Pre and Post Op Advice

Information to prepare you and your pet for it's operation:

  1. Please ensure no food from midnight the night before, but allow free access to water. (Rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small mammals do not need to be starved, infact it may harm them if they are).
  2. If possible please take dogs out to ‘toilet’ prior to your appointment.
  3. You may bring your pet’s favourite bedding or blanket if you wish. Rabbits are ideally brought with a small meal of their usual or favourite food.
  4. You will need to wait with your pet until it is checked and admitted. Please inform the Vet or Nurse of any change in your pet’s condition, or if you have any specific worries. You will be required to sign a consent form for the procedure and/or treatment to be carried out.
  5. Payment should be made at the time of collection. Please ask if you have not received an estimate of cost.
  6. Insured pets – please bring a completed claim form.
  7. All cats, dogs and rabbits should have been vaccinated in the last 12 months. If not, please ask, as this can sometimes be carried out at the same time.
  8. Dogs should be restrained on a secure collar and lead whilst in the surgery. Cats and other small pets must be confined safely in a carrier, basket or box for their own comfort and safety.
  9. DISCOUNTED MICROCHIPPING for £15 can often be carried out painlessly whilst your pet is asleep. (25% saving). Please request this before leaving your pet with us.
  10. Please DO ask if you require any other advice or assistance.

 CARE ADVICE FOR YOUR PET FOLLOWING AN ANAESTHETIC  AND/OR  OPERATION:

WHAT TO EXPECT

It is likely that your pet will be quieter than normal and may be happiest to be left to rest in a warm and comfortable place. Most pets will lick the site of an operation occasionally; this generally does not cause problems but if excessive please try to discourage and /or cover the wound and contact the surgery. Some fur will have been clipped from one or both front legs to give the anaesthetic or other drugs intravenously.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE OPERATION DAY:

  1. Leave water readily available.
  2. A small meal of your pet’s normal food may be given but do not worry if this is refused. Sometimes special prescription foods are needed. If so, you will be advised when you come to collect your pet.
  3. No exercise should be given but dogs should be encouraged to go outside briefly to relieve themselves.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING DAYS:

  1. Keep the wound clean and dry - avoid swimming and walks on muddy ground or in long wet grass.
  2. For dogs, give exercise on the lead, gradually increasing the number and length of walks each day as your pet settles back to normal. Any special instructions will be given to you when you collect your pet.
  3. Give any medication as directed.
  4. The cost of the surgery usually includes a planned post-operative check and stitch removal. Further dressings, treatment or complications may incur further charges. Please ask if you need an estimate of these costs.

IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE OPERATION SITE OR YOUR PET IN GENERAL PLEASE TELEPHONE THE SURGERY.