Archive | Before You Come In

When a cat has been scheduled to have a procedure that requires an anaesthetic to be administered, the following instructions should be followed.

1. Do not allow your cat to eat after 8 pm the night before the procedure.
2. Water is allowed up until admission.
3. Bring your cat in at the arranged time.
4. Advise us of any problems your cat has had with anaesthesia in the past.
5. Advise us of any drug allergies your cat has.
6. If your cat is receiving medications ask us prior to giving them on the morning of the procedure. If in doubt DO NOT give the medication and advise us at admission.

In order to minimise the risks of anaesthesia our staff use only the best anaesthetic agents and equipment. Our staff will closely monitor the cat before, during and after the procedure. In some cats it is necessary to shave areas of fur for the placement of drips and some of the anaesthetic monitoring equipment. The areas that are often shaved are on the front legs, the wrist and under the tail. If blood tests need to be taken there may also be a shaved area under the neck. If a surgery is being performed there will be a large amount of fur shaved around the surgery site. Ultrasound examinations will also need to have fur shaved.

We routinely measure heart rate, breathing rate, blood oxygen levels, breath carbon dioxide levels, gum colour and refill, blood pressure and depth of anaesthesia. Measuring all of these allows us to identify and correct any abnormalities that can arise during anaesthesia before they become a problem. Despite taking all precautions it is possible that complications, including death, can still occur in very rare circumstances.

Cats discharged the same day anaesthesia was performed may still be slightly sedated when arriving home and should be confined inside in a warm quiet environment for the first night. All signs of sedation should be gone in less then 24 hours.

Unless advised otherwise, cats may be offered a small meal and water when arriving home. Many cats have “shrunken” stomachs from being fasted and will vomit if allowed to eat a large meal immediately. Don’t be alarmed if they are not interested in food that evening but if they are not back to normal the following morning then it is best to contact the clinic.

If you have any questions about your cats anaesthetic or procedure, please feel free to ask.

Whether your cat is scheduled for an elective procedure or surgery, or needs to be hospitalized because of illness, we understand that you may be concerned about leaving your cat. We want to do all we can to make you and your cat as comfortable as possible. Please feel free to ask any questions or share any concerns you may have. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements your cat has, or any favourite foods.

When your cat is checked in, we will ask you to designate a person to receive information about your cat's progress. Please ensure that this person is available at all times should we need to get in touch with you. This person can then relay information to the other members of the family. We will also collect contact information and provide you with an estimate for the currently expected procedures if you want one. A veterinarian or nurse (depending on the case) will admit your cat, and answer any questions you have about the planned procedures. A staff member will complete the necessary paperwork, and obtain a deposit if appropriate.

If your cat is here for a routine procedure, such as spaying, castration, or dental cleaning, we will arrange a discharge appointment for the afternoon. Please keep in mind that we see many cats for procedures each day, and we want to make sure all our patients get the attention they deserve while here. Complex medical and surgical patients will stay in hospital for their safety and comfort. Twice each day these cats will have a detailed examination and assessment of their progress. Once they are able to go home, we will ask you to schedule an appointment time for your cat's discharge. At that time, a staff member will go over any discharge instructions and necessary medications.

If your cat is here for hospitalisation or intensive care (ICU), we will ask you to call us at least once daily, if any major changes occur in your cat's condition we will call you. Your cat will be medicated and monitored throughout the day by our nurses and veterinarians. Twice each day these cats will have a detailed examination and assessment of their progress.

We encourage visits from family members during normal hospital hours, but it is necessary to call and let us know you are coming. This is so we can make sure your cat isn't scheduled for any treatments while you are visiting. Your cat will be comforted by friendly faces, but may be overwhelmed by too many visitors at once. While hospitalised, your cat may be connected to IV fluids, urine collection systems or feeding tubes. While we do whatever is needed for your cat's health and well-being, we realise this can sometimes be disconcerting, especially to younger visitors. Our hospital is staffed 24 hours a day so we can provide excellent care round the clock.

If at any time you have any concerns regarding the care of your cat please feel free to speak us about your concerns.