Cats & Dogs
The day of your pets operation has almost arrived and like all good owners you want to prepare them in the best way possible. So how do you do this? If you read and follow these instructions carefully you will have done all that you can to make their anaesthetic or sedative as safe as it can be.
Preparing Cats and Dogs
For dogs and cats, do not feed them from 7.00pm the evening before the operation. They can have water overnight and on the morning of the operation but no other drink. This means that cats should be kept in the night before their operation so they can not help themselves to the contents of next door dustbin!! Take dogs out that morning to empty their bowels and bladders and provide a clean litter tray for your cat.
Preparing Small Mammals and Birds
Rabbits and other small animals such as guinea pigs and hamsters, as well as all birds, should not be starved. They should have access to water and food right up until the time you bring them into surgery. In fact it is helpful to bring a small amount of food with you as we will feed your pet as soon as they awake from their anaesthetic and they are more likely to eat a familiar or favourite food.
Admitting Your Pet
You will have an appointment with either a vet or the practice nurse to admit your pet and if you have any worries, please let us know so we can explain what is going to happen and put your mind at rest.
All hospitalisation and surgery is undertaken at our Morley Hospital. This means that if your pet is admitted at Cleckheaton or Rothwell they will be kept at the branch for a short time and then transported to Morley in a specially designed vehicle. Once treatment is completed and they have recovered from their anaesthetic, they will be returned to the branch surgery in time for collection. If you would prefer to transport your pet to and from the Morley hospital yourself, please let the receptionist or veterinary surgeon know.
Pre-anaesthetic Blood Tests
The final thing to consider is whether or not to have a pre-anaesthetic blood test. Your pet will always be examined before it is anaesthetised but it is not always possible to detect certain internal problems such as kidney or liver disease, diabetes etc. To help us find out whether any of these problems exist, a blood sample is taken before the anaesthetic is given. if an abnormality is detected special precautions can be taken or we can advise you that it may not be safe to continue.
We offer two types of blood samples; the basic profile which we advise for apparently healthy and young animals and the more extensive profile for the older and ill pet. If you need any help in deciding whether to have a blood test or which one is appropriate for your pet just ask.
Leaving Your Pet
Leaving your pet is always hard, particularly at this time. Try to leave the consulting room quickly with a pat and brief word of reassurance to encourage them. We will take every care of them, (we all have pets of our own and know how you must be feeling), and return them to you safe and sound as soon as possible.
