Things to know about surgery, procedures and dentistry for your pet
There have been many recent advances in veterinary medicine and surgery. Diagnostics, anaesthesia, monitoring and surgical techniques have been developed to help ensure your pet's smooth recovery. Please read the information below to help prepare for your pet's procedure.
Pre-surgical testing
Pre-operative testing is recommended to help us uncover any problems not readily apparent. These tests often include blood tests (blood cell counts and blood chemistry). Additional tests may include urinalysis, X-rays, abdominal or cardiac ultrasound or electrocardiogram. Any abnormalities detected may need to be corrected prior to surgery or may merely indicate a change in the choice of anaesthetic or pre-surgical treatment. In this way we can minimise surgical and anaesthetic risk. Your veterinarian will advise what testing may be appropriate for your pet and any associated additional costs.
Standards of quality
We use many of the same anaesthetic agents that are used in human surgery. Surgery is performed with the highest standards of sterility and your pet’s heart, lungs and other vital functions are closely monitored. We may recommend intravenous fluid therapy for some patients. A decision is made for each individual patient usually after the results of any pre-anaesthetic blood tests are available. These represent our normal protocols. We seek to provide high standards of quality veterinary care and will not lower them for any reason.
Pre surgery instructions
- Please give no food after midnight the evening before surgery
- Pets can have water overnight and in the morning
- DO NOT HOWEVER, restrict food or fluids for rabbits and other small mammals.
- If your pet is taking medication, give the normal dosage at the usual time unless otherwise directed. If your pet is diabetic, please ask the veterinarian for special instructions.
- Surgical patients are admitted at a specified appointment between 8.00 am and 10.00 am.
- Allow your pet exercise and time to empty bowel and bladder before being admitted unless otherwise instructed
Skin Sutures & Elizabethan Collars
If your pet licks at it's wounds there is a danger of the stitches being pulled out or infection being introduced into the wound. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure this does not occur. Owners must monitor their pet and use, where appropriate, Elizabethan collars or body covers that are a suitable size. It is often a good idea to pre-purchase collars or body covers in advance prior to the day of surgery from local pet stores or online to ensure these fit comfortably on your pet. Also you can then have your pet wear the collar for short periods to get accustomed to it. If a collar is dispensed by hospital staff every effort is made to ensure it is the correct size however owners must ensure the collar fits correctly and is not too small. It only takes a few seconds of unobserved chewing for a pet to undo its stitches which may require additional medications, surgery and financial costs. If your pet does succeed in removing any of their stitches, then please call the surgery as soon as possible.
Types of anaesthetics used
Your veterinary surgeon will determine which anaesthetic is best for your pet and for the procedure being performed. Some short procedures may be conducted under short acting anaesthetics injected while other procedures are carried out under gas anaesthesia.
Additional Treatments
Post-operative complications can occur with any procedure, which can require additional treatments and costs. During the procedure, it may be necessary to make changes or additions to a treatment or surgical plan. Anaesthetics carry some risk and in the rare and unexpected event of an emergency, our staff are trained to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Owners will need to be contactable during the day of their pet’s procedure. Unless otherwise advised by owners, when owners are NOT contactable, further treatment consistent with the best interests of the patient will be administered.
Cost of Procedures
A fully itemised estimate will be provided. Every effort is made to provide clear and accurate pricing. However, all costs are estimates only. If additional treatments as described above are required these will often result in additional costs to owners. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Payment
Full payment is required at the discharge of the patient. Pets will not be discharged till full payment is received and will accrue daily hospital charges.
Social Media
Please note - We use social media as a means of keeping our clients updated and for posting pictures of our wonderful patients. Please advise us if you do not wish for your pet to be featured.
Other considerations
When your pet is undergoing anaesthesia for one procedure it is worth considering whether the opportunity should be taken to carry out any other procedure. For example, for breeds that are prone to hip dysplasia we may advise survey X-rays of the hips during neutering surgery. For all animals this is a good time to have your pet permanently identified by the implantation of a microchip to allow identification if they are ever lost or stolen.
Home Care Pain Relief
All animals are provided with pain relief in hospital as needed. Additional take-home pain relief may be required for the immediate few days after procedures and may incur additional costs.
Finally
Be prepared to spend a few minutes with the veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse on the morning of admission as well as during discharge when your pet goes home. A pre-surgical examination may be needed, pre-anaesthetic laboratory work may be discussed and there will be an opportunity for any last minute instructions to be communicated to the surgeon. A pre-anaesthetic relaxant is normally given shortly after admission.
We really do want you to understand what we are doing and why. If you have any questions about our procedures or your pet’s condition, please don’t hesitate to ask.
You are always welcome to telephone the practice at any time to see how your pet is progressing.
We really do want you to understand what we are doing and why. If you have any questions about our procedures or your pet’s condition, please don’t hesitate to ask.
You are always welcome to telephone the practice at any time to see how your pet is progressing.