Most procedures are ‘day cases’ and your pet is able to return home to you the same day. Occasionally it may be necessary to hospitalise your pet overnight for further treatment and observation.

If blood tests are carried out in our own laboratory, or diagnostic procedures performed such as x-rays or ultrasound scans, then results should be available the same day. An appointment is usually made with a member of the veterinary team to discuss these results when you collect your pet. If samples are sent away for analysis, then you will be contacted when we receive the results.

A nurse will spend some time on admission asking you a few questions to establish the general state of your pet’s health, confirming your contact details and procedure scheduled. Here are some points you might like to consider beforehand.

Anaesthetic risk

All anaesthetic techniques, even simple procedures involve some risk. This is kept to a minimum by using modern sedatives, induction agents and monitoring the animal constantly during the anaesthetic and recovery. We also give a complete physical examination to each patient before administering the anaesthetic.

Pre-anaesthetic bloods

In order to further minimise risk we highly recommend that a blood test be carried out before an anaesthetic is administered. This helps us to detect any existing problems that may not be physically evident, but could lead to complications. It also allows us to evaluate the status of your pet’s major organs for example the liver and kidneys. This is particularly important as the liver and kidneys process and eliminate the medications that are used during anaesthesia. Depending on the results of this test, we may adjust the dose or type of anaesthetic used, administer fluid therapy or even advise delaying surgery.

Existing Conditions

Is your pet well in themselves or are they showing minor symptoms such as a cough, discharge or diarrhoea? Have they lost weight or been drinking more than usual? Even if you think something is unimportant please let the veterinary team know.

If there is anything else you are concerned about, please mention it to the veterinary team. It may be possible for us to carry out any other treatment your pet needs whilst they are anaesthetised, such as dental work, ear cleaning or nail clipping.

On the day

No food is to be given after 8pm the previous evening. Water should be removed first thing on the morning of the operation. Small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs should not have their food and water withheld, and we would recommend that you bring some of their dry food and favourite fruit/vegetables with them to encourage them to eat post procedure.

Please allow your pet to pass urine and faeces before coming to the surgery, unless advised otherwise.

Please bring your pet to the surgery on the day and time allocated.

Remember to leave a telephone number where we can contact you in case we need to discuss your pet’s treatment.

If you need to leave leads, collars, baskets etc. then please ensure they are clearly labelled.

We normally ask you to telephone us after 2pm to check on your pet’s recovery and arrange a convenient time for you to collect them if you have not already received a call from us.

A member of the veterinary team will discuss your pet’s aftercare with you before discharging them. Please listen carefully to these instructions as they will play an important part in the recovery of your pet.

All clients will be required to pay a 50% deposit in advance of any procedure or treatment that requires your pet to be admitted, with the balance being payable on collection. We accept cash, cheques and all major credit and debit cards except American Express.

We appreciate that for most cases owners leaving their pet is a worrying experience. Please rest assured that we will do our best to make sure that both you and your pet are treated sympathetically.