Preparing you Pet for Surgery

Pre Operative Preparation

  • Please ensure your pet receives no food after 8pm the day before your appointment. Do leave drinking water freely available overnight.
  • Your dog will be more comfortable if allowed a short walk for toileting before arrival at the clinic.
  • Please ensure cats are kept indoors from the night before the surgical procedure.
  • If your pet is currently on medication it should be given the evening before the surgery, but withheld on the morning of the surgery. If your pet has a special condition e.g. diabetes, epilepsy which requires on-going medication then please contact us or your veterinary surgeon.

Post Operative Information

  • After any anaesthetic/sedation your pet is likely to be drowsy for 24-36 hours. Please keep your pet comfortable and away from draughts and noise.  During anaesthesia you pet will have an endo-tracheal tube placed, this can occasionally cause a slight cough which normally resolves within 24 hours.  All patients receiving anaesthesia/sedation will have a catheter placed in their fore or hind limb and this will require a small area to be shaved.  Your pet may be discharged with a pressure dressing which can be removed that evening.
  • Vomitting may occur after the first meal post op, a light palatable meal (chicken/fish/rice/pasta) in a small portion will reduce the likelihood of this happening.
  • Wounds/incisions will need to be checked daily but not bathed.  To prevent irritation, inflammation and infection prevent your pet from licking the wounds/incisons by using an Elizabethan collar or a bandage.
  • Bandages/dressing should be kept clean and dry at all times. Bandages on paws can be protected using a sturdy plastic bag while outside.
  • Depending on the surgery performed and the duration of anaesthesia some animals may need to stay in overnight at the clinic.

Cancellations

Please note that we require at least 2 days notice for cancellations of our specialist surgical procedures. If you are unable to attend your surgical procedure, we would be grateful if you could let us know as soon as possible, so we have the opportunity of bringing other appointments forward and lowering the waiting time for other owners.

If your pet is insured

Please contact your insurance company prior to your surgical procedure to establish the level of cover remaining on your policy for your pet’s condition, also remember to bring your policy documents and a valid claim form with you. We aim to process claim forms promptly so that your insurance company can reimburse you swiftly.

We respectfully require all accounts to be settled on collection of the patient.