ADVICE SHEET FOR OWNERS
- It's important to keep your pet's routine the same as normal the evening before their operation.
- We only ask that you keep food from them after IOpm, make sure they have access to water.
- On the morning of the operation, they should not have any breakfast before they are delivered to the clinic between 8:00am and 8:30am.
- The Nurse will take you through your consent forms and answer any questions you may still have.
- If you wish to use your Pet insurance, please provide the clinic with an up to date Policy Schedule and claim form.
- Your pet will be admitted and receive a pre-med to help them to relax and to prepare them for their anaesthetic.
- Pre anaesthetic bloods are helpful in alerting us if you're pet's health is compromised, both bloods and IV fluids will be recommended to all our senior patients.
- Following surgery, the vets will be in touch by text or phone advising you of their progress, and giving you a time to collect your pet in the afternoon.
- Pets are normally discharged through a Nurse appointment, here the nurse will take time to advise you of post op care.
- We recommend downloading our mobile phone App which is called Pets App from the Apple store or the Google Play store.
CARE SHEET FOR OWNERS
- Your pet may appear sleepy after the anaesthetic; this is completely normal. Keep your pet warm and comfortable and they should be back to their normal behaviour the next day.
- A bandage may be on your pet's leg; this is where we may have placed a catheter for intravenous access for anaesthetics, drips or medications.
- Please check any surgical wounds for signs of swelling, redness or discharge. If you are concerned please call us or send us a message on PETS APP along with a photograph. If appropriate we will arrange a free nurse appointment to check the wound.
- If we provided you with a BUSTER COLLAR, please make sure that it is used. The short- term use of this is in your pet's best interest despite the moderate distress it may cause your pet.
- Pets are at risk of an upset stomach after an anaesthetic. Therefore, feed a small and bland meal at home, if there are no issues then you can return to normal feeding the day following the procedure.
- Allow your pet to rest and keep them calm, walk them out to toilet on a lead, do not allow them to run or jump. The nurse will give you specific details at discharge.
- Please check bandages daily for any issues. If the bandage becomes wet, dirty, twists, slips, smells or is chewed by your pet, please remove and contact us immediately. If your pet suddenly starts trying to interfere excessively with the bandage this can also be a sign there is a problem. Bandage issues can be very serious, so please don't hesitate to call us for advice or send us a photo or message on Pets App.
Remember - listen to your vet - feed small mounts - give medication - allow quiet time - monitor the wound - call the Practice if you need to - we're always happy to help, no concern is ever too small.
