Family Vet Limited
A big part of our local community - Our Veterinary Practice has been an integral part of our local community since February 2010. In that time, we’ve helped thousands of our clients cats & dogs, rabbits, rats and even a few birds.
At Timaru’s Family Vet, your pet’s safety during anaesthesia is our top priority. Whether it’s a routine dental, surgery, or a more involved procedure, we offer additional options like pre-anaesthetic bloodwork and IV fluids to ensure the safest experience and the smoothest recovery possible.
These proactive steps help us tailor the care to your pet’s individual needs and reduce the risks associated with anaesthesia.
Before undergoing anaesthesia, it’s important to ensure your pet’s liver, kidneys, and other vital organs are functioning properly. These organs play a critical role in how anaesthetic medications are processed.
Bloodwork allows us to:
Detect hidden health issues (e.g., liver or kidney disease).
Adjust anaesthetic plans based on your pet’s results.
Minimise risks and help prevent complications.
All pets undergoing surgery.
Highly recommended for pets over 7 years or with known health concerns.
Required for pets 10 years and older, and for large breed dogs over 7 years.
A small blood sample is collected either on the day of surgery or beforehand.
Tests include:
Liver and kidney function.
Blood cell counts (checking for anaemia or infection).
Blood sugar and electrolytes.
Pre-anaesthetic bloodwork starts from $160.00 (depending on the level of testing). Your vet will discuss the most appropriate option for your pet.
IV fluids help keep your pet’s body functioning optimally while under anaesthesia. They maintain hydration, blood pressure, and support vital organs like the kidneys and liver, ensuring your pet stays stable throughout the procedure and recovers faster afterward.
Fluids help to:
Support healthy blood circulation.
Reduce the chance of anaesthetic-related complications.
Promote a smoother, quicker recovery.
All pets receiving anaesthesia.
Strongly recommended for senior pets, pets with health concerns, or longer procedures.
Required for certain high-risk pets (your vet will advise).
Required for pets 10 years and older, and for large breed dogs over 7 years.
A small catheter is placed into a vein before the procedure.
Fluids are administered before, during, and after surgery.
The IV line is removed once your pet is stable and awake.
IV fluids start from $110.00 (depending on the pet’s size and length of the procedure). Your vet will provide a tailored estimate.
Yes! Even healthy pets can have hidden conditions. Bloodwork and fluids help us minimise risks, ensuring a safer anaesthetic experience and smoother recovery.
No. Bloodwork results are typically available the same day (if done in-house), and fluids are administered throughout the procedure without adding significant time.
Bloodwork is optional for younger pets under 10 years (or 7 years for large breed dogs), but required for those older due to higher risk.
Fluids are optional for younger pets under 10 years (or 7 years for large breed dogs) with low-risk, short procedures, but required for those older due to higher risk.
If abnormalities appear, we may:
Adjust the anaesthetic plan.
Postpone the procedure if necessary.
Recommend further diagnostics to ensure your pet’s safety.
For any questions about your pet’s individual needs or costs, contact us at 03 746 4144 or wecare@familyvet.co.nz.
A big part of our local community - Our Veterinary Practice has been an integral part of our local community since February 2010. In that time, we’ve helped thousands of our clients cats & dogs, rabbits, rats and even a few birds.
