Pre-operative advice

Here are a few essential bits of information to bear in mind

• Cats and dogs only need to be starved for 8 hours so we are advising owners to feed a last meal around bedtime (10pm-midnight) This is to prevent excess stomach acid building up which can cause vomiting and prevent patients from wanting to eat post-operatively. Please note this only applies to animals undergoing a General Anaesthetic or Sedation.

• For small mammals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, it is important they receive food and water as normal up until their procedure. Please note this only applies to animals undergoing a General Anaesthetic or Sedation.

• Ferrets need to be starved from 7am on the day of surgery, please offer them breakfast from 6am-7am. Please note this only applies to animals undergoing a General Anaesthetic or Sedation.

• Water should be left down as normal overnight, as it is important that pets are kept hydrated prior to their procedure.

• Owners please walk your dog as normal on the morning of the operation so that they can pass urine and faeces, they tend to have a more comfortable stay with us if they have had this opportunity. (Many owners do not consider this and dogs often pass a full bladder of urine and faeces in the kennel after admission or during the operation which can compromise sterility)

• If the patient is receiving daily medication for an ongoing condition (pain relief/antibiotics/heart/kidney/epilepsy meds etc) please confirm with a vet if the medication should be given on the morning of the operation or not.

• Bitch Spays –the admitting nurse will ask when your bitch was last in season and if possible, the date the season ended, usually 3 months after the season but is completely case by case dependent, determined at the time of admit.

• If you have any questions specific to your pet and their procedure, please feel free to contact us and speak to one of our nurses.
• Please arrive for admission at your allocated appointment time, otherwise you may have to wait. Allow 15 minutes for your pets admission appointment. We will request a phone number that you will be contactable on, please give that to the nurse at the admission appointment.
• Cat Owners – Please ensure that you have a litter tray and cat litter at home, as cats will need to be kept indoors during their recovery.
• Upon admission of your pet you will be asked a series of questions including the following:

Would you like a Pre-operative blood test to be run on your pet? The blood test is available for an additional fee of £99.00. This test helps screen for any potential underlying issues that may not be detected through a physical examination and which may influence anaesthetic protocols.

Does your pet require a medical collar to prevent interference with the wound? You can choose between a plastic or an inflatable collar, with prices ranging from £4.54 to £17.95 depending on the design and size selected.

Does your pet require a medical pet shirt (body suit) to prevent wound interference? These shirts range in price from £17.48 to £20.51, based on the size of your pet. 

Should you choose any of the above items at the admit appointment the cost of these will be in addition to any estimate already provided. If you choose any item post-operatively the associated fee will be payable at reception before you leave.

• May we politely remind you that payment in full is expected at the time of discharge.

• If you are planning to claim on your pet insurance, please ensure that you bring your policy details and a claim form with you, your fixed excess and any % excess will need paying when you collect your pet after their stay with us. From 22nd May 2023 we no longer process direct claims with Many Pets.  If your pet is insured with Many Pets, payment will be required in full at the time of treatment. 

• If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us via PetsApp or telephone your local branch.