Admission

When your pet comes in for an operation in the morning, Sue will explain the consent form before you sign, and record your pet's weight. Remember, don't feed them anything from six o'clock the evening before their operation ! Sue will also check we have all your contact numbers.

We normally admit at the start of the day to allow time for your pets to settle and their premed to take effect.

Laboratory Tests

Before any anesthesia, we will usually need to take a small blood sample from your pet, which is analysed in our onsite lab machines. The results confirm that your pet's organs are working properly and they can safely process and eliminate the anesthetic. We can alter the anesthetic drugs given if any organs are not functioning normally to reduce the risk of potential complications. These results are kept as a reference for your pet's normal blood biochemistry.

Our vets will then administer their premed and painkiller injections to reduce the amount of anesthetic given and help them relax in their new environment.

General Anaesthesia

After a short while, our vets will administer a small injection of an anaesthetic agent with the nurse's help. Then a special tube is carefully inserted into the trachea and this is connected to the anaesthetic machine which supplies oxygen and isofluorane, one of the safest anaesthetic gases available. This means your pet will recover quickly after their operation. Instruments and surgical drapes are sterilised in our autoclave, and then carefully packed into kits for the full range of different procedures.

Surgery

Our vets perform a wide range of surgical procedures including neutering, orthopaedics, tumour removal, reconstructive surgery, caesarean sections, gastrointestinal and urogenital and ophthalmic surgery.

All this takes place in the sterile surroundings of the brand new purpose-built operating theatre. Meanwhile, nurses Christine and Katrina closely monitor your pet to maintain a suitable level of surgical anaesthesia. Their vital signs are carefully recorded on your pet's anaesthetic chart.

Dental Prophylaxis

At our new dental station, we can remove calculus from your pet's teeth without damaging the enamel using a special ultrasonic descaling probe. Then we smooth the surface with special paste applied to a polishing cup. This slows down the build up of plaque on the surface of the teeth. If extractions are necessary, these can then be done under general anaesthetic.

We now have a state-of-the-art Vetair dental machine and dental table at Hunstanton and they are already proving to be invaluable.

Ultrasonography

Your pet may examined using an ultrasound machine which is a relatively easy way of checking their organs are normal without any causing them any discomfort. This is sometimes done under light sedation.

Recovery

Your pet will be carefully monitored by nurses Katrina and Christine while they recover from their anaesthetic in the hospital. Their pulse, temperature and respiratory rate are each recorded on the chart.

Since the anaesthetics we are quickly metabolised, your pet will often be sitting up and enjoying a light meal within one hour of surgery. We will ring you to arrange a collection time.

Post-Op Check

Helen, our afternoon receptionist, will book you an appointment for a post-op check. This normally takes place three days after your pet’s operation. The vet or nurse will make sure that you pet is back to their old selves again.

Any dressings will be changed, and wounds cleaned, and your pet’s stitches will usually be removed after a further week.

Payment

We ask for full payment before you collect your pet, and accept most cards, and cheques with a valid banker’s card.

We strongly recommend pet health insurance as the cost of veterinary treatment can be high, especially when compared to the normal day to day costs of pet ownership.