All of our Veterinarians here at Ipswich Family Veterinary Clinic are highly skilled and equipped to perform a large variety of surgeries using modern anaesthetic machines, respiratory monitors and more. They are competent in performing surgery even in the most difficult of injuries or unforseen situations that our pets like to get themselves into.

Our surgery/surgical areas are completely sterile and are equipped with a large array of surgical equipment including orthopaedic implants. We use the safest and moderm anaesthetics, very similiar as used in human-based surgery.

Our Veterinarians are able to perform a vast range of procedures including orthopaedic surgeries, soft tissue surgery, routine desexing, emergency caesareans, wound stitches, exploratory laparotomies, eye surgeries, soft palate surgery, knee reconstruction, placement of feeding tubes, organ aspiration and biopsy, aspiration of lumps, and many more. Some of our vets have also undergone further training in areas of surgery to provide current modern techniques which will benefit your pets' condition.

We promise that in our hands your pet will be given the most comfort and upmost care in our clinic.

What you need to know before your pet is having surgery:

It's extremely important that your pet is fasting before any anaesthetic or sedation. Remember the night before the scheduled surgery, your pat can have their normal delicious dinner, but stopping all foods from 8:00pm. Water can be left for your pet to enjoy over night, but should also be taken away around 7:00am the day of surgery.

We understand they may be grumpy with you that morning, but it's all for their own good!

What you should know for on the day of surgery/admission:

We ask that you bring your pet in for Admission of Surgery between the times of 8am - 9am. This allows our staff to prep your loved one for surgery and have all of our equipment and necessary items ready in advance. Also, mornings can become quite busy for us, so we like to have everything organised and be able to give you our undivided attention.

Remember that you must take away their water bowl around 7am (an hour before bringing into clinic). Always allow them to be able to do their toilet business before coming into clinic, we do not want them feeling any discomfort while waiting for surgery.

When you're on your way in to our Clinic, allow some time to come in, have your details checked, have your pet's weight checked and go through the necessary admission forms with one of our friendly veterinary nurses. Normally we won't take any more than 15 minutes of your time.

All you need to know about Post-Operative Care:

In general cases, your pet will get some stitches or even staples when having surgery. Normally most skin stitches are removed 7-14 days after the operation, depending on the type of surgery performed. Don't worry, our Veterinary Nurses or Veterinarian will advise you of a suitable time to have this done, and we will schedule you a day and time in our appointment book.

Remember that it is only natural that your pet may try and clean the operation site, however, if this becomes excessive, then there is a danger of the stitches being pulled out or an infection being introduced into the wound. We highly recommend an Elizabethan Collar for your pet, these are those plastic annoying domes that go around your pet's neck. We know this may look uncomfortable, but trust us it's definitely for their own good! It will prevent your pet from licking or chewing at the stitches. Please ensure that this remains on your pet for the duration that the stitches remain in. If however, you do remove this, make sure you keep a very close eye on your pet as it only takes a few seconds of unobserved chewing for your pet to undo its stitches. If your pet does succeed in the removing of the stitches, please contact our clinic immediately and one of our nurses will schedule you in at the next available time slot or and emergency appointment.

If something is not right, what to look out for:

You know your loved one best and would be able to tell if something isn't quite right after surgery, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic if you are unsure or need some advice, we are always here to help!

Signs you may see that can indicate problems:

• Lethargic and/ or vomiting
• Excessive redness around the surgery site
• Swelling/lumpiness of the wound
• Bleeding or discharge from the wound
• Licking/Chewing
• Off Odour

If your pet is experiencing any of these signs, please contact the clinic or come in for a check up!