Article Release: Issue 7
Release Date: August 7, 2024
Written By: Laura Hernandez, Veterinary Assistant

Your Pet’s Overnight Care at Animal Surgical Center: A Focus on Comfort and Safety

Dropping off your best friend at the hospital, especially for an overnight stay, can be a nerve-wracking experience. Many pet parents worry about what happens to their pet after hours—concerned about their comfort, wondering if they’re scared, or feeling anxious about the care they’re receiving. Rest assured, at Animal Surgical Center, we are dedicated to the needs of your pet throughout the night, providing constant monitoring, love, and cuddles as essential aspects of their care.

We are pleased to introduce Nicole Volpe, a licensed veterinary technician and a devoted member of our overnight staff. Nicole was kind enough to share insights into her role and what it’s like to work the overnight shift at ASC.

What is the Most Difficult Part of Your Job?

Nicole shared that the most challenging part of her job is when she can’t fully comfort a patient. “There are times when, no matter what we do, we just cannot take away the pain, stress, anxiety, or fear. They don’t understand us, and some patients just can’t trust strangers,” she explained.

It’s also difficult when there’s no way to fix a pet’s condition. “When you’ve put your blood, sweat, and tears into trying to save a pet, and there’s just nothing more we can do—it’s the hardest thing to accept. It stays with me, even after my shift ends,” Nicole added.

Why is it Important for You to Stay Overnight?

Staying overnight with our patients is one of the most crucial roles at ASC. The recovery period following anesthesia and invasive procedures is a critical time for pets. Being there overnight, constantly monitoring their condition, can sometimes be the difference between life and death.

Nicole takes pride in being the person who identifies subtle changes in a patient’s condition and alerts the doctor to adjust the treatment plan. “It’s incredibly satisfying to finish my shift knowing my patients are looking and feeling better than when I started,” she said.

In Case of an Emergency, What Actions Do You Take?

In an emergency, it’s all hands on deck. The overnight team at ASC, including doctors in the ICU, acts immediately as soon as a patient’s condition requires urgent attention. “I’ve seen a pet’s condition decline rapidly, and because we’re there, we can take action immediately. This is why having an overnight technician and doctor is so vital—it can literally be a matter of life or death,” Nicole explained.

Does Medical Care Look Different for an Overnight Shift?

Medical care during the overnight shift is particularly critical for pets recovering from surgery. The first 12-24 hours post-procedure are essential in setting the stage for the entire recovery process. During this time, the overnight team closely monitors the pet’s mentation, pain levels, and stress or anxiety.

Nicole explained, “We keep a close eye on their urination and defecation, ensuring incision sites are clean and free of any oozing. We also monitor intravenous fluids, making sure catheters are functioning correctly, and administer necessary medications, including pain relief and anti-anxiety meds, to keep stress to a minimum.”

Some pets require extra monitoring, which can include continuous EKGs, blood pressure checks, blood sugar monitoring, or other bloodwork throughout the night. “The overnight shift is not just about watching pets after surgery. We actively treat and monitor our patients for any changes in their condition, no matter how big or small,” Nicole said.

The team adjusts treatment plans based on how each pet is recovering, knowing that every pet and procedure is unique. “We must always expect the unexpected, so we can be proactive rather than reactive. It’s better to watch too closely than to miss something that could change the course of a pet’s life,” she emphasized.

For More Information

At Animal Surgical Center, we understand how stressful it can be to leave your pet in someone else’s care, especially overnight. Our dedicated team, including skilled veterinary technicians like Nicole, ensures that your pet receives the best possible care during their recovery. If you’d like to learn more about our overnight care or any of our other services, please visit our website. Follow us on social media @animalsurgicalcenter for updates, stories, and insights into our daily work.

With Compassion and Care,
The ASC Team