Choosing the right vet clinic for your furry friend’s surgery is a big decision. We understand it can be overwhelming, so we’ve made it easy for you. Here’s a simple guide with essential questions to ask when comparing surgical costs.
1. Are pre-anaesthetic blood tests included in your quote?
Ensure your pet’s health by choosing a veterinary clinic that recommends and includes pre-anaesthetic blood tests as part of your pet’s procedure.
Pre-anaesthetic blood tests assess crucial factors relating to your pet’s health such as their red and white blood cells, platelets, and organ function, providing peace of mind for a safe surgery. The results can also help us to alter your pet’s surgery and anaesthetic as required to best suit their body’s needs.
2. Is an IV catheter placed?
IV catheters are vital! These life saving devices are placed in your pet’s vein, allowing constant IV access and swift medication administration, especially in the case of an emergency keeping your pet safe.
IV catheters also allow us to connect your pet to a fluid drip (which we will explain in #3!).
At Lynbrook Vet, we place an IV in every patient, ensuring quick response and potentially life-saving measures.
3. Is IV fluid therapy included?
Because it should be!
IV fluid therapy has so many benefits, such as maintaining hydration, assisting in processing anesthetic medications post-surgery, and helping to manage blood pressure during the procedure.
Running constant fluid through your pet’s IV catheter also keeps the catheter clot free and ready to use in the case of an emergency.
4. Is pain relief provided, and for how long?
Effective pain management is both compassionate and essential. Your pet is having surgery after all!
Pets should have pain relief throughout the entire recovery period, ensuring a pain-free and comfortable post-operative experience.
We also provide pain relief to our patients prior to their procedures as part of their premedication. This means your pet can keep comfortable before, during and after their procedure when preformed here at Lynbrook Vet.
5. How will you keep my pet safe during the procedure?
Safety during surgery is paramount. Your pet should be monitored by a trained anaesthetic nurse throughout the entire procedure, with a focus on respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Staff should be well-prepared to handle any emergencies or fluctuations in these parameters.
Post-surgery, your pet should be closely monitored until they are fully recovered.
Bonus Question: How will you communicate with me during the day and support me after the procedure?
We understand that leaving your pet for surgery can be nerve-wracking, but it shouldn’t have to be!
Here at Lynbrook Vet, all pet parents receive multiple messages throughout the day so you know your pet is ok!
Contact includes phone calls from your pet’s vet and nurses, and even text messages with photos updates from your pet themselves!
Your peace of mind is important so don’t hesitate to ask how the clinic plans to communicate with you throughout the day.
Post-Surgery Support:
It is important that you and your pet are supported in the days to weeks following surgery, as these can sometimes be even more important than the surgery day itself! Enquire as to what kind of instructions you will be given post-surgery and whether your pet will receive a post- operative check.
All of our patients are provided with post-operative instructions in the form of paperwork and video instructions. You always have phone and email support from us as well!
More Information:
