Justins top 7 questions

Justin says, "It doesn’t matter whether you are being referred to Northwest Surgeons or to another specialist centre, there are a number of questions you should ask of your vet before he or she refers you. These are the top seven things to ask about referral centres!"

• Why does my pet need to see a specialist vet?

  For most problems with your pet, general veterinary practices can offer an excellent standard of care and treatment. However sometimes your pet needs to be referred to an expert in a particular field – whether that is surgical or medical. As the pet’s owner you should have access to all the facts that will help you feel confident that the specialist centre you are being referred to really is the best.

  "Not all centres offering referral services for pet animals have experts trained to the same high standards as those at Northwest Surgeons.  Some hold lesser qualifications and have lower levels of expertise.  This difference is not always made clear to the general public – if you want the best for your pet, don’t be afraid ask your vet about the level of qualification at the centre you are being referred to!"

  At Northwest Surgeons our team of specialists have the very highest level of qualifications (at least Diplomate) from highly respected organisations such as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the European College of Veterinary Surgeons. You can find out more about their areas of expertise here

• What is the infection control policy?

  The risk of infection, such as MRSA, is well documented in human hospitals. However these hygiene issues are just as prevalent in veterinary establishments, with blanket antibiotic cover not a substitute for good cleanliness and hygiene practices.

  Our infection control policies cover every aspect of our work – from clothing and cleaning materials to building design and patient contact – reaching as far as special laundry facilities that use ozone to kill infective agents in bedding and other washable items. You can see pictures of our facilities and equipment here

• How is anaesthesia and analgesia managed?

  Nobody would want to go through a major clinical procedure without pain control; this is equally important for your pet. Unlike many specialist centres, at Northwest Surgeons we have a qualified anaesthetist who is dedicated to making sure that anaesthesia, sedation and analgesia (pain control) are delivered to the highest standards.

  All our patients are fully monitored throughout their procedure and afterwards in the recovery area; our qualified veterinary nurses continue this care back on the ward so that you can rest assured your pet is comfortable and safe.

• What will happen after the procedure?

  Our team of experts are best placed to give you an honest and accurate prognosis for your pet right from the start. This is why we place a great emphasis on the consultation process so that you have the time to absorb all the information and ask any questions you may have about prognosis and follow-up.

  This means that you will be aware of what follow-up care will be required for your pet, such as further visits to your vet or special care you may need to provide at home. This will all be explained before any investigations or treatments are carried out.

• What supportive care is there?

  Your pet’s treatment and recovery isn’t just down to the skills and expertise of experts, you should be aware of what additional support is available, particularly "out of hours" for seriously ill patients. At Northwest Surgeons we also have a team of three interns (qualified veterinary surgeons who are undertaking further specialist training) working on a rotating shift pattern – this means that there is always a qualified vet on our premises, no matter what time of day or night.

  The rest of your pet’s support will come from our highly qualified Veterinary Nurses and Animal Nursing Auxiliaries. We know that feeding, cleanliness and TLC play a vital role in your pet’s good health. You can find out more about their work here.

• What special equipment will you have available?

  Complex surgical and medical procedures are best supported with the use of state-of-the-art technology. This equipment can often mean that investigations and treatments are less invasive for your pet, which means less risk as well as quicker and more comfortable recovery periods.

  From pressure controlled operating theatres which reduce the risk of infection to non-invasive imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging, with Northwest Surgeons you can be sure that the best veterinary practitioners have access to the highest standard of specialist equipment. You can see pictures of our facilities and equipment here

• How much it will cost?

  We are very sensitive to the potential conflicts and anxieties that arise when your much-loved pet falls ill. As expert veterinary practitioners we will always advise what we think is best for your pet, irrespective of cost – often asking ourselves what we would do if it was our own pet. Sometimes this means doing nothing, sometimes this means an expensive course of action.

  However we will also discuss fully with you other available options so that you can make a decision that is best for your pet – and yourself.

  You will always be provided with a written estimate after the first consultation, which will also advise you of all the anticipated costs involved including aftercare and follow-up appointments. All our prices are inclusive of VAT.