We’re looking forward to seeing you and your fur friend!

We’re going to take extra special care of your pet while they’re with us; the following information is designed to help you both prepare for their upcoming procedure.

Not long now! Important tasks for your upcoming admission

Food & Drink: Feed your pet their usual dinner, but please no more food or treats after 10pm unless instructed otherwise. They can continue to have access to water overnight with this being removed first thing in the morning.

Family Reminder: Let the whole family know the plan and keep your pet in overnight to make sure they’re not getting food elsewhere. Remember, no breakfast – no matter how sweetly they ask.

Getting ready for their first night home: 

• For Feline Friends: Prepare a safe, cozy indoor space with a litter tray, bedding, food, and water. A small room works well. Rearrange furniture to prevent climbing and playful antics.
• For Doggy Friends: Set up a quiet, comfy spot like a crate or confined area to help them rest. Plan to limit stairs, jumping, and activities like getting into cars, kennels, or onto couches.

What happens if my pet eats the morning of surgery?
Get in touch with us before leaving home, as eating large amounts prior to surgery can increase the risk of vomiting and aspiration and we may need to postpone for their safety.

Our brachycephalic fur friends (e.g. French Bulldogs, Boxers and Pugs) may require special feeding and/or medications as they have a higher risk of complications due to their facial structure. Please follow any instructions provided to help reduce these risks.

Today’s the day: Arriving at the Clinic

Stress-free Admissions: We will warmly welcome you both and ask you to please leave at least 10 minutes for this appointment to support us in providing a stress-free admission.

Favourite things: Feel free to bring along a few of their favourite things, a toy and special blanket so they have something familiar during the day and when they wake up. Also bring any required medications for the day.

Our team will require a signed consent form at admission to proceed. To support this, we will walk you through the procedure including associated risks and answer any questions. Remember, anaesthetic procedures carry some risk, so it is important that you feel well-informed.

Could my pet have a bad reaction to the anaesthetic?
Like us, pets can respond differently to anaesthetics. Reactions, if any, can vary, ranging from excessive sleepiness to more serious responses. While we cannot eliminate risk, we aim to minimise it with a pre-anaesthetic exam, blood testing, fluid therapy and careful monitoring throughout their stay.

Pre-anaesthetic Blood Screening and Fluid Therapy:
Pre-anaesthetic Blood Screen: Helps us assess general health and identify
abnormalities that we are unable to detect on a physical pre anaesthetic examination. In addition, these results allow us to tailor an anaesthetic plan specific to their needs 

Intravenous Fluid Therapy (IVFT): Supports blood pressure and hydration throughout their anaesthetic procedure and aids them in recovering from the anaesthetic faster.

Your pet is in great hands! What happens next?

Pre-operative Checks: Your veterinary surgeon performing the procedure will complete a pre-anaesthetic examination to make sure your fur friend is physically healthy and any necessary blood work will be completed, and reviewed as part of their anaesthetic plan.

During the Procedure: Your pet will be given medication to relax them and keep them comfortable. Once anaesthetised, your caring veterinary nurse will monitor them throughout the procedure and throughout their recovery until they are safely awake. Once they are more alert, they’ll be offered water and some food along with lots of cuddles and reassurance.

Fur Friend Updates: Look out for fur friend updates via text or WhatsApp to put your mind at ease.

It’s time to go home!

Discharge: Our team will confirm your discharge appointment time with you after the procedure, as anaesthetic recovery times can vary, this is usually between 3pm - 5pm. Discharge instructions to support your fur friend’s post operative recovery will be explained at this appointment.

Home Care: It’s important to keep your fur friend warm, dry and in a quiet place overnight. Offer a light meal, but don’t worry if they aren’t too interested in food until the next day.

Stitches: If they have stitches, keep your pet confined (cats inside and dogs on-lead for toileting) for 10-14 days after their procedure unless instructed otherwise. This is very important to prevent exuberance or mischief that could slow healing or cause damage or infection.

My pet looks comfortable, do I need to give them the pain relief you provided?
Our fur friends are very good at hiding pain and effective pain management is an important part of their speedy recovery. Please administer all medications as instructed.

It’s a normal response for your pet to drink less and not have a bowel movement for 24-36 hours after their procedure. If concerned, you can add water to their diet by feeding wet food or moistening biscuits with water.

We are here for you!

Staying Connected: Download WhatsApp to keep in touch with our team and receive updates on your fur friend during their stay. Our team will also check in with you in the days following the procedure, however please phone, text or WhatsApp us, with any questions or concerns.