By Nat Casserly
As a receptionist I see owners dropping their dogs off for surgery on a daily basis. Some owners leave their furbabies behind, not knowing what happens after they walk out the door. Some owners even refer to the emotions like dropping the kids off at school on their first day. We recognise that for some owners it can be a very anxious and tough moment to leave your pet with us, so thank you you to Cooper’s owners who gave us permission to share his experience with you all. I hope this gives an insight as to what happens when the nurse takes your pet through the consulting room door as we follow Great Dane, Cooper, during his day stay at APVS.
Cooper had a castration performed or desexing as it is more commonly know by pet owners and for Cooper it was actually his birthday (hence the story name). His birthday present, plenty of love and cuddles from both his owner and the team at APVS… he just left a little lighter than when he arrived.
Drop off
After checking in with our reception staff and getting weighed Cooper had his admission consult with one of our friendly nursing team. During this consult the nurse examined Cooper, making sure he was healthy and fit for surgery and anaesthesia and checked that he had not been fed overnight .
The nurse then discussed the operation and ensured Coopers owners had read and understood the consent form and estimate of cost of treatment. Coopers owners signed his consent form and all the questions they had regarding his procedure were answered. Cooper’s owners were given the option of a Pre-anaesthetic blood screen to check if the anaesthetic posed any increased risk as well as intra-operative intravenous fluids which help maintain blood pressure during surgery and assists in recovery. All patients are offered this when they have a procedure, in some cases, depending on the pets health, it is not negotiable.
Cooper was then admitted and walked through to our treatment area where he was prepared for surgery. A catheter was placed into Coopers vein (front leg) so medications could be easily administered. A pre-med which includes a light sedative was also given. With his light sedation onboard he was nice and relaxed while patiently waiting for his turn. Cooper was then set up in a comfy bed with lots of cuddles in our hospital ward while he awaited his procedure.
Surgery Time
Once the surgeon was ready for Cooper he was walked from his hospital bed into the treatment area. His anaesthetic was administered by injection into the catheter which was previously inserted. Once he was asleep, a tube was passed down his trachea (windpipe) to enable oxygen and a gas anaesthetic to be administered, this kept Cooper anesthetised while the his procedure was performed.
Once Cooper had settled into his anaesethteic his surgical nurse prepared the site. His hair was clipped off (even for a small operation it is important that the skin surrounding the operation site is thoroughly cleaned and that hair does not cause any contamination) . Once the hair had been shaved, the surgical site was cleaned and scrubbed. Coopers was administered his medication including pain relief during this time and then moved into theatre ready for his castration procedure.
From the moment Cooper was anaesthetised, and throughout the entire surgical procedure his heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure, temperature as well as other vital signs were monitored by a nurse who remained with Cooper for the entire procedure while the surgeon preformed his castration. These rates are recorded so that any changes are noted instantly and levels of anaesthesia can be adjusted. Coopers owners had elected to have intravenous fluids administered, which helped to maintain efficient blood circulation and later will aid his recovery. We recommend as gold standard care that all pets are administered fluid therapy during surgical procedures.
Recovery
Once surgery was completed, Coopers anaesthetic gas was turned off. The endotracheal tube remained in place delivering oxygen to him until he was able to swallow and have the tube safely removed. Coopers care was then handed over to his recovery nurse where he was monitored in the treatment area until he was fully awake and aware of his surroundings.
Once Cooper was fully recovered and able to walk back to his bed, he was was returned to the hospital ward. His recovery nurse sent a text message with a photo to his owner and arranged a discharge time for Cooper to return home.
Time to go home
Coopers owner returned in the afternoon to collect him at the arranged time. The discharging nurse discussed his procedure, aftercare and any medications that he needed. Coopers owner was provided with a written handout as we know it is often a lot to take in and owners are often focused on the relief of having their beloved pets back with them.
