Preparing Your Pet for Surgery

​

Thank you for choosing South Brisbane Vet for your pet's procedure.

​

We understand that having your pet undergo sedation/anaesthetic or surgery can feel stressful. Our veterinary team is committed to providing the highest standard of care before, during and after every procedure.

 

This guide explains:

• How to prepare your pet for surgery

• Fasting requirements

• Medication instructions

• What to bring on the day

• Admission and discharge information

• Common questions about sedation/anaesthesia and recovery

 

If you have any questions before your appointment, please contact our team on 07 3846 0043.

​

What Should I Do Before My Pet's Surgery?

 

Fast Your Pet From 9:00 PM The Night Before

​

To reduce the risk of vomiting or regurgitation during sedation or anaesthesia, your pet must have an empty stomach.

Food: No food after 9:00 PM the night before surgery.

​

Water: Fresh water may remain available overnight and can be offered on the morning of surgery.

​

Please ensure your pet cannot access food belonging to other pets in the household.

​

Should My Pet Take Their Regular Medication?

​

Some medications should be given as normal, while others may need adjustment before sedation or anaesthesia.

​

If your pet takes any medication, please contact our veterinary team before the procedure for specific advice.

 

Please also let us know if you require:

• Prescription refills

• Flea or tick prevention

• Worming products

• Vaccinations

 

What If My Pet Is Unwell Before Surgery?

​

lease tell us if your pet develops any signs of illness before their procedure.

​

This includes:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Coughing

• Sneezing

• Shortness of breath

• Lethargy

• Reduced appetite

 

Even mild illness can affect anaesthetic safety.

​

How Should I Transport My Pet?

 

Dogs

Dogs should arrive on a secure lead.

 

Cats

Cats should travel in a secure carrier or carry basket.

​

What Happens On Admission?

 

Please allow your pet an opportunity to toilet before arriving at the clinic.

​

This helps keep your pet comfortable during recovery.

​

Admission Time

 

Most patients are admitted between 8:15 AM and 9:00 AM.

​

Please allow approximately 15 minutes for admission so we can:

• Perform a health assessment

• Confirm procedure details

• Discuss any treatment options

• Answer any questions

 

Earlier admissions often help pets settle more comfortably before their procedure.

​

What Happens After Surgery?

​

Many routine procedures such as desexing and dental treatments are day procedures and patients usually return home the same afternoon.

​

Some patients undergoing more complex procedures may require overnight hospitalisation.

​

Please contact the clinic after 4:00 PM to receive an update on your pet's recovery and expected discharge time.

​

What Happens At Discharge?

​

Before your pet goes home, one of our veterinarians or nurses will discuss:

• Pain relief medications

• Feeding instructions

• Exercise restrictions

• Wound care

• Follow-up appointments

• Signs of potential complications

Please allow approximately 15 minutes for your discharge consultation.

​

​

Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Testing for Dogs and Cats

​

Does My Pet Need Blood Tests Before Surgery?

​

Pre-anaesthetic blood testing is a health screening performed before a general anaesthetic or sedation. It helps us identify hidden health conditions that may increase anaesthetic risk and allows us to tailor your pet's anaesthetic plan for maximum safety.

​

At South Brisbane Vet, we recommend pre-anaesthetic blood testing for many patients undergoing surgery, dental procedures or sedation.

​

Why Is Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Testing Recommended?

​

Many pets appear healthy on the outside but can have underlying health issues that are not visible during a physical examination.

​

A pre-anaesthetic blood test provides valuable information about your pet's internal health, including the function of important organs involved in processing anaesthetic medications.

​

The results help us:

• Assess liver function

• Assess kidney function

• Check for anaemia

• Detect signs of infection or inflammation

• Evaluate overall health before sedation or anaesthesia

• Tailor anaesthetic medications to your pet's individual needs

 

In some cases, blood testing may identify conditions that require further investigation before proceeding with surgery.

​

What Does A Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Test Check?

​

Kidney Function

The kidneys help filter waste products and eliminate many medications from the body.

Reduced kidney function can affect how your pet responds to anaesthetic drugs and influence recovery after surgery.

