Surgery for pets

Surgical treatments at Dierenkliniek Het Zicht:

• Anaesthesia
• Pain management
• Blood and plasma transfusions
• Electrocautery
• Spaying
• Neutering

Specialisations

In addition to the above surgical treatments, we have a great deal of experience with:

• Knee surgery in dogs
• Cruciate ligament operations in dogs

Prior to the operation

All operations carried out are aimed at making your animal better and/or giving it a healthier and more pleasant life. We as veterinarians and vet nurses will provide your pet with the best care.

You have made an appointment for your pet. Below are a number of points to consider before you bring your pet:

• It is necessary for your animal to be entirely sober. This means you do not feed your animal for at least 12 hours before the appointment. Water is allowed. Because of the anaesthetic your pet may become nauseous and vomit. This can be dangerous when your pet is sedated. We ask you to please ensure your animal is sober. This does not apply to rabbits and rodents! Rabbits and rodents should not be sober because of their digestive system.
• Make sure that your pet has been treated against worms and fleas before entering.
• Let your dog out well before you bring him. Keep to moderate exercise. 
• Bring your animal in in a travel basket or on a sturdy leash with a tightly fitting collar.
• Leave your telephone number with us and make sure you can be reached at the number provided.
• Should your animal show behavioural changes or have a physical complaint (e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea, drinking a lot, etc.), please report this to the vet nurse on the day of the appointment.

The surgery

The vet will carry out a physical examination before anaesthetising your animal. If necessary, a pre-anaesthetic blood test can be carried out to see how your animal's organs function. After this, the veterinarian can adjust the anaesthetic accordingly. After this the animal will be given antibiotics, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic injection to support recovery after the operation. When your pet is found to be in good physical condition, the vet will place a branule in the vein. If necessary, an intravenous drip can be connected to this. After the anaesthetic has been administered, the assistants will further prepare your animal for the operation (shaving, washing, disinfecting, etc.).

During the operation we can keep an eye on your animal's breathing and heart rate by means of special monitoring equipment. If necessary, we can administer additional (gas) anaesthesia. After the operation your animal will receive an injection which will wake him up calmly. Your pet will stay in the recovery room/hibernation room for a while after the operation until he/she is fully awake again. The vet nurse will call you afterwards to arrange what time you can pick up your pet again.

Aftercare

It is very important to keep a close eye on your animal after arriving home. Make sure that he/she does not lick the wounds/sutures (you can pick up a collar at the practice if necessary). If necessary, your animal will be given a course of antibiotics and painkillers to take home with it. Both courses have to be completely finished. In most cases your pet will start eating and drinking again within a day.