My pet is booked in for an operation - what do I need to do?

Dogs and Cats - On the evening before an operation dogs and cats should eat a normal meal, but have any remaining food taken away by 8:00pm. This is to reduce the risk of complications related to vomiting under anaesthetic. Fresh water should be available overnight and taken away by 7:30am on the morning of admission. Cats should be kept indoors the night before admission to avoid 'going walkabout' and possibly also eating elsewhere.  Please get in touch if your pet is diabetic, or a puppy/kitten.

Pocket Pets - Unlike cats and dogs, small mammals must NOT be fasted prior to surgery as they are unable to vomit and their metabolism and bowel function differs significantly from that of a dog or cat. We will encourage your pet to eat as soon as possible after he or she has recovered from the anaesthetic. This is best achieved with a diet that is familiar to your pet. Please bring along a small quantity of their food or greens normally fed, in a small, labelled container. It is also useful to bring along their usual preference of a drinking bottle or bowl so that they can drink soon after recovering from surgery.

On the morning of the operation

• Take away the water bowl first thing in the morning as above.
• If possible, dogs should be taken out for a short walk in the morning to allow them to empty their bowels/bladder, so they'll be more comfortable for the day.
• When you drop your pet off at the surgery for their operation, one of our reception team will go through the planned procedures with you and ask you to sign a consent form. Be sure to read this form carefully and check exactly what you are consenting to, as this is a legal form that gives the vet permission to carry out a surgical or other procedure on your pet. The form must be signed by the owner or an agent acting on the owner’s behalf, who must be over the age of eighteen.
• One of our friendly team will take your pet through to our hospital area and made comfortable.

After the operation or procedure 

• One of our veterinary surgeons or nurses will contact you during the afternoon with a progress report and to let you know what time your pet will be ready for collection.
• After a general anaesthetic your pet may be drowsy and we advise you to collect them by car or some other means of transport.
• When you collect your pet from the surgery we will go through what has been done, all the after care, and any treatment plans. We will provide a post-operative care sheet to take home which will help remind you of these points.
• If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask, that's what we are here for.