 

Liver Function

The liver plays a major role in metabolising anaesthetic medications.

Changes in liver enzymes may indicate underlying disease and help us determine the safest anaesthetic protocol.

 

Red Blood Cells

We assess red blood cell levels to identify anaemia.

Anaemic patients may have a reduced ability to transport oxygen around the body during sedation or anaesthesia.

​

Can Blood Tests Detect Hidden Disease?

 

Yes.

 

Pre-anaesthetic blood testing can detect abnormalities that may not be obvious during a routine examination.

 

Examples include:

• Early kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Infection

• Inflammation

• Congenital abnormalities

• Age-related organ changes

• Anaemia

 

Even minor abnormalities may influence the anaesthetic drugs we choose and the level of monitoring required.

 

What Happens During A Pre-Anaesthetic Blood Test?

 

A small blood sample is collected from a vein, usually in the leg or neck.

 

To safely collect the sample, we will clip a small area of hair and clean the skin beforehand.

 

The procedure is quick, minimally invasive and typically takes only a few minutes.

 

Most results are processed in-house, allowing us to review them before your pet's procedure.

 

If any significant abnormalities are identified, we will contact you to discuss the findings and any recommendations.

​

Is Blood Testing Recommended For Young Pets?

​

Yes.

​

Although puppies and kittens are usually healthy, congenital abnormalities can occasionally be present without obvious signs.

​

Pre-anaesthetic blood testing can help identify rare underlying conditions and also provides a valuable baseline for future health monitoring.

​

Is Blood Testing Recommended For Older Pets?

​

We strongly recommend pre-anaesthetic blood testing for pets aged seven years and older, particularly if they have not had recent blood testing performed within the previous six months.

​

As pets age, the likelihood of developing kidney disease, liver disease and other health conditions increases.

Identifying these conditions before sedation or anaesthesia allows us to make informed decisions about your pet's care.

​

Does Blood Testing Eliminate Anaesthetic Risk?

 

No anaesthetic procedure is completely risk-free.

 

However, pre-anaesthetic blood testing helps us identify and manage many factors that may increase anaesthetic risk.

 

The information gained allows us to make safer decisions before, during and after your pet's procedure.

​

Frequently Asked Questions

​

Is a pre-anaesthetic blood test mandatory?

No. However, it is strongly recommended because it provides important information about your pet's health and can help improve anaesthetic safety.

 

How much blood is required?

Only a small sample, usually around 1 mL, is required.

 

Will I receive a copy of the results?

Yes. If you would like a copy of your pet's results, simply let our team know.

 

How much does pre-anaesthetic blood testing cost?

The current fee is $180. This cost is separate from your surgical estimate.

​

Why Does My Pet Need To Fast Before Sedation or Anaesthesia?

Food in the stomach increases the risk of regurgitation and aspiration during sedation or anaesthesia. Fasting helps make sedation/anaesthesia safer.

 

Can My Pet Drink Water Before Surgery?

Yes. Fresh water may be offered overnight and on the morning of surgery unless otherwise advised.

 

What If My Pet Accidentally Eats Before Surgery?

Please contact the clinic immediately. Depending on the amount eaten and timing, we may need to adjust or postpone the procedure.

 

Can My Pet Go Home The Same Day?

 

Most routine procedures are day surgeries. Some patients may require overnight monitoring depending on the procedure and recovery.

 

Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?

If you have any questions before your appointment, please contact our team on 07 3846 0043. Our veterinary team is happy to help.

​

​

Located in the heart of West End, South Brisbane Vet is a trusted veterinary clinic serving pets and families throughout South Brisbane, Southbank, Woolloongabba, West End, Highgate Hill, Dutton Park, Kangaroo Point, Paddington and surrounding inner-city Brisbane suburbs. We provide comprehensive veterinary services including pet vaccinations, dental treatments, surgery, diagnostics and wellness care at affordable prices.​

​

​

Written by:

​

Dr Nic Cher, BVMS - Australia's Trusted Veterinarian

Pet Longevity, Preventative Health and Owner Preparedness Advocate