Preparing Your Pet for Surgery

We know every pet parent has concerns before bringing their fur baby in for surgery. So, we aim to ensure you and your pet are as prepared as possible. Knowing what will happen on the day and how you can best prepare your pet will hopefully alleviate any concerns you may have. And if you do have doubts, please just contact our friendly team for a chat.

Before Surgery

Bathing: Please note that your pet will not be able to get wet for around two weeks after surgery until their sutures have been removed. Therefore, you may like to give them a bath before they are admitted.
Fasting: Just like humans it is important your pet’s stomach is empty before surgery as the anaesthetic can cause vomiting and lead to problems during recovery. Do not feed your pet after 8pm the night before the surgery. They may have a little water that evening but do not leave their water bowl out overnight. The day of surgery they are not to have any food or water. If your pet does somehow manage to get hold of food or water, please let us know to avoid serious complications.
Blood Tests: before anaesthetising your pet, the vet will perform a complete physical examination to identify any conditions which may complicate the procedure. We also recommend a blood test (particularly for pets over the age of 8) to identify any conditions which cannot be uncovered by a physical examination alone.

On The Day

We ask that you bring your pet into the clinic first thing in the morning for admission. You will be asked to sign a form authorising anaesthesia and acknowledging that surgery does carry some risks. If you have any queries or doubts, please let our staff know so we can put you at ease.

Discharging The Patient

Please note that all fees must be paid before we can discharge your pet. Our nurses will give you instructions to care for your pet when you get home. They will also book a follow up appointment to check on your pet’s recovery and to remove sutures. Any medications which have been prescribed will be given to you – please ask the nurse if you have any concerns about administering medication to your pet.

Getting Your Pet Home

Your pet may be tired and groggy from the anaesthetic so do not expect them to walk home. Please collect them with a vehicle and ensure they are secured in a carrier box so as not to damage their sutures. Once you get them home you can let them recover in a nice cosy place. If you have any concerns or doubts about your pet’s recovery, please do not hesitate to contact our team.