Preparing your pet for surgery. Risks of anaesthetics Although we use the best and safest drugs, techniques, equipment and sterilising procedures possible, any type of surgery poses some risk.  These risks are often related to underlying medical conditions that may not be apparent externally.  To reduce these potential risks during surgery, we highly recommend pre-anaesthetic blood testing, particularly if your pet is 7 years or older.                          The blood tests check the function of your pet’s major organs, such as the ability of the kidneys or liver to rid the body of drugs and medications.   It also identifies abnormalities in blood cells which may affect the ability to carry oxygen, fight infection and prevent excessive bleeding during surgery.  Finally, the blood tests also ensure that your pet has enough protein in their blood to enable healing to occur.        Intravenous fluids is another procedure we will administer throughout the surgery and anaesthesia.    These fluids will help prevent your pet’s blood pressure from dropping, which in turn prevents the anaesthetic from having such a strong detrimental impact on the organs (ie. the liver and kidneys).   Microchipping Microchipping is a safe and permanent way of identifying your pet should they become lost or stolen.   Now is a great time to consider microchipping, particularly if your pet is admitted to the clinic for routine desexing.   Bathing and Flea Treatment Your pet will not be able to have a bath for at least 10 days following surgery, therefore we recommend you bath dogs before they come in for surgery.          Please ensure your pet is flea free before coming in for surgery. Using a residual treatment like Frontline, Advantage or Revolution ensures the best results.       What do I need to think about the night before surgery? The most important thing to remember is to fast your pet from 8pm the night before surgery. Water can be made readily available until the time of admission to the hospital.       Arriving at the hospital Surgical patients are admitted between 8am and 8.30am unless instructed by your vet or vet nurse.      When you first arrive at the hospital we will ask for you to assist us in completing an admission form which includes contact numbers and relevant information about your pet.  This is a good time for you to ask any questions if you are unsure about any aspect of the procedure.    We will also perform a physical examination on your pet. Please allow 5 to 10 minutes of your time for this admission procedure.   If another member of your family or a friend will be bringing your pet in for surgery, please inform us prior to the admission day as we may need you to come in and fill out the admission form at an earlier time. What happens to my pet in hospital? Once your pet has been admitted we will administer a sedative and pain prevention medication, which helps your pet to relax and reduces the amount of anaesthetic drugs required.     In due course an anaesthetic agent will be administered and an attending veterinary nurse will monitor your pet’s vital signs including blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, heart rate and temperature, right through until your pet is fully recovered.      We also supplement heat to your pet throughout the anaesthetic and recovery periods to maintain adequate body temperature, this assists your pet in recovery and helps prevent low blood pressure.     You will also be given some pain relief to administer at home to extend the period of comfort for your pet as recent studies indicate that pets can experience significant discomfort for up to 4 days post surgery. Send home pain relief ensures that all patients have their post operative pain minimalised to the best of our ability.    When can I collect my pet? Most day surgical patients will be ready for discharge around 3pm on the day of surgery unless specified by your vet or nurse. We will inform you of a convenient time to collect your pet during the admission.   However, you are welcome to phone at any time during the day to check on your pet’s progress. A vet or vet nurse will explain how to take care of your pet once home and will also provide you with written instructions on any care or revisits that are required.     Payment of Fees     Please note that full payment is required at the time of discharge.