Our purpose-built surgical block, opened in March 1994, has a reception area for the admission and discharge of in-patients, a large sterile operating theatre, a preparation and X-ray area with a dark room and recovery kennels. Within the same block are housed a utility area and laundry, isolation facilities and a post-mortem room.

All working areas are linked to our computer, allowing instant access and updating of patient records.

The operating theatre is well equipped for all types of surgery, from the routine to the sophisticated. We administer anaesthetics by both intravenous injection and gas, as appropriate, with continuous monitoring of the patient.

Modern techniques have greatly reduced the risks associated with general anaesthesia and nowadays, to improve their quality of life, we routinely operate on patients previously considered to be vulnerable, such as small furries and geriatrics.

We use modern techniques such as cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen), and electrosurgery (using an electric spark), ultrasound scanning (non-invasive imaging using sound waves) and endoscopy (using fibre optic technology to view inaccessible regions of the body).

Dentistry is performed using an ultrasonic scaler and polisher and specialised instruments are used for the ever increasing numbers of rabbits with dental problems.

Our own X-ray facilities mean that we can discuss findings with you on the same day, so that further treatment can be decided together.

Regular monitoring of cat blood pressure helps us control heart, thyroid and kidney diseases and information on the electrical functioning of the heart can be transmitted from our ECG (electro-cardiograph) machine via the phone to a cardiac specialist. In urgent cases, a report can then be faxed back to us the same day, enabling speedy diagnosis and treatment.

Our kennel area has ample space for all sizes of pet together with walk-in kennels for giant breeds and the occasional calf. Those admitted for routine surgery are offered food and water as soon as they have recovered from the anaesthetic ­- having missed breakfast, most are very appreciative. Patients are kept as comfortable as possible - effective heating and air conditioning systems enable fine control of room temperature, while fleecy bedding and underbed heating allows for individual need or preference.

When necessary, we can accommodate patients needing longer term hospital care, but we are well aware of the trauma of separating pets and their owners, and try to arrange for discharge as soon as possible, providing continuing care on an out-patient basis.

Emergencies apart, surgical cases are normally admitted in the morning and discharged later the same day. Please follow any instructions given about fasting before admittance. Even if local rather than general anaesthesia is to be used, sedation may be necessary and regurgitation of stomach contents when unable to swallow properly can be life threatening.

We are not allowed to permit owners to hold their pet for X-ray, so for safety reasons as well as for the clarity of the image, all cases are anaesthetised or sedated.

Before admission you will be asked to read and sign a consent form. If you have any worries about the procedure, the cost or after care, now is the time to enquire.

We offer optional pre-anaesthetic blood screening to help detect some pre-existing problems which may not be apparent on physical examination. The proper functioning of your pets’ liver and kidneys is especially important as these organs detoxify and eliminate sedatives and anaesthetics. If your pet is over the age of five years or is suffering from a chronic illness, this test is particularly important. Dependent upon the results, we might need to adjust the dose or type of anaesthesic given, or even delay non-urgent surgery until after further treatment.

Please ensure that you leave a daytime telephone number so that we can contact you for discussion if necessary, or maybe save you a wasted journey if slow recovery or post-operative complications makes same-day discharge inadvisable. At the time of discharge, you will be given an information sheet detailing after care. Please read this before you leave, and ask the nurse if you are unsure of anything. If you are concerned at any time about recovery or progress, do not hesitate to phone and ask for advice.