Procedure Information for Dogs
Your Pet has been scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure.
It is important that Your Pet is healthy and stable on the day of surgery.
If you have noticed any changes in Your Pet’s health or behaviour, or if they have any known medical conditions, please contact our Animal Hospital before the procedure day to discuss these concerns with the attending veterinarian.
Preparing Your Pet for Surgery
Fasting Instructions:
Patients aged 4 months and older
- Patients should be fed their normal meal the night before surgery.
- No food should be offered after 8pm the night before.
- Water may be offered overnight and removed on the morning of surgery.
Patients under 4 months of age
Young patients have smaller glycogen reserves and are at risk of fasting‑related hypoglycaemia. To reduce this risk:
- These patients should be offered a small meal at 5am–6am on the morning of surgery.
- Water may be offered overnight and removed on the morning of surgery.
Current Medications: If Your Pet is taking any medications, please inform our veterinary team prior to the procedure day. Pre‑surgical instructions may need to be adjusted.
Underlying Conditions: If Your Pet has any existing medical conditions, please notify our team before the day of surgery so we can tailor their care appropriately.
Grooming: We recommend that Your Pet has a bath a day or two before the surgical procedure. Your Pet cannot be bathed, get dirty or wet during their recovery. Please ensure that Your Pet is fully dried off.
Toileting: Please ensure Your Pet has the opportunity to toilet at home on the morning of surgery. Emptying the bladder and bowels helps reduce stress and discomfort and prepares them for a smoother recovery.
Your Pet’s Admission Appointment
Please allow up to 30 minutes for Your Pet’s admission appointment on the day of surgery.
This time is essential to complete all required checks and documentation, so please ensure you are prepared to remain present throughout the process.
The admission process includes (but is not limited to):
- Confirming your contact details, including the best phone number for the day. It is vital that you are available should we need to contact you regarding Your Pet.
- Completing a full patient assessment. Any findings will be discussed with you, and in some cases may alter the procedure plan or estimate.
- Reviewing Your Pet’s procedure plan, including pre‑operative preparation, the surgical process, and post‑operative care.
- Completing Your Pet’s admission form and resuscitation order.
A 50% deposit is required at admission, with full payment due at discharge.
All financial discussions must be communicated during the admission appointment.
Pre-Anaesthetic blood Work
Pre-anaesthetic blood testing helps our veterinary team assess your pets organ function and their ability to safely process medications, sedatives and anaesthetic agents.
- Detecting hidden illness or early signs of disease that may not yet be visible.
- Reducing anaesthetic risk by confirming normal organ function.
- Allowing the veterinary team to adjust the anaesthetic plan or take additional precautions if needed.
- Establishing a baseline for ongoing monitoring of Your Pet’s health.
Recommendations
- Recommended for every anaesthetic or sedation.
- Strongly recommended for senior patients, especially those undergoing dental or prolonged procedures.
- Recommended every 6 months for pets over 7 years of age.
Additional fees apply for pre‑anaesthetic blood testing.
Your Pet’s resuscitation Order
We understand that every client has their own preferences regarding resuscitation and life‑support measures for their pet, and these wishes may change during Your Pet’s hospital stay.
As part of the admission process, we will discuss and document Your Pet’s resuscitation order so we are clear on your wishes should an unexpected cardiac or respiratory arrest occur.
Further information about resuscitation options is provided below.
Please take the time to read through it and contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss this further.
Flea Policy
To maintain a safe and hygienic environment for all patients, we follow strict infection‑control protocols, including the prevention of ectoparasites such as fleas.
All patients admitted to our Animal Hospital must be free of adult fleas, as fleas can spread between patients and may contaminate surgical sites.
If adult fleas are found on Your Pet, our policy is to administer a fast‑acting flea treatment (Capstar) to prevent transmission. An additional fee will apply.
Patient Updates & Communication
Please ensure you are available to communicate with our veterinary team throughout the day of Your Pet’s procedure.
We understand that you may feel anxious while Your Pet is in hospital. Our experienced nursing team plays an essential role in their care and will provide updates during their stay. You will be contacted promptly if we have any concerns.
- Initial updates may be delayed until we have important information such as test results or procedural outcomes.
Most updates are provided once Your Pet is in recovery, typically in the early afternoon.
