What to expect before and after surgery.

Pre and post operative information

Prior to your pet having surgery they will have a health check with one of our vets, a date will then be arranged for your pet to come in for surgery.

Before the surgery

It is very important that your pet has nothing to eat for an appropriate amount of time prior to their procedure. Cats must be kept in overnight to ensure this is the case.

For adult animals this is 6 to 8 hours, we ask that you take your pet’s food away at or before MIDNIGHT the night before the operation but still allow full access to water. For ferrets and young puppies and kittens, the maximum period food should be withheld is 4 hours, this may mean feeding your pet a small light meal early on the morning of their procedure. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small mammals do not need to be starved, in fact it may harm them if they are. However, please check with your vet or nurse for specific advice for your pet’s age and species.

On the morning of the operation, please allow dogs the opportunity to empty their bladder and bowels, however, please avoid allowing them to get wet or muddy.

On the day of surgery

Dogs must have a collar and lead on when brought to the surgery and these must be adjusted so they cannot be slipped. Cats and other small mammals must be brought to the surgery in a suitable, secure carrier.

You may bring your pet’s favourite bedding or blanket if you wish. For rabbits and guinea pigs, if possible, please bring in a small selection of hutch items and bedding with a familiar smell to provide some home comforts. If they are strongly bonded to another rabbit or guinea pig, it may be worth considering bringing them in together to provide moral support as well as reducing the risk of rejection when returned back home.

For rabbits and guinea pigs please pack a lunch box. Providing some of their favourite food will allow us to tempt feeding as soon as they are awake. The sooner they start to eat the faster and better the recovery.

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.

If your pet is on any medication, prescribed or otherwise, please discuss this with the vet prior to the procedure.

You will be required to sign a consent form for the procedure or treatment to be carried out.

If your pet is insured, please bring a completed claim form.

After (post) operation

Your pet will stay with us, at the surgery, until they have fully recovered, and we have arranged a time for collection.

Your pet is likely to be drowsy for 24 to 36 hours. Keep him or her in a comfortable bed or basket away from draughts and noise.

For dogs and cats we advise you to feed your pet small light meals in the initial 24 hour post operative period. Their appetite should return to normal within a few days. Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small mammals should be fed as normal post operatively and the amount they are eating should be closely monitored.

Give any medication as directed.

Exercise should be restricted at least until your pet’s final post-operative check up. This includes no running, jumping, playing, swimming, or other strenuous activity. The nurses can advise you further on this.

We advise that you check the surgical site twice daily. There is no need for you to bathe the area, but it is very important that you prevent your pet from licking it. A buster collar or medical pet shirt can be provided to prevent this.

The cost of your surgery includes two post operative checks with a nurse. Please be aware that bandage changes, repeat surgeries and extra medication will incur additional charges.