Pre-operative Instructions

If your pet is scheduled to have a general anaesthetic, sedation, or other procedure, please read and follow the following directions. If the vet has given you specific instructions which are different from these, please follow the vet’s instructions.

• If your pet has been unwell, if their condition has deteriorated or if they’ve been losing weight before admission, please contact the practice before the day of the planned procedure
• Please give your dog or cat their normal evening meal at 5-6pm the day before the procedure and then give them half of their breakfast at midnight. They should have no food after this until the procedure and this includes treats
• Please leave water available for your pet until the morning unless you have been specifically advised not to
• Please take your dog for a walk on the morning of admission to empty their bladder and bowel
• Please ensure your dogs are clean. If you regularly bathe your dog, please do so in the days prior to surgery
• Cats should be kept indoors with a litter tray the night before admission for their procedure to ensure they are starved after midnight and to ensure they are around when it’s time to go to the clinic in the morning
• Please arrive at the practice promptly at 8:30am and allow at least 20 minutes for admitting your pet and for completing the necessary paperwork
• You will be asked to provide your preferred contact details as part of the admission so please make sure the details you provide are up-to-date so that we can easily contact you as needed on the day
• Once your pet’s procedure is finished and they have woken up from their anaesthetic or sedation, a member of the team will call you to update you on their progress and to confirm arrangements for discharge
• You will be booked a specific discharge time to come and pick up your pet and to go through the aftercare that will be needed. Written care instructions will also be given to you at this time