- A discharge time will be arranged once Your Pet is stable and ready to go home.
Depending on the circumstances, the nurse may discuss discharge instructions over the phone. This conversation may take a few minutes, as it includes important information about Your Pet’s home care, recovery, and revisit appointment.
If you are unable to complete this discussion over the phone, please let the nurse know.
We kindly ask that you call the hospital only if the matter is urgent. If you have not yet received an update, it generally means Your Pet is still in surgery, not yet in recovery, or not yet ready for discharge.
Your Pet’s Operative Process
During the procedure, Your Pet will have a dedicated anaesthetist monitoring them closely.
They will receive oxygen during induction, and anaesthesia may be maintained with gas delivered through a tube placed in the trachea.
Some procedures may be performed under “twilight sedation,” where a short‑acting anaesthetic is administered intravenously alongside masked oxygen.
Throughout the procedure, Your Pet will be continuously monitored and kept warm to support a smooth and stable recovery.
The surgical site will be clipped and cleaned with antiseptic solutions. These products may leave the surrounding fur sticky or discoloured; this can be gently cleaned once the area has healed.
Your Pet’s Post-Operative Recovery
Recovery varies between patients. Your Pet will receive ongoing warming, oxygen therapy, close observation, and additional medication if required. They will be monitored continuously until they are stable.
A discharge time will be arranged once Your Pet is alert and ready to go home.
Their intravenous catheter will be removed, and a small bandage will be applied. The small bandage may be removed before discharge or you may be instructed to remove the small bandage at home, following specific instructions.
Your Pet’s Recovery at Home
Once home, please keep Your Pet warm and indoors. Anaesthetic drugs temporarily reduce the body’s ability to regulate temperature, so close monitoring is essential.
Separate Your Pet from other pets to prevent rough play or over‑excitement. They may appear groggy for 24–72 hours and may not respond normally to their environment, other pets, or people.
Offering Food & Water
Offer Your Pet a small amount of water once home. If this is tolerated, a small meal may be offered. If Your Pet vomits or refuses food, wait until the following morning before offering more.
Drinking large amounts of water at once may cause nausea or vomiting, so offer small amounts frequently.
A persistent lack of appetite may indicate discomfort or a complication. Dogs can tolerate longer periods without eating, but we generally do not want to let this go, because of the potential for anorexia being a sign of other complications.
Toileting
If Your Pet received intravenous fluids, they may urinate more frequently for 24–48 hours. It may take a few days for bowel movements to return to normal after anaesthesia. Ensure Your Pet is eating their regular diet. If they have not passed stools after several days, please contact the clinic for advice.
The Surgical Wound
The surgical site needs time to heal. Please keep Your Pet quiet and rested for 10–14 days. Avoid running, jumping, or rough play. Daily activities like daily walks will need to be postponed during Your Pet’s recovery period. Excessive activity can lead to complications or re‑injury, which may require further surgery and cause discomfort for Your Pet.
Do not bathe Your Pet or allow the wound to become wet or dirty. Prevent licking or chewing of the wound, as this can delay healing and cause infection. Check the incision at least twice daily for redness, swelling, or discharge. Contact us immediately if you notice any of these signs. An Elizabethan collar or body suit must be worn throughout the recovery period. Elevating food and water bowls can make eating and drinking easier while wearing a collar. Your veterinarian will advise when Your Pet can safely return to normal activity at their revisit appointment.
Body Suit Option
A body suit (recovery suit or surgical onesie) can be an effective alternative to a traditional Elizabethan collar.
Benefits include:
- Comfort: Soft, breathable fabric allows normal movement and rest.
- Reduced stress: Less intrusive than a cone; many pets feel calmer.
- Wound protection: Prevents licking, biting, or scratching of the surgical site.
- Cleanliness: Helps keep the area free from debris, fur, and litter dust.
- Mobility: Allows easier eating, drinking, and toileting.
Patient Sutures
Your Pet may have either dissolving or non‑dissolving sutures.
Dissolving Sutures
These sutures gradually break down on their own over time. Mild swelling around the area can occur as part of the normal healing process and may take a little while to settle.
Non-Dissolving Sutures
These sutures will need to be removed approximately 10–14 days after surgery. As with dissolving sutures, some local swelling is normal and should improve as healing progresses.
