A Guide to Your Pet's Surgery Day

First things first—try not to worry! Your beloved companion is in safe hands, and we’ll care for them every step of the way.

Your veterinarian will have already discussed the procedure with you and likely advised that your pet should have no food after 8pm the night before surgery.

Arrival at the Clinic:
At the scheduled time, bring your pet on a lead or in a secure carrier. Dogs should be encouraged to go to the toilet beforehand. Once you arrive, we will: 

• Confirm all details with you

• Answer any questions you have

• Explain the procedure

• Explain the estimated cost

• Obtain your written consent

• Admit your pet

Next, our vets perform a pre-surgery health check, including taking temperature, listening to the heart and lungs, and a full physical examination. If your pet has any pre-existing conditions or other concerns, these will be carefully reviewed. If there is a significant concern, the surgery will only go ahead after you and the vet have discussed and agreed it’s safe.

Pre-Medication:
Your pet will receive a small injection under the skin containing a sedative and pre-emptive pain relief. No procedure is done without ensuring your pet is comfortable, calm, and pain-free.

Preparing for Surgery:
Your pet will rest in a cozy kennel while the sedative takes effect, usually about 20 minutes. Once ready, they are moved to the treatment bench, a small patch of hair is trimmed from a forelimb, and an IV cannula is inserted for fluids and medications. Through this line, the vet safely induces general anaesthesia, and a breathing tube is placed. Gaseous anaesthesia is maintained, and the fur around the surgical site is clipped.

During Surgery:
The patient is then transferred to a sterile surgical theatre and positioned for the procedure. Because anaesthesia was induced prior to these steps, your pet feels no discomfort or stress. The surgical area is sterilized before the first incision.

The surgeon uses the same strict sterile techniques as human hospitals, including antibacterial hand scrubbing and sterile gloves and gown. Only sterilized instruments and the patient are touched until the procedure is complete.

Your pet may receive additional medications during surgery, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, local anaesthetic, or long-acting pain relief. Fluids are given to maintain blood pressure and protect internal organs.

Recovery:
After the final stitch, anaesthesia is stopped, and your pet is gently moved to a recovery area. The nurse monitors them closely until they begin to wake and can swallow safely, at which point the breathing tube is removed.

We continue monitoring for a few hours to ensure a smooth recovery and arrange any take-home medications or additional pain relief. If appropriate, food and water are offered after the fast.

Going Home:
Once the supervising vet is confident your pet is ready, we will contact you with a pick-up time. At collection, we provide:

• A summary of the procedure

• Instructions for ongoing care

• Medications to administer at home

• Contact information for any questions or concerns

Finally, it’s time for a last pat before you take your pet home for lots of love, attention, and extra TLC!