Pre-op Instructions

Instructions Prior to Sedation or Anaesthesia

Since Kent and Surrey are areas with a known increase in lungworm disease, we recommend that all dogs be treated against lungworm between 1 and 4 weeks prior to surgery. This is important since lungworm can cause blood clotting disorders with potentially catastrophic consequences during surgery.

Please feed your pet before eight o’clock on the evening prior to the operation. 

DO NOT FEED OR GIVE MILK AFTER THIS TIME.

Access to water is allowed until 7.30am on the morning of the operation.

Please ensure that your dog has had the opportunity to empty his / her bladder and bowel prior to admission for surgery. Avoid bringing a wet dog or one covered in mud since it makes it difficult to clean the surgical site. Cats are best kept indoors since they have the knack of knowing that they are due to visit the vets!

Unless otherwise agreed, the admission time for your pet is between 8:35am – 9.00am on the morning of their operation.

Please ensure that you leave a telephone number that we will be able to contact you on. This is important even for routine procedures.

Rabbit Pre-Anaesthetic Instructions

• Please do not withhold food or water from your rabbit or guinea pig prior to surgery. (It is unnecessary as they are unable to vomit and their metabolism and bowel function differs significantly from that of a dog or cat.)
• Unless otherwise agreed, the admission time for your pet is between 8:35am – 9.00am on the morning of their operation.
• Please bring your pet in a carrier lined with paper or a towel. It is best to avoid sawdust and straw bedding since this may contaminate the wound.
• 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 the food normally fed, in a small container.
• Please ensure that you leave a telephone number that we will be able to contact you on. This is important even for routine procedures

Pre-Anaesthetic Testing

Advances in anaesthesia and surgery have made routine procedures safer, with a low rate of complications.  However problems can arise because of pre-existing conditions not evident during pre-anaesthetic consultations.  To reduce these risks we recommend routine pre- anaesthetic testing for all pets from the age of eight.

Blood test for CBC (blood cell count) and basic biochemistry parameters to check kidney and liver function

If your pet is less than eight years old you may still request a pre-op blood test for peace of mind

COST = £65

Collecting your Pet

You will usually be given an appointment time for collecting your pet at the time that he/she is admitted for surgery. An appointment with the veterinary surgeon will be required to discuss more complex cases.When there are delays in recovery from anaesthesia or if we decide to keep your pet in hospital for longer or overnight, the theatre nurse will contact you after 2pm to inform you of this.

Payment will be expected when you collect your pet from the surgery using any of the following methods: cash or switch / credit card. Please note that we no longer accept cheques.

If you have insurance for veterinary fees you may wish to bring a signed claim form with you. Please note that you must still settle your account when you collect your pet.