Growth Removal Release Form

Larger and more attached growths are best performed under anesthesia. Anesthesia allows for the growth and surrounding tissues to be removed. The outer layer of the skin will be closed with surgical staples or sutures. Postoperative care includes restricted exercise for 14 days, daily visual checks of the incision(s) for inflammation and discharge, and protection from contaminants such as dirt, saliva, and water. The incision must stay dry, i.e. no bathing or swimming. If external sutures are used, a suture removal is usually scheduled for 10-14 days from the surgery date. Often absorbable internal sutures or surgical "glue" is used so a suture removal is not needed. Post-surgical complications are rare, and may include, but are not limited to, hemorrhage and tissue reactions to suture material.

Before performing any procedure that requires anesthesia, blood work is run to confirm your pet’s overall health. This can reveal certain health conditions that could put your pet at risk while under anesthesia. Typically, this blood work is completed before the day of surgery for the best surgical and medical planning. There may be situations where we perform this blood work here at our hospital on the day of the surgery. If the results are abnormal, the doctor will contact you regarding treatment options.

A leg is shaved for an intravenous catheter that is placed prior to surgery for direct access to the vein in the event of any complications. Intravenous fluids are also given during surgery to support normal physiologic functions. Our doctors routinely provide an injection of a 24-hour pain reliever at the time of surgery. Additional medication is given post-operatively for your pet to take at home along with an e-collar.

My signature on this form indicates that any questions I have regarding the following issues have been answered to my satisfaction:

• The reasonable medical and/or surgical treatment options  for my pet  
• Sufficient details of the procedure to understand what will  be performed  
• How fully my pet will recover and how long it will take 
• The estimate of the fees for all services

Financial responsibilities for services are due at the time of discharge. I also understand that Cranston Animal Hospital is not staffed 24 hours a day, and after-hour treatment of patients is at the discretion of the veterinarian.

I, the undersigned owner, or agent of the pet named above, certify that I am 18 years of age or older and authorize the veterinarians of Cranston Animal Hospital to treat or perform needed procedures on my animal. You are to use all reasonable precautions against pain, injury, or escape of my animal. You will not be held liable or responsible in any manner for unforeseen incidents or accidents caused by the care, treatment, or safekeeping of my pet. It is thoroughly understood that I assume all risks, and that some risks always exist with anesthesia. As with any general anesthetic procedure, there is a slight risk of an Idiopathic (unknown cause) Anesthetic Reaction (IAR), in rare situations that may be serious and result in death. IAR is thought to be a cardiac hypersensitivity when given the anesthetic at its accepted and standard dosage. IAR has no predisposing factors, does not appear to favor one breed or species over the other. It is not revealed in standard screening tests, thus making it impossible to predict in advance.