We offer a variety of surgical procedures ranging from routine de-sexing to complex non-routine surgeries such as orthopaedic work. In some cases, our vets will discuss the option of referral to specialist surgeons.

• Soft tissue surgery

• Abdominal surgery

• De-sexing

• Orthopaedic surgery

• Dentistry 

• Emergency procedures

Alongside our skilled and experienced team, we have advanced in-house laboratory equipment to assess renal and hepatic function as well as other internal organ systems as a primary survey to ensure your pet is in prime health before undergoing general anaesthesia.​

To ensure your pet is maintained at a safe level of anaesthesia we have an array of monitoring equipment such as a ECG, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, End Tidal Carbon Dioxide monitors, as well as manual monitoring by our nursing team throughout the entire procedure.

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What is anaesthesia?

The most common type of anaesthesia in Veterinary medicine is general anaesthesia; where an animal is rendered unconscious through the use of various anaesthetic agents to provide a balanced anaesthetic. General anaesthesia allows vets to perform procedures without the patient being conscious of pain and discomfort as well as remaining still. 

 

What is involved?

For planned procedures, we will ask that you withhold food your animal from 9pm the night before. This is very important because animals may vomit during anaesthesia, leading to respiratory problems if the vomitus is inhaled. 

Pets are given a thorough physical examination including temperature, pulse and respiratory rate; this will give us a baseline for that patient. In some cases, we may perform pre-anaesthetic blood work in order to assure proper organ function. 

Once anaesthetised, your pet will be closely and carefully monitored by staff with electronic devices and direct supervision. Your pet will then be monitored closely until fully awake.

Modern anaesthetic drugs are very quickly eliminated from the body, so at the conclusion of the anaesthetic, animals usually wake up rapidly. 

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Will it be painful?

Vets always try to minimise pain. While anaesthesia is not inherently painful itself, the surgeries that are performed can sometimes result in pain. Vets combat pain in several ways, including administrating pain relief before, during and after a procedure; and through gentle surgical techniques.  

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What are the risks?

Just like in human medicine, anaesthesia is not without risks. An anaesthetic will reduce brain, heart and lung function. It will also lower the patients immune system. Risks of anaesthesia include death, seizures, aspiration pneumonia and reflux oesophagitis. However, modern drugs reduce these risks by having minimal impacts on the vital organs of the body. In addition, your pet is closely monitored using a variety of devices and direct supervision. Vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, and blood pressure are typically monitored closely. 

For specific information regarding your pets anaesthetic, you will be able to discuss it with one of our veterinarians.

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What do I do after the anaesthetic?

When your animal comes home, he or she may be quieter than usual. This is normal, and will probably wear off within 12-24 hours. We will advise you that a small meal can be provided (unless otherwise stated) as they may be feeling nauseous following the anaesthetic and some pets won't feel like eating.

On discharge, we will go through any aftercare and medication with you. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions during this time. 

If you feel like your pet is not acting then way you expect, or is in pain, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.