What Will Happen Next?
Your veterinarian has recommended a surgical procedure – what happens now?
Depending on how urgent your pets procedure is, surgery may be recommended on the day of your initial appointment or re-scheduled for a day that is more suitable.
Your veterinarian will discuss at length the procedure they recommend and you will generally be given an estimate of costs. It is important to realize that not all medical issues are easy to manage and rarely is all the information about a pets condition known prior to surgery. As a result the cost may vary on the day. Where possible you will be contacted to advise of any changes to the procedure and to the cost, if any.
What to expect prior to your pet's scheduled surgery
When setting up an appointment for your pet’s surgery, you will likely be given some instructions to ensure a smooth and successful day
- You may be asked to with-hold food from the night before surgery
- Follow instructions carefully - some pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs are generally not fasted
- You may have medications to give prior to surgery
- Arrive for your booking at least 15 minutes early
- Finally try and relax, your pet is in the safest possible hands
What to expect on the day of your pet's surgery
Did I say arrive early? ……. Arrive early for your appointment, at least 15 minutes.
You will have a scheduled appointment time with the veterinarian but here is a lot to do. The admission process will normally take around 30 minutes, there are anaesthetic consent forms to complete and sign and you will also be required to provide a 50% deposit of the estimated cost. Your time to ask questions and voice concerns with the veterinarian will be reduced if you are not on time as our schedule is often very tight.
Once admitted your pet will;
- Undertake a second full examination
- Receive any pre-anaesthetic tests required
- Be sedated to calm and relax them
- Be administered a safe and modern anaesthetic
- Receive a dedicated staff member to monitor their vital signs
- Be kept warm and comfortable using a special patient warmer
Once the surgery is over and the anaesthetic is finished your pet is allowed to wake up in a quiet area to recover. They will be monitored by their assigned staff member until he/she is able to move around safely on his own. This may take several hours. Where possible we will given you a call to let you know how their recovery has gone and when it is safe for them to go home. Although you will be anxious to take your pet home, it is best for them to stay in the hospital where they can be closely monitored until the veterinarian feels it is safe for them to leave.