Surgical Procedures

Advice about the surgical procedures we perform at Emscote Vets

The Procedure Explained

We admit most animals for surgical procedures between 8:30am and 9:00am on the morning of the operation unless specifically organised otherwise. You will be asked to go through a consent form, ensure all details are correct and sign it to give us permission to perform the named procedure. We will also make a discharge appointment. Please ask us to explain anything you are unsure about and we can draw up an estimate for operations too. Remember that we may need to contact you to discuss anything we find that has not been signed for, for instance we may find a rotten tooth that requires removal, so please keep your phone on you or let us have your work number. We will check your pet over and weigh and record heart rate. We then will give them them a suitable premedication to help relax them, and pain relief if appropriate and then move them to the dedicated dog, cat or rabbit ward.

We have a dedicated surgical theatre, which is used for all sterile operations. Patients are anaesthetised in our prep room and clipped and cleaned before being moved into theatre. After their procedure we monitor their recovery and assess if more pain relief is needed. We will ring you to tell you they are coming around well. Most routine operations are only day procedures and can be collected between 3:30pm and 6:00pm at your pre-booked appointment. We politely request payment on the day.

Dogs and Cats

Pre anaesthetic

 

We advise to starve from about 8:00pm the previous day but all animals must be allowed free access to water overnight. It is always nicer if you can take your animal for a short walk before bringing for surgery to allow them to urinate and defaecate. We advise keeping cats in so they cannot hunt, or dine out!

 

Post anaesthetic

 

We will give specific instructions for each individual but after routine surgery most animals can have a small digestible meal on their return home. It is important they are kept warm and quiet the night after an operation. Cats must be kept in overnight as they may have impaired reactions and so be more prone to accidents, so ensure you have a litter tray. We will advise on wound management but please check for any swelling, redness or discharge daily. Excessive licking can cause wound infection and even breakdown so this must be stopped, either by covering the wound or using a buster collar if necessary. For most operations we recommend only short lead walks for 7-10 days.

Rabbits and Small Furries

Pre anaesthetic

 

These animals cannot vomit and have a very different digestion so please do not starve them. In fact it is important that they have a good breakfast and come in with their favourite “packed lunch”. If a rabbit is part of a bonded pair we recommend that they come in together to minimise stress and to prevent any problems on return home.

 

Post Anaesthetic

 

It is very important that the small pets eat post operatively so offer them their favourite treats, or syringe feed them if necessary. If they are not eating by the day after an operation please phone us for advice. For certain wounds we may advise changing the bedding to paper and towels, so wounds are not irritated and can be kept clean.

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