Surgery
Operations from routine neutering to fracture repair, with assessment before anaesthesia, monitoring throughout and pain management afterwards.
Is this an emergency?
Surgery is where problems are solved that medication cannot solve. It covers everything from planned procedures such as neutering to emergency intervention after a road accident.
Procedures we carry out
Neutering and spaying, removal of benign and malignant masses, stomach and intestinal surgery after a foreign body has been swallowed, fracture repair, treatment of wounds and abscesses, caesarean section, eyelid and ear surgery.
X-ray and CR imaging are done at the clinic. In fractures, swallowed objects and assessment of the chest, imaging is what makes the diagnosis definite.
Before the operation
No procedure is planned without examination and assessment. Before anaesthesia we run a blood count and biochemistry; if the liver and kidneys are not in a state to process the drugs, the anaesthetic plan is changed accordingly or the operation is postponed.
We explain what the operation will resolve, what the risks are, and how recovery will go. Ask anything on your mind before you sign the consent form.
During the operation
An anaesthetised animal is never left alone. Heart rate, breathing, oxygen saturation and body temperature are monitored throughout. Maintaining body temperature matters particularly in small breeds and older animals, since temperature falls under anaesthesia.
After the operation
Pain management is part of the operation, not an optional extra added afterwards. An animal whose pain is controlled starts eating sooner and heals faster.
Depending on the procedure your animal goes home the same day or stays with us. On discharge we give you written instructions: how to give the medication, how to check the wound, and which signs mean you should call us immediately.
Once home, call without waiting if you see any of these: the wound opening or discharging, repeated vomiting, no appetite for more than twenty four hours, signs of pain that do not settle, or any change in breathing.
Frequently asked
How long should my animal fast before surgery?
In adults, food is usually withheld for eight to twelve hours, with water available until a few hours before. In young animals and diabetics the timing is different and we tell you separately.
Is anaesthesia risky?
Every anaesthetic carries risk, but that risk is reduced substantially by the pre-operative examination, blood testing and monitoring throughout the procedure. Your animal's age and existing conditions change the anaesthetic plan.
When do the sutures come out?
Usually ten to fourteen days after surgery. Until then a collar or body suit is used to stop the animal licking the wound.