How is my pet prepared for an operation?

Once your pet is safely asleep, the operation site is clipped and meticulously cleaned; from this point onwards the area is “sterile” and no person, or no object is allowed to touch. The patient is then carefully carried into the operating theatre.

What measures are taken to ensure cleanliness and to prevent infections during my pet's operation?

No person is allowed to enter the operating theatre, unless fully changed into operating clothing- “scrubs”. Footwear is used that never leaves the operating theatre.

The surgeon wears a new sterile gown, hat and mask for each procedure. Sterile gloves are used for every operation and are changed every 90 minutes in longer operations. He or she “scrubs up” following a strict protocol to disinfect their hands and forearms.

Surgical instruments are cleaned physically, then mechanically ( by ultrasound) and then autoclaved- a process of sterilisation using pressurised steam, in a vacuum. A new instrument pack is used for each individual.

Everybody and everything walks or is wheeled across a contamination control mat that removes physical dirt and microbes.

The operating theatre is maintained by air conditioning at a positive air pressure compared to the rest of the building. This means that whenever the doors are opened air moves outwards, so that air borne particles are not carried into the room.

The surfaces and walls are scrubbed and disinfected every day, as are the individual kennels and wards.

MRSA and other resistant bacteria can cause problems in Veterinary medicine, however we have a strict infection control policy and haven't had a case for over three years. Members of the clinical staff are tested in conjunction with the general hospital if any cases arise.