calmer pet means a safer experience for them and the veterinary team and most importantly, a better start to their surgical day.