For Veterinarians

Refer a Case

If you are a veterinarian or veterinary staff member seeking surgical consultation for one of your patients, please complete the form below and Dr. Brower or a member of his staff will contact you shortly.

Primary Care Veterinarian Information

Vet's First Name

Vet's Last Name

Hospital

Phone

Client/Pet Parent Information

Client's First Name

Client's Last Name

Hospital

Phone

Pet Information

Pet's Name

Age

Breed

Sex/Neuter Status

Reason for Referral

Applicable Medical History

Please upload any relevant documents, including records, lab work, radiographs, reports, or other materials related to the case:

Pre-Surgical Checklist

Labwork

Bloodwork (CBC, serum chemistry, electrolytes) +/- urinalysis is recommended for all patients, prior to general anesthesia. For young healthy patients, bloodwork may be performed up to 4 weeks in advance of the procedure. For geriatric and/or ill patients, labwork should be performed within 2 days of surgery. Specific lab tests (such as a coagulation profile) may be recommended for certain patients, depending on the disease process and the surgery being performed. Please contact Dr. Brower and his team for any questions on the recommended diagnostic tests prior to surgery.

Diagnostic Imaging

For orthopedic cases, radiographs should be obtained prior to the scheduled surgery date if possible.

For surgical oncology cases, thoracic +/- abdominal radiographs are recommended prior to surgery. In some cases, abdominal ultrasound may be recommended in place of radiographs.

Skin

It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive skin examination of the patient before any orthopedic procedures. Signs of infection or lesions can elevate the risk of surgical infection, potentially leading to the cancellation or postponement of the surgery. If the patient has a history of allergies, pyoderma, or active lesions, a two-week course of antibiotics should be considered, with the final dose given no later than 24 hours before the surgery.

Day of Surgery

Release Form

Surgical and Anesthesia release form should be completed and signed by the client at the time of patient drop-off.

Operating Room

Please ensure that operating room equipment (lights, anesthesia machine, oxygen, monitoring equipment) and patient monitoring equipment are functioning properly. We will also double check these items prior to surgery. In order to mitigate any risk of infection, please confirm that the surgical table, lights, and floors have been cleaned with a broad-spectrum disinfectant prior to the start of the procedure.

Patient Care

Prior to the arrival of Dr. Brower and his team, please obtain patient vitals, confirm that all diagnostic tests have been performed (labwork and radiographs) and an IV catheter is placed. Prior to surgery, Dr. Brower will review all data (if not already done so) and communicate with the client as indicated.

Postoperative Care

Dr. Brower will speak with the pet parent after surgery and provide written medical records (examination findings, surgical report, communications, and discharge instructions) for the patient file.

Administration of postoperative pain medications, antibiotics, placement of E-collar, monitoring of anesthetic recovery, and coordination of a discharge time are expected to be performed by the hospital staff.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Barry Brower offers surgery and surgical consultations at general practice animal hospitals throughout South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Martin, and St. Lucie counties.