Pre-Surgery Care
Preparing Your Pet for Surgery
Surgery can feel overwhelming for many pet owners, but proper preparation plays an important role in helping procedures run smoothly and supporting a safe recovery. At Vets of Melbourne, we provide comprehensive pre-surgery care for dogs, cats and small animals to ensure your pet is ready for their procedure.
Our veterinary team takes the time to assess your pet’s health, discuss the planned procedure and answer any questions you may have before surgery day.
Whether your pet is undergoing a routine procedure or a more complex operation, our goal is to provide personalised care and peace of mind throughout the process.
Why Pre-Surgery Care Matters
Every pet is unique, and careful preparation helps us minimise risks and provide the safest possible experience.
Pre-surgery care allows us to:
- Assess your pet’s overall health
- Identify any underlying medical concerns
- Discuss anaesthetic considerations
- Review medications and medical history
- Plan appropriate pain management
- Ensure your pet is fit for surgery
Taking these steps beforehand helps support a smoother procedure and recovery.
What Happens Before Surgery?
Before your pet’s procedure, our team will perform a thorough physical examination and review their medical history.
Depending on your pet’s age, health status and the planned surgery, we may recommend:
- Pre-anaesthetic blood testing
- Additional diagnostic testing
- Medication reviews
- Weight and body condition assessment
- Anaesthetic planning
- Pain management planning
We will explain any recommended tests and answer any questions before proceeding.
Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Testing
Blood testing is commonly recommended before surgery to help assess your pet’s internal health.
These tests may provide valuable information about:
- Liver function
- Kidney function
- Blood cell counts
- Hydration status
- Overall health
Pre-anaesthetic blood testing can help identify concerns that may influence anaesthetic or surgical planning.
Fasting Before Surgery
Many surgical procedures require pets to fast before receiving a general anaesthetic.
Our team will provide clear instructions regarding:
- When to remove food
- Water access requirements
- Medication administration
- Arrival times
Following these instructions is important for your pet’s safety during anaesthesia.
Preparing Your Pet at Home
There are several simple steps owners can take before surgery day:
- Follow fasting instructions carefully
- Ensure your pet has access to fresh water if advised
- Administer medications only as directed
- Keep your pet calm and comfortable
- Bring any relevant medical information to your appointment
If you are unsure about any instructions, our team is always available to help.
Supporting Nervous Pets
It’s normal for some pets to feel anxious when visiting the veterinary clinic.
Our team works to create a calm and supportive environment and can discuss strategies to help reduce stress before surgery. If your pet becomes particularly anxious during veterinary visits, please let us know before their appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my pet need a health assessment before surgery?
A pre-surgical assessment helps identify any health concerns that may affect anaesthesia, surgery or recovery.
Does every pet need blood tests before surgery?
Recommendations vary depending on your pet’s age, health status and the procedure being performed. Our veterinarians will discuss whether testing is recommended.
Why does my pet need to fast?
Fasting helps reduce the risk of complications associated with general anaesthesia and is an important part of surgical preparation.
Can my pet take their regular medications before surgery?
This depends on the medication and procedure. Our team will provide specific instructions before your pet’s surgery.
Pre-Surgery Care at Vets of Melbourne
Careful preparation is an important part of achieving the best possible surgical outcome. From health assessments and diagnostic testing to personalised guidance and support, our team is committed to helping your pet receive safe and effective surgical care.
If your pet is scheduled for a procedure, we’re here to guide you through every stage of the process and ensure you feel informed and confident about their care.
Book an appointment with Vets of Melbourne to discuss your pet’s upcoming surgery and pre-surgical care needs.