Before & after surgery care
The night before your pet’s procedure
For dogs and cats, the night prior to undergoing any kind of sedation or general anaesthetic, they must be fasted. We routinely recommend that dinner is fed at the normal time, and that no food be provided after 10pm on the night before. Water should be withheld from 7am on the morning of the procedure.
For rabbits and guinea pigs however, fasting is not required, in fact it is very important that food and water are not withheld at any time prior to a procedure involving sedation or anaesthesia for these animals. Keeping the food up to them right up until their procedure ensures optimal bowel function is maintained and this is very important.
Day of the surgery, x-rays, dental or ultrasound
Please arrive at the prior scheduled time (generally between 8am and 9am) for your appointment with the surgical nurse, who will discuss with you the details of your pet’s procedure. The nurse will run through an admission and consent form that we will need you to sign. The owner of the pet must be over 18 years of age. If your pet has been unwell please advise the nurse as soon as you arrive.
Please allow 15 minutes for this appointment to ensure you fully understand the day’s proceedings. If you are a new client, please arrive 10 minutes early to fill in a new client form.
Pre-anaesthetic blood test
Pre-anaesthetic blood testing will be discussed with you by the admitting nurse. This is a blood test that will assess the function and status of your pet’s liver and kidneys before they are anaesthetised. The liver and kidneys metabolise and process the general anaesthetic and other drugs that are given. If either of these organs is malfunctioning your pet may have an increased anaesthetic risk and further support may be required to ensure your pet has a smooth recovery. Without a blood test we are unable to examine the function of these organs.
Intravenous fluids
At North Nowra Veterinary Hospital and Jervis Bay Veterinary Clinic, intravenous fluids are a routine standard of care for every animal undergoing general anaesthesia. A blood test can also indicate whether your pet is dehydrated and whether additional fluid therapy needs to be administered. Fluid therapy will maintain your pet’s blood pressure and reduce their recovery time whilst providing hydration.
Grooming
We would appreciate a clean coat on your pet. Please wash your dog 24 to 48 hours prior to the procedure (This does not apply to cats).
Discharge from hospital
Your pet is now ready to go home. Most pets are able to go home in the afternoon on the same day of their procedure but it all depends on the type of procedure and their recovery. The surgical nurse or veterinarian will discuss all discharge details and organise the necessary follow up appointments. The most common of these is for stitch removal, usually 10 to 14 days after the procedure.
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Desexing
A surgical procedure that removes a section of the animal's reproductive system.
