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 Take a close look at
our
Anaesthetic
Standard
1. We have a team of highly experienced and
committed nursing staff. We use the best anaesthetic drugs and up-to-date
anaesthetic monitoring equipment.
2.
We welcome any concerned pet owners to stay with their pet during anaesthetic
induction and recovery if they so wish.
We believe that we are unique in this respect.
We know of no other
veterinary practice that offers this service. See below for details.
3. Anaesthetics for pets that are in general
good health are very safe - probably much safer than driving to the
surgery! We are happy to anaesthetise pets of all ages.
20 years of age is not too old for an anaesthetic.
1. SCREENING BLOOD TEST
We recommend and encourage a screening blood
test on the day of any operation to check for underlying,
hidden medical problems that might interfere with healing and recovery
post-surgery.
Biochemistry testing will often reveal abnormalities with liver and kidney
function that are treatable. Haematology will tell us if there is anaemia or
infection. Early treatment will speed recovery.
Our on-site laboratory (right) delivers routine biochemistry, haematology and
electrolytes within the hour.
2.
FLUID THERAPY
All pets over 7 years of age and any pet that is unwell will be given
intravenous fluid therapy throughout the anaesthetic.
I/v fluids help maintain kidney and liver function during anaesthetic and speed
recovery.
3. GENTLE SEDATION AND INDUCTION.
Dogs: We start with a reversible sedative followed by
induction using propofol which allows intubation and transfer to gas
anaesthesia.
Cats & Rabbits: A sedative / analgesic combination is used to induce light
anaesthesia before intubation. Intubation of rabbits is a special skill we have
developed over recent years that allows us to work in a rabbit's mouth without
risk of inhalation of debris.
4. PAIN CONTROL AT
THE START.
All patients are given the most up-to-date pain relief medication (carprofen
or meloxicam)
before we even start any operation or dental work. This reduces the
anaesthetic dose required, ensures a speedy, comfortable recovery and prevents
tissue swelling around the operation site.
5. THE SAFEST ANAESTHETIC MAINTENANCE.
We use isoflurane for all gas anaesthetics. It's
expensive but by far the safest inhalation anaesthetic currently available.
During recovery from anaesthetic Isoflurane is rapidly expelled from the body on
the breath unlike the more commonly used (and cheaper) halothane that stays in
the body for a long time before excretion via the liver and kidneys.
6. CAREFUL MONITORING.
 Pulse
oximeter monitoring of heart rate and blood oxygen levels is routine.
Small patients such as rabbits and guinea pigs are kept warm in a miniature
sleeping bag and monitored electronically for body temperature variations.
Blood pressure monitoring is currently being introduced.
Our veterinary nurses stay with every patient until they are fully awake,
carefully monitor all vital signs, and keep written records of the
anaesthetic progress. Higher risk patients are also monitored by an ECG.
7. COMFORTABLE RECOVERY.
Our kennels are open for inspection at any time. It is
possible for clients to settle their pets in our kennels as they arrive if they
prefer, and to see them at any time during the recovery period.
Very few veterinary practices allow clients to have access to their kennels.
We designed our kennel area especially for this purpose.
8. OPEN ANAESTHETIC POLICY.
We welcome any concerned pet owners to stay with their pet during anaesthetic
induction and recovery if they so wish. This should be
arranged in advance with reception. There is a charge for this service. It is
also possible to stay with the anaesthetised pet during some surgical
procedures. Please ask reception for details.
We know of no other veterinary practice that offers this service.
The Veterinary Health Centre
constantly strives to raise anaesthetic standards.
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