Safe surgery and safe anaesthesia

We are accredited by the NSW Veterinary Practitioners Board to carry out major surgical procedures. our clients travel from Warners Bay, Cardiff, Mount Hutton as well as other areas of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.

Desexing, general surgery including tumour and lump removal, along with more specialised surgery such as eyelid and soft palate surgery, gastropexy, cruciate and luxating patella surgery.

Any surgery carries some risks but with appropriate consideration of the patients species, breed, age and health status, as well as best practice management, the risks are minimised.

FAQ's answered on anaesthesia

Q - Who is in charge of any anaesthetics

A -  Anaesthetic are the responsibilty of the veterinarian who is assisted by a qualified and trained veterinary nurse.

Q - Will they monitor depth of anaesthesia, heart rate, respiration, oxygenation, blood pressure, temperature?

A -  Yes. The person monitoring the anaesthetic will have the aid of machines that monitor can heart rate, blood pressure, oxygenation, body temperature, respiration

Q -  Will my animal be in pain

A -  The person monitoring the anaesthetic will also be checking depth of anaesthesia, including pain perception.

Q -  Is the patient warmed during the procedure?

A -  Yes. The patient is place on a warm operating table and will be inhaling warmed air with the anaesthetic gas. 

Q -  Do you vary protocols based on a patient’s individual needs?

A -  Yes. Premedication, anaesthethic agents and methods, as well as drug and intravenous fluid choices, will vary based on individual assessment, by the veterinarian.

Q -  How do you manage pain?

A -  While there are standard pain management protocols, these may be varied depending on the individual patient’s needs. If a patient seems to be experiencing pain above that expected or because of an individual reaction to the feeling of pain additional medication is given if indicated.

Q -  What’s the recovery period like after surgery? Who will be watching my pet?

A -  Individual animals wake from surgery very differently. Some are quiet while other are very vocal. Some seem to wake peacefully while others wake with a start. All patients are given hot water bottles and soft bedding and are comforted as they wake. If all they need is a bit of a cuddle as reassurance then a staff member will stay with them until they settle. No animal is left alone until they are conscious, comfortable, breathing normally and pain is controlled. 

Q - Will my pet receive stitches?

A - For most procedures such as desexings we use absorbable sutures underneath the skin so that you don't need to come back. Sometimes skin sutures are necessary however.

Q - What is involved after surgery?

A - You will need to keep an eye out for any discharge or swelling. Pets should not be allowed to lick at wounds and no bathing for 10 days. Skin sutures are removed in about 10-14 days.