Surgery isn’t an easy decision - but when it’s needed, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
At MustCare, we understand that the idea of surgery can feel overwhelming. But when your pet is in pain or their health is at risk, surgery may be the best path toward a better quality of life.
We don’t recommend surgery lightly. It’s always based on what’s best for your pet, and only after exploring all other appropriate options. If it’s the right course of action, you can trust our experienced veterinary team to perform it with the same care and attention we’d give our own animals.
Our team is here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and keep your pet’s comfort and safety at the centre of everything we do.
What To Expect When Your Pet Has Surgery
Before Surgery
You’ll bring your pet in during the morning, and we’ll make sure you have time for a proper goodbye. 30 minutes before their surgery, one of our vets will perform a pre-anaesthetic check and tailor their sedation based on age, health, and procedure type.
We use intravenous fluids for all general anaesthetics. This helps support blood pressure, keeps your pet hydrated, and makes for a safer, smoother recovery.
During Surgery
Your pet’s anaesthetic will be closely managed by our experienced team throughout the procedure. We continuously monitor vital signs like blood pressure, breathing rate, and oxygen levels to ensure their safety and comfort.
Whether it’s a routine desexing or something more complex, your pet is in capable hands from start to finish.
After Surgery
Once the procedure is complete, we move your pet into recovery where they’re kept warm, comfortable, and closely monitored as they wake up. Our nurses stay by their side, making sure they recover gently and with as little stress as possible.
When they’re ready to go home, we’ll talk you through exactly what to expect and how to care for them in the days that follow, including pain relief, activity restrictions, and book your follow-up appointments.
Follow-Up Appointments
Your pet’s care doesn’t end when they leave the clinic. We schedule follow-up checks after surgery to make sure everything is healing well and your pet is recovering comfortably.
If your pet had sutures, they usually dissolve on their own – but we still like to see them post-op to make sure all is going to plan. These visits are quick, gentle, and included as part of your surgical care.
How Surgery Can Improve Your Pet’s Life
Surgery can change everything, and even save a life.
When pain, disease, or injury is holding your pet back, surgery can be the step that brings them comfort, mobility, and more good days.No need for outside referrals or unfamiliar clinics.
Our in-house surgical facilities mean your pet gets care right here, from a team you already know and trust.They’ll recover in a familiar environment.
From pre-op to recovery, your pet stays in a space that feels safe – with the same team that’s cared for them all along.We support you, too.
You’ll have clear guidance, honest answers, and someone to call when you need reassurance — before, during, and after surgery.- Surgery can often resolve the problem at its source, instead of managing the symptoms.
Living with a pet who’s constantly uncomfortable or unwell can take a real emotional toll. The daily medications, the worry, the “what ifs” – it all adds up. When surgery is the right option, it can bring lasting relief for your pet and lift a huge weight off your shoulders.
FAQs
In most cases, your pet will be able to go home the same day. Once they’re awake, stable, and comfortable, we’ll call you to arrange a pickup time. Some pets may be a bit sleepy or wobbly when they get home – that’s completely normal after anaesthesia.
We’ll give you clear instructions on what to expect and how to support them in the first 24–48 hours.
Your pet will need a calm, quiet space to rest with limited movement for the first few days. Keep them indoors, prevent jumping or running, and avoid letting them lick or chew at their stitches (we may send them home with a protective collar if needed).
We’ll provide personalised post-surgery care instructions, including medication, food and water guidelines, and what to watch for. If anything doesn’t seem right (such as swelling, redness, or if they seem uncomfortable) contact us straight away.
We offer a wide range of in-house surgical procedures, so your pet can receive trusted care close to home. These include:
- Desexing (cats, dogs, and small mammals)
- Soft tissue surgery – lump removals, wound repairs, abdominal surgery (e.g. foreign body removal, bladder stones, spleen removal)
- Orthopaedic surgery – cruciate ligament repairs (including TTO), patella luxation, fracture repairs, limb and toe amputations
- Ocular surgery – mass removals, entropion correction, enucleation, and care for corneal ulcers
- Emergency procedures – including caesareans and trauma repairs
If your pet needs a type of surgery we don’t offer, we’ll guide you through a referral to a trusted specialist. We stay involved throughout the process to ensure continuity of care, and once the procedure is complete, your pet’s ongoing recovery and future health needs will continue with us.
We understand how overwhelming this decision can be. Surgery is only recommended when we truly believe it’s the best option to relieve pain, improve quality of life, or address a condition that won’t get better on its own. We’ll talk you through the diagnosis, other treatment options, and what to expect – so you can feel confident you’re making an informed decision.
Pain management is a key part of surgical care at MustCare. We use modern anaesthetics and tailored pain relief plans before, during, and after surgery to keep your pet as comfortable as possible. We’ll also send home any medications they may require alongside clear instructions to help you care for them in the days following their procedure.
While any anaesthetic carries a small risk, we take every precaution to make it as safe as possible. Your pet will have a pre-anaesthetic exam and bloodwork if needed. During surgery, we closely monitor their vital signs, including blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate. Our team stays with your pet from start to finish to ensure their safety and comfort.
All pets go home the day of their surgery. We don’t offer overnight hospitalisation, so once your pet is awake, stable, and comfortable, we’ll arrange a time for them to head home with you.
In the rare case that your pet needs close monitoring after hours, we’ll coordinate with one of our trusted partners at Animal Emergency Service to provide overnight care.
We’ll keep you updated on how they’re going before and after their surgery. In some cases, visits may be arranged depending on the procedure, your pet’s condition, and their stress levels.
Our priority is keeping your pet calm and comfortable, and to stay in touch with you throughout so you’re not left wondering how they’re doing.
You know your pet best, and if something doesn’t feel right, even if it seems small, we want to hear from you. Whether it’s swelling, a change in behaviour, or you’re just unsure about something, call us. We’re here to support you and your pet, every step of the way.
Not Sure if Surgery Is the Right Step? Let’s Talk.
If your pet is showing signs of discomfort or illness, book a visit. We’ll listen, examine, and give you the answers you need to make the best choice for your furry family member.
