Surgical appointments - rabbits

Please take a moment to carefully review the below information prior to your pet’s surgical appointment.

Prior to admission

  • Do not withhold food, feed up until your admission time.
  • Please supply some familiar foods (hay, pellets etc) for your rabbit to have in hospital
  • You are welcome to bring a favourite blanket or toy for your pet’s comfort but rest assured, we provide a lovely comfy bed during their stay with us.

Admission appointment

  • Please arrive on time for your admission appointment (generally 8:30am or 8:50am unless otherwise arranged)
  • A vet will go through the surgical procedure, a brief history and perform a physical examination.
  • You will be called when your pet is in recovery after their procedure and an afternoon discharge appointment with the surgical nurse will be scheduled at this time. This is generally between 2pm and 3pm.
  • Please provide a contactable phone number and alternative contact number, in case of an emergency.
  • You will be required to pay a 50% deposit of the estimate on admission with the balance to be finalised on discharge.
  • A consent form is to be signed.
  • Rabbits do not tolerate anaesthetics as well as other animals and risks are higher. The vet will discuss these in admission.

Recovery

  • After surgery your rabbit will be moved to their bed and kept nice and warm
  • Once your rabbit is in recovery and looking bright, we will give you a call to let you know how the procedure went, any additional findings, what to expect post-surgery and what time they will be able to go home.

Discharge appointment

  • At your discharge appointment, the surgical nurse will go through what to expect after an anaesthetic, the medications your rabbit is to have at home and will answer any questions you may have.
  • You will be required to pay the remaining balance of your invoice prior to taking your pet home for continued recovery.

Post-Surgery

  • When your pet returns home they may still be disorientated and sleepy from the anaesthetic, this is normal for approximately 24-48hrs
  • Please keep your pet inside, warm and cozy for the 24hrs after the procedure
  • Please give all medications as directed by the vet or nurse for the recommended amount of time
  • Restrict exercise for 14 days post-surgery to prevent surgery site breakdown.
  • Check the suture site daily for any redness, swelling or discharge. Contact us and send a photo to the afterhours number if you are concerned. Be sure to book a suture removal appointment 10-14 post-surgery if your pet has external sutures.

 
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