My pet needs surgery: what happens at our Berlin practice

Does your pet need an operation? Then you are sure to have many questions. Here we explain what happens before, during and after surgery at our practice in Berlin-Reinickendorf, and what you should look out for.

What actually happens to my pet during surgery?

The vet makes a diagnosis that requires an operation. But what exactly happens to your pet, and what do you need to watch out for?

Operations at the vet are carried out under anaesthesia, just as in humans. This switches off not only consciousness but, thanks to painkillers, also the perception of pain.

Even so, every anaesthetic affects the body’s balance. As in humans, there is always an anaesthetic risk. Your vet will discuss these risks and how to minimise them with you in detail beforehand.

Before the anaesthetic: fasting

Dogs and cats must not be given any food from 8 pm on the evening before the anaesthetic, and no water from 2 hours before the anaesthetic.

The reason: certain anaesthetic drugs can cause vomiting. If an animal vomits during surgery, the vomit can enter the windpipe or lungs. This is because the swallowing reflex is reduced under anaesthesia.

Do not give any anti-inflammatory drugs or painkillers on the day of the operation. Does your pet need daily medication, such as antibiotics, heart or thyroid medication, or insulin? Then please agree with us when booking who will give it on the day of the anaesthetic.

The day of the operation

On the day of the operation, we welcome you at the practice. After another general examination, we hand your pet over to our surgical team. At the start of the operation, an intravenous line is placed and the anaesthetic is given through it. Your pet is connected to a monitor, and all vital signs are checked constantly.

After the last stitch, your pet goes to our recovery room, where it is closely monitored. After routine procedures, you can usually take your pet home the same day.

Two operating rooms, a ward and surgeons on call

Our Berlin practice has two operating rooms with a recovery room. If your pet needs longer monitoring after surgery, it stays on our ward. For seriously ill patients we have an intensive care unit and an oxygen box. There is always a vet in the practice, around the clock. Our surgeons are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can find out more about our surgery under Services.

What do I need to watch out for after an operation?

Your pet now needs rest and quiet. After the anaesthetic it may still be a little wobbly, sensitive to noise or restless. This is rare and no cause for concern. As a rule, wait until the morning after the anaesthetic before the first meal. There may be exceptions after gastrointestinal surgery.

Your pet must not lick or chew the surgical wound. Otherwise a plastic collar is needed. Slight swelling or redness at the wound edges is harmless. If there is marked swelling or redness, please bring your pet back to us to be on the safe side. The skin stitches are removed from day 10 after the operation.

What applies specifically to dogs and cats, such as lead-only walks, going outdoors or climbing, is covered in our advice for dog owners and cat owners.

Frequently asked questions about surgery

Can I collect my pet on the same day?

After routine procedures, usually yes. If your pet needs longer monitoring, it stays on our ward. We will discuss this with you beforehand.

When are the stitches removed?

Usually from day 10 after the operation. Until then, your pet must not lick the wound.

What should I do if I notice something about the wound at night?

Call us. Our practice is open around the clock, and there is always a vet on site.

Questions about an upcoming operation? It is better to call us once too often than once too little: 030 / 412 73 57. Our veterinary practice at Scharnweberstraße 136 is open 24 hours a day. In an emergency, you will find all the information on our emergency service page.