On Arrival

On arrival please report to reception. Before your pet has an operation Shirley will check that you have not fed them, then she will weigh them.This allows us to calculate a safe dose of anaesthetic. She will also explain the consent form to you before you sign.

After Admission

Once the nurse has admitted your pet, a small blood sample is taken which is analysed in our laboratory. The results are available in 15 minutes and will confirm that your pet’s organs are functioning properly. Meanwhile, they will also have a full examination by a vet before receiving their "Premed".

Premed

The premed makes your pet calm and reduces the amount of anaesthetic required. General anaesthesia is then induced by intravenous injection through a catheter and a tube is inserted into the trachea to supply oxygen and additional anaesthetic throughout the procedure. The modern anaesthetics we use have very little ‘hang-over’ effect as they are quickly metabolised by the body.

During Operations

During the operation your pet will be monitored by one of our fully qualified and RCVS registered veterinary nurses. Like an anaesthetist in a human hospital,they are highly trained in how to ensure that the ideal level of anaesthesia is maintained. The level of oxygen in the blood is measured using a pulse-oximeter, and heart rate and rhythm can be monitored by ECG. We may give fluids during the procedure intravenously using an infusion pump.

Surgical Procedures

We 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 operating theatre.We always aim to achieve high standards of aseptic surgery.

Dental Treatment

If your pet requires dental treatment instead, this takes place at the dental table. We can remove dental calculus or tartar using a special descaling probe. This can be done under sedation, but if extractions are necessary, general anesthetic is used.

Our state-of-the-art dental machine is used for all complicated dental surgery.

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. Our vet Isabel Vazquez-Garcia will usually perform the procedure. She can investigate heart problems by looking inside the chambers of the heart as it beats, while the patient is lightly sedated.

Radiography

Your pet may have an x-ray or radiograph taken to assist in diagnosis. This is usually done under sedation or light anaesthetic. Using radiography, we can easily spot fractured bones, tooth abscesses, intestinal foreign bodies, bladder stones, some tumours and many other problems.

We may also use an endoscope to look inside your pet using fibre-optics.

Recovery

After their operation, your pet will be closely monitored on the ward until they are sitting up again. Our qualified nurses record their vital signs on hospitalisation charts kept with your pet.They receive antibiotics and pain relief injections with the premed so they are soon awake and ready for a small meal, their delayed breakfast.

We will call you to let you know how they are and arrange a time for collecting your pet.

Post - Op Care

Jenny, Hayley, Christine or Lucy will discuss your pet’s post-op care and medication and explain how to look after any dressings your pet may have. They will also give you a post-op care sheet and arrange a check up with the nurse in a few days.

Payment

We ask that you pay for all treatment before you collect your pet. We take all major cards and accept cheques with a valid bank card. We strongly advise on pet health insurance. Realistic veterinary treatment can be almost as costly as private human medicine, not surprising really as they are very similar in costs like staff training, hygiene, drugs, consumables, health and safety and levels of care.