You will receive a text reminder for your admission appointment the day prior to the procedure.
You will also receive an email with information regarding anaesthesia and sedation along with some questions we will be discussing with you during the admission process. It is prudent that you read this prior to the appointment.
Animals, like us are sensitive to stress and pain. An anaesthetic or sedation allows us to treat, x-ray and/or operate on your pet with minimal stress, and prevent them from feeling pain during an operation or painful procedure.
Anaesthetic and sedative agents are carefully chosen and calculated based on your pet's weight, age and body condition. We also take into account any other co-existing health conditions and temperament etc.
Anaesthetic/sedative agents are administered by injection into the muscle, or a vein via an intravenous catheter. Fur will be shaved from the injection site. A tube is placed into the windpipe to give anaesthetic gas and oxygen. Most anaesthetics go smoothly. Although every care is taken to ensure the safety of your pet, very occasionally problems can arise.
There are risks associated with any anaesthetic or surgical procedure. Any risks are minimised through careful clinical assessment of your pet and preparation of your pet prior to anaesthesia.
As with anaesthesia, there are risks and complications associated with surgery. It is important that the surgical procedure has been discussed fully, and any post operative conditions explained to your satisfaction. These can include wound discomfort and swelling, wound breakdown, infections, nausea, vomiting, shivering, itchiness and in very rare cases death. Every effort is made to minimise these risks, through surgical technique and post-operative care of your pet. Drugs may be prescribed for pain and infection. If you have any concerns about the anaesthetic or procedure, please discuss these with your veterinarian.
During admission we will go through a consent form with you detailing the procedure(s) being undertaken and possible risks involved. We will also discuss options for pre-anaesthetic blood tests and intravenous fluid therapy that will incur additional costs.
Pre-anaesthetic blood tests are recommended to properly assess organ function and detect any hidden health conditions that could put your pet at risk. These tests become part of your pet's medical record providing a baseline for future reference also. At Selwyn Vet Centre our Pre-Anaesthetic Blood tests include checking your pet's blood levels of Glucose (GlUC), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP), Albumin (ALB), Globulin (GlOB), Total protein (TP), Urea (BUN), Creatinine (CREA) and Complete Blood Count (CBC). [Please read coloured description below for further information]
Your pet will receive a clinical examination before the procedure and pre-anaesthetic blood and urine tests may be recommended. If your pet is not in good health, the procedure may be postponed after discussion with you.
Intravenous fluid therapy is recommended for general anaesthesia also, this is to help control blood pressure and assist in faster recovery. Intravenous fluid therapy is even more important for lengthy procedures to prevent dehydration and replace blood loss, and in senior patients. This is however included in all bitch spays and dentals here at Selwyn Vet Centre.
We're your local vet! We are conveniently located in Rolleston on Iport Drive - we are close to Main South road with easy access from all directions and we have ample parking. We are not part of a chain or corporate - we are an independent and family-owned business.
