Surgery

Surgery encompasses many conditions that require operations. Our veterinarians’ high level of expertise and our practice’s fully equipped surgical suite allows us to perform the vast majority of surgical procedures that your pet may require. 

Apart from desexing and dentistry, the main surgery performed at Stones Corner Vet Surgery is soft tissue surgeries.

Procedures include:

  • Lump Removals
  • Biopsies
  • Wound stitch-ups
  • Removal of intestinal foreign bodies
  • Exploratory Laparotomies
  • Caesareans

....the list is endless!

What to do before and after surgery

Before surgery:

  • Before booking in for surgery, bring your pet in for a consultation with our vet. They will perform a physical examination, pre-surgical tests (if needed) and discuss treatment options as well as the procedure itself.
  • Call the team to schedule a suitable day for your pets operation. Admission appointments are generally from 8am.
  • If your pet is a dog, you can wash them the day before surgery as they are then unable to be washed after, until the stitches are removed.
  • You can give you pet an evening meal as normal the day prior to surgery, but do not leave food out overnight. Water can be freely available to your pet until 8am on the day of surgery. Allow your pet to toilet as normal on the morning of the operation so that their bladder and bowl are as empty as possible at admission.
  • A blood test may be performed prior to surgery to check vital organ function. If this is required you will notice a shaved area of hair on the neck.
  • The vet will perform a thorough physical examination before administering an anaesthetic and our dedicated surgical nurse will monitor your pet throughout the procedure.
  •  Intravenous fluid therapy is required during most types of surgery. You will notice a shaved area of hair on the foreleg where the catheter and other needles are given.
  • To ensure your pet is as comfortable as possible, all pets receive pain relief as part of the procedure, and in most cases we prescribe medication for you to administer at home for a few days after the procedure.

After Surgery:

  • Your pet will be discharged once it is awake and mobile. This is usually from 1pm. The clinic is opened until evening so will arrange a discharge appointment around your schedule.
  • Keep your pet restrained and quiet as the effects of anaesthetic can take some time to wear off completely.
  • Keeping them quiet for 10-14 days after the operation is also essential to allow the wound to heal.
  • Food and water should be limited to small portions only, on the night of operation. 
  • Ensure all post-surgical medications (if any) are administered as per the label instructions.
  • Ensure your pet’s rest area is clean to avoid infection.
  • Check the incision at least twice daily for any signs of infection or disruption (e.g. bleeding, swelling, redness or discharge). Contact the vet immediately if any of these occur. Do not wait to see if they will spontaneously resolve.
  • Prevent your pet from licking or chewing the wound. Special cone-shaped collars assist with this problem. A single chew can remove the careful stitching with disastrous effects.
  • Ensure you return to us on time for routine post-operative check-ups and removal of stitches.
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