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Operations take place daily. Routine operations are performed Monday – Friday. Patients are usually admitted between 8.00am-8.30am. Procedures take place throughout the day. Depending on the type of surgery, in most cases your pet will be able to come home the same day. At discharge, one of our nurses will discuss with you how to care for your pet after an operation and arrange check up appointments where necessary.
General Anaesthesia
What you need to know
Our anaesthetic methods have been developed to achieve the safest conditions for your pet to undergo surgery. You will be given an appointment, usually between 8am-8.30am, on the day of the anaesthetic [this may be later for afternoon procedures] One of our nurses will discuss the procedure with you and discuss any anxieties you may have about the procedure. The nurse will ask you a few questions relating to your pet’s general health, when the last food and water was taken and will also ask you to sign a consent form for the procedure.
Pre-anaesthetic blood testing
A pre-anaesthetic blood test checks the function of the Liver and Kidneys. It also counts the red and white blood cells and gives an overall general health picture of your pet. Owners with cats and dogs, having a general anaesthetic, will be offered the option of having a pre-anaesthetic blood test. This is usually taken on the morning of the procedure, after the nurse has admitted your pet. The results are examined by a vet, before the procedure takes place. The vast majority of fit and healthy animals display normal test results. In some cases test results can indicate underlying health issues. This is not unusual for older pets. In these cases a vet will discuss the results with you before proceeding with an anaesthetic. In many cases the recommendation is to administer a saline drip for the duration of the procedure and recovery phase. This helps to support blood circulation to the liver and kidneys during the procedure. Any recommended treatment will be discussed with you before proceeding with an anaesthetic. Additional charges are made for these services. Please ask the nurse for an estimate.
Pre-anaesthetic examination
Before an anaesthetic is administered your pet will have an examination by a vet, who will assess any factors that may influence the anaesthetic. A pre-med injection is usually administered at this stage. This provides pain relief and a mild sedative to help reduce anxiety. An intravenous catheter will be placed in a vein on the front leg. The anaesthetic agent is injected into the patient through this catheter and this catheter is maintained throughout the anaesthetic and recovery phase.
General anaesthesia
The anaesthetic agents we use are considered to be the safest available and meet the “Gold Standard” for veterinary anaesthesia.Once given the anaesthetic injection your pet will have a tube passed into the windpipe. This is connected to a machine which delivers oxygen and anaesthetic gas, this maintains the anaesthetic. A nurse will monitor your pet using modern anaesthetic monitoring equipment. The nurse will assist the vet in caring for your pet throughout the procedure and recovery phase.
What are the risks?
In general anaesthesia, adverse reactions are rare. Before any anaesthetic procedure takes place your pet will have a full health examination and where appropriate, a pre-anaesthetic blood test. In fit and healthy animals the risks are minimal. The very young, the very old and sick animals have a slightly greater risk. Each anaesthetic patient will be assessed according to their health and circumstances. You will be advised throughout and allowed to make informed decisions about your pet’s treatment. We will discuss any anxieties you may have before any procedure takes place.
The general anaesthetic fees include:- Pre-anaesthetic examination, Pre-medication drugs, Anaesthetic agents, Anaesthetic monitoring, Recovery food pack, Follow up consultation with a nurse or vet [where necessary] Suture removal consultation [where necessary]
The day of the procedureCheck list:-
- Please withhold food for ……… hours prior to the general anaesthetic. Ensure water is available at all times.
- Keep cats in over night prior to an anaesthetic and provide a litter tray.
- Please ensure your dog has been allowed to urinate and defaecate before admission.
- Please inform the nurse, at admission, of any special dietary requirements or medication required by your pet.
Please note - Ensure you are contactable throughout the day of the procedure. The nurse will confirm a contact number with you at admission. All fees are payable at the time of collection.
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