Attimore veterinary Group Vets in Welwyn Garden City

Operations
Our hospital is fully equipped with modern facilities to provide a comprehensive level of care and treatment.
The practice's on-site facilities include, x-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, together with a large operating theatre incorporating up-to-date gaseous anaesthetic equipment.

Routine surgery is carried out on week days and the animals are usually admitted at the beginning of the day between 8.00-8.30am and sent home in the afternoon or early evening.

We endeavour to make the procedure as stress free as possible for both
you and your pet. Our primary concern will always be for their wellbeing.
Prior to your pet being admitted to the hospital the following advice applies
to all procedures unless otherwise advised by the vet.

Food should be removed from 8pm the evening before. Water should beavailable overnight but taken away in the morning. It is VITAL that your pet receives no food (this includes any treats or tip-bits) because if they vomit during a procedure it could pass into their lungs.
Please bring your pet in between 8-8.30am.
Please allow your pet the opportunity to go to the toilet before arrival at the hospital. Dogs can have a short walk & cats should be kept in overnight with access to a litter tray.
Please bring cats/small pets in a basket or pet carrier.
DOGS MUST BE KEPT ON A LEAD.

When you arrive at the hospital you pet will be admitted by one of our nurses. They will go through the consent form for the procedure and you will be required to provide a phone number on which you are CONTACTABLE during the day.

Once admitted your pet will be undergo a pre-operation check with a vet. If you have an older pet we recommend performing some blood tests prior to the use of sedation/general anaesthetic. This is to check the liver & kidney function (please see reverse of this sheet). Your pet will then receive an injection known as a premed. This is to reduce anxiety and if appropriate to the procedure will accompanied with an injection for pain relief & or antibiotics. Once this has taken effect your pet will then undergo their procedure.

Whilst under anaesthesia or sedation your pet will be constantly monitored by a veterinary nurse under the guidance of a veterinary surgeon using a variety of equipment to measure vital body systems.

Whilst there is always a degree of risk associated with anaesthesia & surgery we endeavour to take all possible precautions to ensure your pet’s safety & continued good health.

An estimate of cost will be given on the consent form and you will be asked how you wish to settle your account, as payment is expected at the time of collection.

Nurse clinics
The practice staff include a number of qualified veterinary nurses as well as trainees and auxiliary nursing assistants. Much of the preventative health care is in their hands and you will find them friendly and willing to help.

In our hospital nurses carry out a variety of minor procedures such as microchipping, nail clipping and suture removal as well as providing advice on feeding, dental care, flea and worm treatment and weight control. Some nurse appointments are free of charge and if you feel that one of the nursing staff may be able to help then please ask for a nurse appointment.

House Calls
We recognise that while the best facilities for the treatment of your pet are in the hospital, there are circumstances when home attendance is more appropriate and we are happy to arrange a visit for you on these occasions. Please make your request for a visit before 10.00am where possible. We will endeavour to provide an approximate arrival time as soon as possible that day. Unfortunately home visits must be arranged along side our commitments to our hospital patients but we will give emergencies priority whenever possible. Please be aware that there is an extra charge for this.

Prescriptions
Most medications are dispensed during consultations and after examination by the veterinary surgeon. Current legislation requires us to carry out regular re-examinations to confirm the usefulness of the medication, the accuracy of the dosage and the absence of significant side effects. Most long term conditions will require a veterinary re-examination at no more than 6 month intervals, subject to the judgement of the clinician in charge of the case.

For owners requiring ongoing supplies of medication we will endeavour to prepare prescriptions within 24 hours. Please telephone the surgery to order repeat prescriptions, we would appreciate 48 hours notice be given wherever possible.

PRESCRIPTIONS FOR YOUR PET
•Prescription-Only Medicines require a written prescription from your vet.

*You can obtain these medicines either from your vet directly, from another veterinary surgeon or an internet pharmacy.

*Written prescriptions are available from this Practice for pets under the care of one of our vets.

*You can request the price of any medication dispensed for your pet.

*It is a requirement that pets needing repeat prescriptions need to be re-assessed every 6 months. The standard charge of a re-examination is £25.50 inc VAT.

*The price of a written prescription is £ 7.91 inc VAT per medicine.

Further information on the prices of medications is available on request
14th October 2011

Insurance
Whilst procedures such as consultations, vaccinations and neuterings have standard prices, the charges for most surgical operations or investigations are based on the time that they take. The cost of blood tests, X-rays, dressings, drugs, hospitalisation and any special materials (e.g. orthopaedic implants) are always added to the surgical fee. With the cost of the extras mentioned above, the final charge for surgery could exceed £1000, especially if prolonged hospitalisation is required. You may, therefore, like to consider the insurance policies that are available to cover veterinary fees.