FAQs for pet owners

As specialist veterinary anaesthetists, we focus exclusively on your pet’s anaesthesia and pain management throughout the procedure. Unlike general practitioners who must divide their attention between surgery and anaesthesia, our sole focus is on keeping your pet safe, comfortable, and stable. We bring advanced monitoring equipment and specialised training that allows us to manage complex cases and prevent complications before they occur.

While all anaesthetics carry some risk, we take extensive precautions to minimise these risks through specialist training and advanced equipment. Each anaesthesia plan is tailored to your pet’s specific needs, and we use hospital-grade monitoring techniques to ensure their safety throughout the procedure — whether it’s routine care or pet anaesthesia for surgery in Brisbane.

Specialist veterinary anaesthetists have completed 3–4 years of additional training beyond veterinary school, focusing exclusively on anaesthesia and pain management. We handle high-risk cases, provide advanced monitoring, and use techniques that aren’t typically available in general practice, ensuring the highest safety standards for your pet.

We bring hospital-grade anaesthetic equipment and monitoring to your trusted veterinary clinic. This means your pet receives specialist care in a familiar environment while benefiting from advanced techniques typically only available at specialist hospitals.

You will receive specific instructions regarding food and water withholding, medications, and any necessary pre-operative assessments prior to the procedure. It’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure your pet is ready for anaesthesia.

We’ll arrive at your chosen clinic early to set up our specialised equipment and review your pet’s case with the surgical team. Your pet will receive a thorough pre-anaesthetic assessment before we develop a customised anaesthetic plan specifically for them.

Yes, contact your vet immediately if your pet shows any signs of illness before surgery. We can assess whether it’s safe to proceed or if postponing would be in your pet’s best interest.

Senior pets have unique physiological changes that affect how they process anaesthetic drugs. Their heart, kidneys, and liver function differently, and they may have underlying conditions that aren’t immediately obvious. Specialist anaesthetic care from a veterinary anaesthetist means we can tailor protocols specifically for ageing bodies, use advanced monitoring to catch subtle changes early, and employ techniques that minimise stress on older organ systems.

Kidney disease requires special anaesthetic considerations, including modified drug choices, careful fluid management, and enhanced monitoring. We use kidney-safe protocols, avoid certain medications that stress the kidneys, and may recommend pre-anaesthetic blood work to optimise your cat’s condition before surgery.

Yes, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like bulldogs have unique airway challenges that increase anaesthetic risk. We use specialised techniques, including careful airway management, extended monitoring periods, and modified recovery protocols, to ensure safe breathing throughout the procedure.

Senior pets greatly benefit from professional dental care, and the procedure is generally safe with proper anaesthetic management. We use geriatric-friendly protocols, comprehensive pre-anaesthetic assessment, and enhanced monitoring to ensure your senior dog receives the dental care it needs safely.

Absolutely. Small pets and rabbits have faster metabolisms, different drug sensitivities, and unique physiological needs. We use species-specific protocols, specialised equipment sized for small patients, and modified monitoring techniques appropriate for their size and biology.

Pets with heart conditions can often safely undergo anaesthesia with specialised protocols. We use heart-safe medications, enhanced cardiovascular monitoring, and techniques that minimise stress on the cardiovascular system.

Diabetic pets require careful blood sugar monitoring and modified protocols. We coordinate with your vet to adjust insulin timing and monitor glucose levels throughout the procedure to ensure stable blood sugar levels.

Your fears are completely understandable and normal. The best approach is to ask questions and understand exactly what safety measures will be in place. With specialist anaesthetic care from a veterinary anaesthetist, your dog will have dedicated monitoring, individualised protocols, and someone whose entire focus is on keeping them safe.

Your pet will be monitored using advanced equipment that tracks vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels throughout the procedure. We also monitor anaesthetic depth and brain activity to ensure optimal anaesthetic management.

We’re trained to recognise and manage anaesthetic complications immediately. We carry comprehensive emergency drugs, have advanced monitoring capabilities, and maintain protocols for various emergency scenarios. Our specialised training allows us to prevent most complications before they become serious.

We use active warming systems, including heated blankets, warm air circulation, and temperature monitoring, to prevent hypothermia, which is crucial for safe anaesthetic recovery.

Most pets can have small amounts of water 2–4 hours after full recovery, and small meals 4–6 hours post-anaesthesia. However, this varies based on the procedure and your pet’s individual recovery. We’ll provide specific feeding instructions tailored to your pet’s needs.

Normal recovery includes gradual awakening, mild grogginess for 12–24 hours, and reduced appetite initially. Contact your vet if you notice difficulty breathing, excessive lethargy beyond 24 hours, severe pain, or if your pet seems significantly different from their normal personality after the first day.

This depends on the type of surgery performed. Generally, short leash walks for bathroom breaks can resume within 24 hours, but regular exercise should be restricted for 7–14 days. We’ll provide specific activity guidelines based on your dog’s procedure and recovery progress.

For the first 12–24 hours post-anaesthesia, having someone available to monitor your pet is ideal. This doesn’t necessarily mean constant supervision, but someone should check on them periodically and be available if concerns arise.

We will provide a comprehensive pain management plan tailored to your pet’s needs. This plan may include medications and recommendations for at-home care to ensure their comfort.

Pain medication varies depending on the procedure and your pet’s individual needs. We provide detailed instructions for home pain management, including medication schedules and what to watch for.

Specialist anaesthetic services from a veterinary anaesthetist typically involve additional costs due to advanced monitoring equipment, specialised training, and dedicated one-on-one care. However, this investment can prevent complications resulting in much higher emergency treatment costs.

Many pet insurance policies cover specialist anaesthetic services when medically necessary. Coverage varies by provider and policy level. We recommend checking with your insurance company before the procedure, and we can provide documentation to support your claim.

Payment options vary by clinic. Many of our partner practices offer payment plans or work with financing companies.

While cost is a consideration, specialist anaesthesia provides significantly enhanced safety margins, especially for higher-risk patients.

We service partnered veterinary clinics across the Gold Coast region.

We work with select veterinary practices across the Sunshine Coast.

Booking requirements vary based on procedure complexity and our schedule. For routine procedures, 1–2 weeks’ notice is typically sufficient. Emergency cases involving pet anaesthesia for surgery in Brisbane may be accommodated sooner.

Yes, we can provide emergency anaesthetic services when needed.

We service partner clinics throughout Southeast Queensland.

Routine spay/neuter procedures typically take 30–60 minutes for the surgery itself, but total anaesthetic time includes preparation and recovery.

Yes, we provide anaesthesia for diagnostic imaging procedures that require your pet to remain completely still.

Professional dental cleaning requires anaesthesia to ensure thoroughness and safety.

Absolutely. We encourage open communication with your veterinary anaesthetist before, during, or after the procedure.

We communicate with pet owners through the veterinary team and can provide updates during longer procedures.