+ Advice before 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 dog.
+ Advice for after general anaesthetic
After an anaesthetic your dog may behave in many different ways. Some dogs are quiet during their first night whilst others are bouncing around full of energy. Much of this depends on the age of the dog, 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 dog is kept calm and not encouraged in any way. The anaesthetic agents should have worm off completely before coming home, but every dog is different and strange things can occur.
Feeding is encouraged but make sure only to offer a small meal 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 dog to be bright and alert with no anaesthetic effects at all. Once normal behaviour is reached,the only element to be concerned about is caring for the surgical site.
If your dog 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 dog.
+ How do I 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 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 dog 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 dog has been sent home with a buster collar or pet "T-shirt", this must stay on at all times
+ How long does the recovery 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?
We will require at least 2 post-op visits to monitor the healing progress. 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. This means it is still fragile and care should always be taken around recent scars.
+ How much does it cost?
For surgery undertaken at our clinic the fee for routine revisits will be included in the estimate. If bandages or additional medication is required, these charges will be additional. All of this will be discussed before any surgery is undertaken.
