Surgery – Before and After
Surgery is stressful for both you and your pet. We have procedures in place to try and make the surgery as comfortable as possible to reduce the levels of anxiety. We will give you all the guidance required upfront such as the reason for the surgery, what it involves, the approximate cost as well as care instructions pre and post-op. We are available to answer any concerns or questions you may have prior to surgery as well as afterwards.
Appointment and Admission
Your appointment will be confirmed the day before the surgery and you will be advised on the protocols such as fasting your pet. Common protocols include;
- No food after 8pm the previous night and no water in the morning.
- Take your dog for a walk before admission so that they can empty their bowel and bladder.
Admission typically takes place early the next morning as per the appointment schedule (usually between 8am and 10am). Admission should not take long and usually you would be able to leave within 15 to 20 minutes. Discharge usually occurs later the same day and our staff will arrange a suitable time.
Before surgery, your pet will have a full health check to ensure their health is adequate to undergo anaesthesia. The most important checks being their temperature, heart and lung health. Your vet may also recommend a blood test prior to surgery. Your pet will have gas anaesthetic and will be put on an IV for the surgery and during recovery. This helps maintain hydration and blood pressure and allows for easy delivery of pain relief and other medications. The anaesthesia is closely monitored and your pet is checked using a pulse oximeter during surgery. This measures the oxygen levels as well as the heart rate. A blood pressure monitor, ECG and capnograph are also used to help make the anaesthetic safer.
After Surgery
After surgery your pet will undergo further monitoring to ensure they are stable. You will be informed of the completion of the surgery, discharge times and any post-operative instructions. You may be given a sheet with full aftercare instructions on collection of your pet. Your vet may also discuss follow up visits or further surgeries if required.
After you have taken your pet home they may have some nausea and vomiting as a side effect of the anaesthetic. You can offer food, but if they are vomiting, withhold food until the following day. If vomiting continues the following day contact your vet. Keep your pet warm and as quiet as possible for at least 1 to 2 full days after the surgery. Most pets are lethargic after surgery and up to a day later. Pain relief medication would have been given that also lasts for around 24 hours. If they appear in pain or very uncomfortable after this wears off, contact your clinic for instructions. If there is swelling more than 72 hours after the surgery or the area is discoloured or weeping, contact the clinic immediately. If there is any excessive bleeding or other fluids leaking from the surgery site, you should contact your vet. Make sure you keep the sutured area clean and dry until removal (around 10 days after surgery).
