What to Expect for Your Pet’s Surgical Admission

A Few Days Before

We recommend brushing and grooming your pet before their procedure as, if sutures are used, your pet cannot be groomed for up to two weeks after. For procedures without the use of sutures, regular grooming and bathing is fine.

Pets undergoing sedation or general anaesthetic need to have an empty stomach in order to prevent nausea and vomiting; a common side effect of medications given for anaesthetic. As reaching an empty stomach may take up to 12 hours from eating, we require all pets to fast from 8pm the night before. Avoid feeding your pet any food, treats or bones after 8pm and ensure that their environment is free from food.

Your pet is able to drink water, so ensure that fresh water is available at all times.

The Night Before

We will give you a courtesy call the day prior to remind you of your booking and to answer any questions you may have.

On the Day

Please allow your pet to toilet at home before leaving unless being advised otherwise. Bring your pet in on a lead or in their carrier. We recommend leaving personal items at home but are happy for you to bring a small toy or teddy for your pet to keep with them.

 

Admission is between 8am and 8:30am. If you’re unable to make this time, please contact the hospital prior to make alternative arrangements.

The admission process takes around 20 minutes.

At the Hospital

Once you arrive, our reception staff will assist you in completing admission forms for your pet. Your admission form needs to be signed for consent to the procedure and for acknowledgement of the estimated fees.

We require the following details:

Contact numbers for yourself or someone whom can speak about your pet
A list of medications your pet is taking and when the last dose was given
Confirmation of your pet’s fasting
Pet insurance details (if applicable)
We will ask you to weigh your pet to obtain their current weight – even if your pet has been weighed the day before.

If required, you and your pet will be seen by the admitting vet. Once admission is complete, your pet will be taken into our hospital by their nurse and settled into their personalised hospital bed. The vet then gives your pet a preanaesthetic assessment and a blood test if required. Fluid therapy will be started and a premedication will be given.

Once your pet has been successfully admitted, you are free to leave. You will be contacted once your pet is in recovery to inform you of how the procedure went and to organise discharge.

If you’re unable to bring your pet in for admission, make sure that either you or another person is available to answer questions about your pet during their admission.

Questions to Consider

Is your pet up to date with vaccinations?

We recommend having your pet’s vaccinations updated while they’re in for the day if their vaccine has expired.

Is your pet microchipped?

If not, we recommend doing so while they’re admitted. You will need to complete a consent form. If your pet is already microchipped, we will keep their number in our records. Please note: microchipping is now mandatory for dogs and cats. Contact your council for more information.

Would like your pet to have a preanaesthetic blood test?

This test is run in our hospital laboratory and checks that your pet’s organ function and blood count are normal. Even for visibly healthy pets, this test gives the vet more information on the health of your pet and may prevent complications.