+ Before a general anaesthetic or sedation
It is always important that you understand what procedure is being carried out and how much it is likely to cost. If you are unsure please ask. We always try to provide an estimate for the likely costs so if we have not, again, please ask us.
For your pet, we always advise for them not to be fed on the morning of an anaesthetic. They are to be allowed free access to water until they come into the clinic. All medication directed to be used by our vets and nurses are to be given at their appropriate time and noted down when this was to be passed to our nurse admitting your cat.
+ After a general anaesthetic
After an anaesthetic your cat may behave in many different ways. Some cats are quiet during their first night whilst others are bouncing around full of energy. Much of this depends on the age of the cat, the duration of the procedure and how comfortable they are with pain.
It is essential that no matter how lively and bright they may be, your cat is kept calm and not encouraged in any way. The anaesthetic agents should have worm off completely before coming home, but everyone is different and strange things can occur.
Feeding is encouraged but makes sure only to offer a small portion so as not to risk choking or vomiting if the dish is eaten too quickly. Fresh clean water should be available at all times.
By the day after we generally expect your cat to be bright and alert with no anaesthetic effects at all. The only element to be concerned about is caring for the surgical site.
If your cat is quiet, flat or you are at all worried call us immediately we are here to advise and help you and the sooner we understand what is going on, the better it is for you and your cat.
+ How to care for a surgical wound?
There are general principles to observe when caring for a surgical wound. All surgical sites are delicate both in comfort or pain, and structurally. The skin and tissues will not have healed and so any sudden movement or interference from our patient will affect how it heals.
Key things to watch:
- Do not let your cat lick, chew or worry their surgical site
- Keep the site clean and dry
- Any discharge should be photographed and shown to us
- If there is any swelling contact us
- If your cat has been sent home with a buster collar or pet-T-shirt, this must stay on at all times
+ How long does the treatment take?
Uninfected, clean, uncomplicated operation sites generally take between 10-14 days to heal. This varies if the surgery was as a result of trauma or was much more complicated.
+ How many visits are required?
For all surgery cases we will want to see you at least twice following the procedure to moniotr the healing progress. Usually 2 days and then 10 to 14 days after the surgery was performed. If stitches (sutures) are in place above the skin these will have to be taken out. Generally, we do this when the skin has healed to approximately 80% of their holding capability, usually around 10 to 14 days post surgery.
Whilst these are the usual case, all wounds heal differently and complications can occur. For example, if a site becomes infected we will want to extend the monitoring period and may leave stitches in longer so the healing wound retains their support.
+ How much does it cost?
For surgery undertaken at our clinic the fee for routine revisits is included. If bandages, additional medication or extra checks are required, these charges will be additional. All of this will be discussed before any surgery is undertaken.
