For Veterinarians

For Veterinarians

Dr. Nicholson provides surgical services at primary care veterinary hospitals. Please call 703.662.0229 or contact us if you would like to discuss or schedule a case. After discussion, an estimate of services will be provided and surgery will be scheduled. Please complete a referral form (PDF).

 

Preoperative Diagnostics
Please provide a full patient history. Routine lab work (CBC, chemistry panel, and urinalysis) is recommended for all patients at least one month prior to general anesthesia.
Any radiographs should show positioning with a calibration marker and be sent for review. Three view thoracic radiographs for metastasis check are recommended for any patient with concern for neoplasia.
Additional diagnostics may be recommended or required for certain patients.

Anesthesia and Pain Management
The primary care hospital will provide a licensed veterinary technician to monitor anesthesia unless other arrangements have been made.
We strongly encourage the use of pain constant rate infusions as well as epidurals and local anesthetic blocks as a part of the pain management protocol. Dr. Nicholson will gladly help administer and instruct on the administration of these pain management interventions. Here is a helpful link with further information: vasg.org.
Post-operative medications will be prescribed by the primary care veterinarian.
A typical post-operative protocol:

  1. NSAID or equivalent (Galliprant) if clinically appropriate for 2-3 weeks.
  2. Gabapentin 10-20 mg/kg PO every 8 hours for 2-3 weeks.
  3. Tramadol 3-5mg/kg PO every 8 hours if pain is not well controlled.
  4. Antibiotics:
    • For patients with an implant – cephalexin or cefpodoxime for one week
  5. Anxiolytics or sedatives if indicated
     

Postoperative Diagnostics
Follow up examinations and radiographs will be provided by the primary care veterinarian. Radiographs and follow-up examination records should be sent to the attention of Dr. Nicholson for review. A written report and recommendations will be made regarding the radiographs for the owner and your records.