Skin Reactions & Clipper Rash
- Clipper rash or mild skin irritation can occur after preparing the catheter or surgical site. Our surgical team may apply medicated creams or protective dressings during recovery.
Your Pet may be sent home with topical treatments or medications to support healing.
- A medical adhesive dressing (such as Fixomull) may be placed over the wound. Our team will advise you when it should be removed.
- It typically takes around two-three months for clipped fur to grow back. The regrowth may appear different in texture or colour.
Intravenous Catheter Site
Some bruising or swelling at the catheter site is common and usually resolves within a few days. However, complications can occasionally occur, including:
- Phlebitis: Inflammation of the vein causing redness, swelling, or discomfort
- Thrombophlebitis: A small clot forming at the catheter site
- Infection: Local or systemic infection from bacterial or fungal contamination
- Pain or sensitivity: Mild irritation at the site
Please contact us if you notice worsening swelling, heat, discharge, or if Your Pet appears uncomfortable.
Post Surgical Site Complications
Just like in human medicine, surgical sites in animals can experience complications. These may include:
- Infection: Surgical‑site infections occur in 0.8–18% of veterinary patients. Good hygiene and proper aftercare reduce this risk.
- Swelling or inflammation: Some swelling is normal; excessive inflammation may indicate a problem.
- Seroma: A pocket of fluid under the skin caused by movement or irritation. Seromas are usually painless but may take weeks to resolve or occasionally require treatment.
- Bruising: Common after surgery and varies depending on the procedure and the patient’s healing response.
- Dehiscence: The incision reopening, often due to excessive activity or licking.
- Bleeding or discharge: Persistent bleeding or unusual discharge should be assessed promptly.
- Pain: Some discomfort is expected, but excessive pain may require further veterinary attention.
- Foreign‑material reaction: Some pets may react to sutures or implants, occasionally requiring additional intervention.
When to Contact Us
Please contact us immediately if:
- Your Pet seems unusually uncomfortable, distressed, or lethargic
- Your Pet refuses food or water
- Your Pet is not toileting normally
- You notice excessive redness, swelling, heat, or discharge at the wound
- Your Pet is licking or chewing at the incision
- Your Pet is not behaving like themselves
- You are unable to administer medication
- You have any concerns at all about Your Pet
Your Pet’s Take-Home medication
- Your Pet will be prescribed pain relief to keep them comfortable at home.
Please give all medications exactly as directed on the label and continue feeding Your Pet normally.
- If you notice vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, or blood in the stool, stop the medication and contact us immediately.
- If Your Pet is prescribed additional medications, please follow the instructions carefully and ensure the full course is completed.
- If you have difficulty administering medication, try hiding tablets in a high‑value treat. If this is still challenging, please contact our team for assistance.
- Sometimes a medication may not suit Your Pet and may need to be changed.
Supporting Your pet during recovery
- Many pets benefit from additional calming and enrichment tools during recovery, such as:
- Pheromones: Synthetic calming pheromones (e.g., Feliway for cats) can help reduce anxiety.
- Snuffle blankets: Provide mental stimulation without physical exertion.
- Enrichment activities: Food puzzles, scent games, and gentle training help prevent boredom when activity is restricted.
Recovery Crate (small dog)
What the crate should include
- Enough space for Your Pet to sit, stand, turn around, and lie comfortably
- A soft bed
- Food and water bowls
- A non‑slip base
Where to place the crate
- In a quiet, low‑stress area away from other pets and children
- If Your Pet has an external fixator, pad the lower edges of the crate with cardboard for safety
Ongoing Medication
All surgical patients are provided ongoing pain relief to assist them during their recovery at home, but some patients need additional support.
If you feel Your Pet may need additional support during recovery, please contact us before their surgical date.
Additional fees apply for ongoing medications, and some may be externally scripted.
Your Pets Recheck Appointment
Your Pet will need a recheck appointment 5–7 days after surgery.
This visit is an important part of their recovery. The team will:
- Assess the surgical wound
- Reassess Your Pet’s overall progress
- Provide ongoing care recommendations
- Advise on the timing of suture removal (for non‑dissolving sutures)
If anything is unclear or you would like further information, please reach out to our team.
Thank you for entrusting Hunter Valley Animal Hospital with the care of Your Pet.
Our team is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and positive surgical experience for your pet.