Surgery is one of the most trust-intensive things a pet owner asks of a veterinary clinic. You are handing over an animal that cannot tell you how it feels, and you are relying entirely on the team to make the right decisions at every step. At OC Pets, that responsibility shapes how we approach every surgical case: thorough assessment before anaesthesia, clear communication with you throughout, precise technique during the procedure and committed monitoring afterwards.
Pre-Surgical Assessment
Every surgical patient undergoes mandatory pre-anaesthetic blood tests before the procedure. These run on our in-house IDEXX analysers and return results within 20 minutes. The panel screens organ function including kidney, liver and glucose, and assesses red blood cell status.
Findings that could affect anaesthetic management are discussed with you before proceeding. Patients with significant findings may require additional stabilisation or a referral conversation, and we communicate this clearly and honestly rather than proceeding regardless.
Anaesthesia and Intraoperative Monitoring
Our anaesthetic protocols use modern, reversible agents titrated to individual patient parameters. During every procedure, patients are monitored continuously for heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, carbon dioxide levels and body temperature.
Fluid therapy is maintained throughout. A dedicated team member monitors the patient at all times while the surgeon focuses entirely on the procedure. This is a non-negotiable standard, not a premium add-on.
Soft Tissue Surgery
We perform a broad range of soft tissue procedures including mass removals and biopsies, gastrointestinal surgery (foreign body removal, intestinal resection), splenectomy, cystotomy (bladder stone removal), wound repair and reconstruction, gastropexy for bloat prevention in at-risk breeds and laparotomy for diagnostic exploration.
Elective procedures such as spay and neuter are performed routinely with the same standard of care applied to complex cases. An elective neuter receives the same pre-anaesthetic screening, monitoring and post-operative care as an emergency procedure.
Orthopaedic Surgery
Common orthopaedic procedures include fracture repair using plates, pins and external fixators, patella luxation correction and cruciate ligament management. We assess each case individually and advise on the most appropriate surgical approach.
Cases requiring advanced specialist orthopaedic procedures are referred to board-certified surgical specialists with our full case summary and imaging. We do not attempt procedures that are outside our competence.
Post-Operative Recovery
The recovery period is as important as the surgery itself. Patients wake in a warm, monitored recovery area with dedicated nursing care. Pain management is proactive, not reactive. Most patients are discharged the same day for elective procedures with written discharge instructions, take-home medications and a scheduled follow-up.
We monitor for complications including bleeding, temperature abnormalities and delayed recovery. If you feel your pet is not adequately comfortable after returning home, call us immediately. We would rather reassure you with a phone call than have a patient suffer unnecessarily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is anaesthesia in dogs and cats?
In healthy patients with normal pre-anaesthetic blood values, the risk is very low. Pre-anaesthetic screening is the most important step in identifying and managing risk. Risk is higher in older animals, those with organ disease or emergency cases, and we discuss this honestly with you before proceeding.
What is the recovery time after surgery?
It varies by procedure. A routine spay typically requires 10 to 14 days of restricted activity. Orthopaedic surgery may require 6 to 8 weeks of structured recovery. Soft tissue procedures often allow return to normal activity within two weeks. We provide specific written instructions for each case.
What should I feed my pet before surgery?
We ask owners to withhold food for 8 to 12 hours before the procedure and water for 2 to 4 hours. This reduces anaesthetic risk significantly. We confirm fasting instructions when we book the surgery.
Will my pet be in pain after the operation?
We use multi-modal pain management protocols that include pre-operative, intraoperative and post-operative pain relief. Patients are sent home with appropriate pain medication. If you feel your pet is not adequately comfortable, call us immediately and do not wait for the follow-up.
When should I consider neutering my dog or cat?
This is a nuanced decision that varies by species, breed, sex, size and intended lifestyle. The evidence has evolved significantly from the traditional six-month recommendation. We discuss individual timing at consultations based on your specific pet.
Ready to Book?
Our team is available 7 days a week, 10 AM to 10 PM. Book online or call us directly for same-day availability.