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SURGERY
INFORMATION

BEFORE SURGERY

AFTER SURGERY

TESTING BEFORE SURGERY

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Before we perform surgery we must ensure that your pet is healthy enough to endure the surgery well. There are a number of ways we might do this:

  • Medical history and physical examination

  • Pre-anaesthetic blood testing

  • Imaging (X-rays and ultrasound)

As we fill in the pre-anaesthetic forms with you, please take the opportunity to ask about costs and concerns you may have about the testing or surgery.

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FEEDING BEFORE SURGERY

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Generally, on the morning of the surgery, we ask that you do not feed your dog or cat. This is for your pet's safety. If they have a full stomach there is a chance that they will vomit during or after the anaesthetic. If they inhale their vomit they can develop pneumonia or choke, so please - no breakfast! Ferrets, rabbits and horses are not usually fasted prior to surgery. Water may be left out overnight and removed in the morning as it passes far more quickly out of the stomach.

Some animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, rabbits and guinea pigs are generally not fasted prior to surgery. If in doubt, then contact the clinic.

This information is intended as general advice after your pet has had routine surgery such as a castration or spay. Any advice we give you in the clinic is specific to your pet and supersedes this information.

If you are concerned about your pet after surgery then contact the clinic on the number shown above.

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GENERAL SURGERY

Including castration, spay, lump removals and biopsies.

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  1. Watch the suture line for any signs of infection. These include:

    • Redness​

    • Swelling

    • Discharge

    • Irritation and chewing

  2. Keep your pet quiet for ​a few days
    This is often easier said than done. Despite having just had surgery, animals often want to get out and about soon after they get home. Try your best to limit exercise for a few days. Do not encourage vigorous play and exercise gently while on a lead. 

  3. Don't give your pet a bath or let then go swimming until their sutures are removed.​
    Generally, surgical incisions are sealed and water-proof by 3 days following surgery. We recommend that you wait just a little longer in case you pet heals a bit slower than normal. Suture removal is a good time to recommence bathing and swimming.

  4. Bring your pet back in 10 days for suture removal.
    There is no charge for this service and it allows us to check that the wound has healed properly.

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BONE SURGERY

Including cruciate ligament surgery, tibial crest surgery and bone plating.

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All of the information for general surgery also applies to bone surgery.

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Bone takes longer to heal than most other tissues. Additionally, if the surgery breaks down it can lead to serious consequences. For this reason, we recommend a longer and stricter rest period.

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Cats

Cats are pretty easy. Just put them in a cage that is large enough to hold their litter tray, their food and themselves. Place a comfortable blanket in the cage to lie on (not too soft because this can be awkward if they are a bit weak).

You might need to experiment with where to place the litter tray. If you put it at the front of the cage and they lie in it, try the back. Remember to change the litter regularly - you don't want them becoming constipated because they won't go in the dirty tray.

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Dogs

  • Start with cage rest initially. We recommend complete cage rest until the sutures are removed. Dogs can be taken outside on a lead for toileting. If they need to go up or down steps or walk over slippery surfaces then gently lift them.

  • Gradually increase the exercise over the following month. Continue to keep them on a lead and keep the pace to a walk. A slow walk encourages the use of the limbs whereas faster gaits allows lifting of the treated leg.

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