Preparation of surgical equipment:

 

As an ASAVA accredited Hospital of excellence, we not only maintain the highest standards of care but also maintain that in procedures. Our standards are as high as that in a human hospital.

 

All the surgical equipment, drapes, gowns and surgical materials are carefully washed, dried, and steam sterilized in a hospital grade Autoclave.

 

Pre-anaesthetic examination and anaesthetic induction

On admission at 8 am, each patient is weighed to allow accuracy of drug dosing. Each patient is then given a thorough pre-anaesthetic examination.   Warmed intravenous fluid support is usually commenced at this time.

 

Patients are administered a premedicant. This calms the patient, reduces anxiety and provides pain relief.

After approximately 20 minutes, the patient is then administered the anaesthetic agent.

 

After the patient is asleep, an endotracheal tube is passed down into the trachea and connected to a gaseous anaesthetic machine. This machine delivers anaesthetic gas and oxygen.

 

Monitoring equipment is connected to the patient, and a detailed anaesthetic record is kept throughout the surgical procedure.

A dedicated surgical nurse is always assigned to the patient.

 

 

RECOVERY

 

Close monitoring does not stop when the surgery is over. Each recovery cage has a soft fluffy blanket and a heating blanket to ensure the patient is comfortable and recovers quickly. During the initial stages of recovery, a nurse remains with the animal to ensure its safety and to offer comfort if needed.

 

Although the premedicant each animal receives contains pain relief, we also give additional medication to control discomfort if it is needed post-operatively. Once the patient has recovered sufficiently, and after a post-surgery examination, we discharge the patient.

Each patient requires specific convalescent care and we discuss these with owners in great detail.