Operations/Procedures

If you've booked in for an operation

Your pet is going to have a general anaesthetic

Please bring your pet into surgery between 8.30 – 9.00 am on the day of the procedure (unless otherwise specified by the vet or nurse).

Our primary concern is always your pet's wellbeing and every effort is made to ensure that the whole procedure is as stress-free as possible for patient and owner.

What to do at home before your appointment:

  • If your able, bathing or cleaning dogs the day before they come in for their procedure and washing pet bedding ready for your pets return.
  • Take your dog out in the morning so they can pass faeces and urine.
  • Cats should be kept in the previous night to ensure they have not eaten.

Food and Water:

  • It is fine for your pet to continue to have water down overnight and up to your admit at the surgery.
  • If your pet requires starving for the procedure, please adjust their normal routine by giving their last evening meal at the later time of 8pm the night before admission.
  • NO FOOD is to be given after this time.
  • If your pet is very young or very elderly the recommendations may be different, so please ask one of our team if you are unsure. If you do find that your pet has managed to eat something, be sure to tell us: often it is possible to change the appointment.

What happens on the day?

When your pet is admitted, you will be asked to sign a consent form. Please read it before signing. Please ensure you leave a daytime contact number where we can speak to you if needed.

  • On the morning of your pet’s procedure we will admit your pet with a nurse and gain an accurate weight for your pet. They will answer any questions you may have about the day and take some details from you.
  • Once admitted a vet will perform a clinical exam on your pet and check that they are fit for surgery.
  • We may recommend your pet has a pre-operative blood test; for all cats over 8 years and all dogs over 6 years to check organ function or if they need additional support such as intravenous fluids.
  • Your pet will then receive their premedication, which includes an injection to reduce anxiety and relax muscles and some pain relief.
  • Your pet will have a nurse who stays with them throughout the procedure to monitor. We use General Anaesthetics or Sedations tailored to your pets specific needs.
  • After the procedure your pet is returned to their kennel for recovery, where the nursing team monitor them for a smooth and stress free recovery.
  • Once fully awake we offer your pet some food if appropriate. Please let us know if your pet has any specific feeding requirements.

It is our policy to offer the utmost care for your pets at all times. All anaesthetics are monitored by the attending nurse who is present at all times during the procedure. Modern monitoring is used during the procedure and anaesthetics are chosen to suit the individual animal. We routinely give analgesics (pain-killers) to all pets that have surgery on the day of the operation. An extended course may prescribed, if we anticipate post-operative pain).

All anaesthetic techniques and surgical procedures involve some degree of risk to the animal. In order to protect the welfare of the animals under our care; in the unlikely event of an emergency, or where additional pain relief or sedation may be required, a veterinary surgeon may decide to use medicines that are not authorized in animals. Consent for this is given upon admit. Please ask any staff member if you need any more information or wish to discuss this further.

Do not hesitate to discuss any details of your pet’s planned treatment with the vet or nurse. It may be possible to have other treatments (e.g. nails clipped etc.) under the same anaesthetics.

Payment for operations is expected on collection of your pet. If you are claiming on insurance policies please bring details of your insurance and a claim form at the time of collection.