(02) 4733 3456
reception@wellpet.com.au
(02) 4733 3456
reception@wellpet.com.au
(02) 4733 3456
reception@wellpet.com.au
Pre-Surgical Information
When your pet requires surgery, we understand it can be a worrying time. Our experienced team is here to ensure both you and your pet feel supported every step of the way — from admission to recovery. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare for your pet’s surgery.
The Night Before
Since your pet will be sedated and/or placed under a general anaesthetic, it’s essential that no food is given after 9.30pm the night before their procedure. This is an important safety precaution to minimise the risk of complications during sedation or anaesthesia. Water can and should remain available overnight — it’s only food that needs to be withheld.
Please note: this advice applies to dogs and cats only. Rabbits must not be fasted prior to surgery, and specific pre-operative instructions for rabbits and other exotic pets will be provided by the attending vet.
The Morning Of
When your pet’s procedure was booked, you will have been given an admission time. It’s important to arrive promptly for this appointment and allow around 15 minutes to complete the necessary paperwork and finalise the deposit payment (75% of the estimated cost).
The Admission Form
Admission Process
The hospital admission consent form should have been emailed to you prior to your pet’s stay and completed ahead of time. If this has not been done, you will be asked to complete the form at the time of admission. If you have already submitted the form, the admitting nurse will review it with you during check-in to confirm all details.
This form covers important questions about your pet’s general health and medical history. This form gives permission to WellPet Vets to proceed with the planned procedure. Ideally, the person filling out the form should be familiar with your pet’s usual diet, current medications (including dosages), any known allergies, and any other relevant health concerns.
Optional Extras
As part of the admission process, you’ll also be offered several optional tests and services. While these are not mandatory, they represent gold-standard care designed to ensure your pet’s health and safety — and are offered for your convenience. We recommend considering these options before admission day. Please note, additional charges apply for these services.
Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Screening
We recommend pre-anaesthetic blood testing for all pets scheduled for sedation or general anaesthesia. This screening allows us to check for any underlying health issues that may not be immediately visible and helps us adjust the anaesthetic plan to ensure your pet’s safety. For pets over 7 years of age, this testing is generally required. Even when results are normal, they provide peace of mind and offer a useful baseline for future health assessments.
Intravenous Fluids During Anaesthesia
We also recommend intravenous (IV) fluids for all pets undergoing general anaesthesia or sedation. IV fluids help maintain hydration after fasting, support stable blood pressure and circulation during the procedure, and aid in a smoother recovery. For desexing and dental procedures, fluids are included as part of our surgical bundles. For other procedures, you may choose to add IV fluids before and after surgery to provide your pet with additional support and comfort.
Other Extras
If your pet is due for any routine services while they are with us, you’re welcome to request these at the time of admission. This is a convenient opportunity to keep your pet up to date with their preventative care. Services that can be added include vaccination boosters, heartworm testing or heartworm injections, flea and tick preventative injection, nail trims, and other routine treatments. Just let our team know at drop-off, and include the request in the admission form.
Pet Insurance
If your pet is insured, please include your insurer’s details and your pet’s policy number so we can record this on your file.
Contact Details
You’ll be asked to nominate the best contact person for the day of the procedure. It’s important this person is easily reachable throughout the day, so we can provide updates or reach you promptly if any unexpected concerns arise.
Estimate & Deposit
While we aim to provide accurate estimates for all treatments and procedures, there are times when the planned approach may need to change once your pet is under anaesthesia or further diagnostic information becomes available.
In all cases, the veterinarian will make every effort to contact you to discuss any changes and obtain your permission before proceeding. However, if we are unable to reach you and a decision needs to be made quickly — especially to reduce the risks associated with prolonged anaesthetic time — the veterinarian will act in your pet’s best interests and use their professional judgement to proceed with the safest and most appropriate course of action.
As mentioned earlier, a 75% deposit based on the estimate provided will need paid on admission, with the balance to be paid prior to discharge.
Resuscitation
As part of the admission process, you will be asked to make a decision regarding resuscitation. The information below may help guide your choice. If you wish to change your decision at any time, or would like to discuss your pet’s specific situation, please speak with a member of our team.
A patient’s overall health plays an important role in determining both the risk of complications and the likelihood of a successful recovery if resuscitation becomes necessary. At WellPet Vets, we are committed to providing every patient with compassionate, state-of-the-art care that respects both quality and length of life. We encourage you to consider your wishes carefully ahead of time, in case the unexpected occurs.
- Healthy or Low-Risk Patients:
Pets admitted for routine or low-risk procedures are generally considered good candidates for resuscitation. In these cases, the likelihood of a medical emergency is low, and if no underlying health concerns are present, recovery after resuscitation is often positive. Our veterinarians typically recommend electing for resuscitation in these situations. - Critically Ill Patients:
Pets admitted for treatment of severe injury or illness are considered higher risk, and decisions about resuscitation are best discussed directly with the admitting veterinarian. Recommendations will vary depending on your pet’s specific condition and can change over the course of treatment. - Palliative Care Patients:
Pets receiving end-of-life or comfort care are usually considered at highest risk for poor recovery following resuscitation. In most cases, resuscitation is not recommended, though this decision is deeply personal and should be discussed with the veterinarian overseeing your pet’s care.
In the rare event that resuscitation is required, our team will always work to stabilise your pet and contact you as soon as possible to discuss the next steps.
Progress Updates
We know it is a stressful time when a family pet has been admitted for treatment. Generally you will be called once your pet has had their procedure and is waking up in recovery. At this point we will be able to let you know how the procedure went, and organise a discharge time (if appropriate). Please be aware that we are an emergency hospital, and whilst we do have separate hospital and surgical teams, sometimes there can be unexpected delays due to emergencies.
Discharge Appointment
A discharge appointment will be booked at a suitable time to ensure your pet is awake and ready to leave hospital.
On discharge you are required to pay any outstanding balance on the account. The team member will run you through the discharge instructions, and provide you with any medications required at home. They will also discuss with you if and when a recheck appointment is required. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.
What to expect Post-Operatively
You will be provided with procedure-specific discharge instructions when you collect your pet, to help you give them the best possible care at home. Following a general anaesthetic, it’s normal for your pet to be drowsy — we recommend setting them up in a quiet, warm and comfortable space to rest as they recover.
If you have any concerns during their recovery, please don’t hesitate to contact Nepean Animal Hospital — we’re staffed 24/7 and can be reached on (02) 47 333 456.
Things to keep an eye on include:
- Redness, swelling or discharge around the surgical site
- The incision feeling hot to touch or starting to open
- Your pet appearing unusually flat, lethargic or refusing food
If you notice any of these signs, please contact us for advice.
