Before Surgery
Every patient undergoes a thorough pre-operative assessment to ensure we can provide the safest possible anaesthetic and surgical care.
Depending on your pet's age, health and the planned procedure, we may recommend:
- Comprehensive physical examination
- Pre-anaesthetic blood testing
- Intravenous fluid therapy
- Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound
- Fine needle aspiration or biopsy of lumps before surgery
We'll explain the procedure, expected recovery, costs and any potential risks before your pet's operation.
Anaesthesia & Patient Safety
Your pet's safety is our highest priority.
During every anaesthetic, we provide:
- Individual anaesthetic planning
- Modern anaesthetic medications
- Dedicated veterinary nurse monitoring
- Intravenous catheter placement where appropriate
- Intravenous fluids when indicated
- Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing and body temperature
- Active warming throughout the procedure
- Multimodal pain relief before, during and after surgery
Every patient is closely monitored from admission until they are awake, comfortable and ready to return home.
Pain Management
Keeping your pet comfortable is an essential part of their recovery.
Our pain management plans are tailored to each patient and may include:
- Pain relief before surgery
- Local anaesthetic techniques where appropriate
- Pain medication during the procedure
- Ongoing pain relief after surgery
- Home medications where required
Effective pain management helps improve comfort, healing and recovery.
Histopathology
If a lump or abnormal tissue is removed, we often recommend sending it to a specialist laboratory for histopathology.
Histopathology allows a veterinary pathologist to determine:
- Whether the lump is benign or cancerous
- Whether it has been completely removed
- Whether further treatment is recommended
Even small lumps that appear harmless can occasionally be cancerous, so laboratory testing provides valuable information for planning ongoing care.
Recovery & Aftercare
Many pets return home on the same day as their surgery, although more complex procedures may require overnight hospitalisation.
Following surgery you may be asked to:
- Restrict exercise for 10–14 days
- Prevent running, jumping and rough play
- Check the incision daily
- Prevent licking or chewing by using an Elizabethan collar or recovery suit
- Administer medications exactly as prescribed
- Attend scheduled recheck appointments
Our team will provide detailed home-care instructions before your pet goes home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my pet need to stay overnight?
Many routine procedures are performed as day surgeries. More complex operations or pets requiring additional monitoring may stay in hospital overnight.
Is soft tissue surgery safe?
While every anaesthetic and surgical procedure carries some risk, modern anaesthesia, careful patient assessment, dedicated monitoring and comprehensive pain management have made veterinary surgery safer than ever. We take every precaution to minimise risks and provide the highest standard of care.
Should every lump be removed?
Not necessarily, but every new lump should be examined by a veterinarian. We may recommend monitoring, sampling with a fine needle aspirate, biopsy or surgical removal depending on its size, location and appearance.
How long will recovery take?
Recovery varies depending on the procedure. Most routine soft tissue surgeries heal within 10–14 days, although more complex procedures may require a longer recovery period.
Will my pet need a follow-up appointment?
Yes. We usually recommend a post-operative recheck to assess healing, discuss laboratory results (if applicable) and ensure your pet is recovering as expected.
We're Here to Help
We understand that the thought of surgery can be worrying. Our experienced veterinary team is committed to providing clear communication, personalised treatment plans and compassionate care throughout your pet's surgical journey.
Whether your pet requires a routine procedure, lump removal or emergency surgery, you can trust Bohle Veterinary Surgery to provide the highest standard of surgical care from admission through to recovery.
If your pet has a lump, injury or condition that may require surgery, contact our team to arrange a consultation. Together, we'll discuss the best treatment options for your pet's health and wellbeing.