Your Visit

Why is my pet being referred?

Veterinary surgeons may refer pets when the complexity of the disease or required level of treatment is outside their level of expertise and it is in the best interest of your pet to be referred to a Specialist.

What is a Specialist?

A Specialist is a veterinary surgeon who has undertaken extensive additional training and qualifications to become an expert in their field and continues to keep up to date with the latest procedures to maintain their Specialist status.

How is my pet referred?

Your vet will advise referral and probably offer to make the appointment on your behalf. Your vet is likely to give you all the information you require but one of our team of receptionists will contact you to ensure this and answer any of your questions. Please don’t let your pet eat solid food on the morning of the appointment however they can drink water right up to the time of the appointment.

What happens when I arrive?

You will be greeted by our receptionists or our client advocate who will inform the surgeon of your arrival. We know you may have travelled some distance so we have comfortable seating and coffee in the waiting area, as well as toilet facilities.

At frank. Pet Surgeons. we have a ramp located at the entrance of the hospital, along with an accessible toilet and accessible parking. We also have a hearing loop in place too. 

Should you require further information to assist with planning your visit to frank. Pet Surgeons., please contact our reception team who will be happy able to help.

How do I find frank.?

The practice address and directions to the practice can be found in the contact us section on the website.

At frank. Pet Surgeons. we have a ramp located at the entrance of the hospital, along with an accessible toilet and accessible parking. We also have a hearing loop in place too. 

Should you require further information to assist with planning your visit to frank. Pet Surgeons., please contact our reception team who will be happy able to help.

What happens in the consultation?

The surgeon will ask you about your pet’s problem, then carry out a thorough examination before recommending a course of action based on your pet’s needs and you. Our client advocate will then discuss the costs and payment options. They will then answer any questions to make sure you understand the treatment plan and are happy to proceed before completing the paperwork.

Will my pet need to stay in the hospital?

Frequently your pet will need to be admitted to the hospital so we can carry out further investigations and procedures. Your pet will be cared for by our team of fully qualified veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons in our separate dog and cat wards. We pride ourselves on our exceptional level of patient care and there is a veterinary nurse on site 24/7 to care for your pet overnight. Your pet should have access to water but do not feed your pet on the morning prior to the appointment.

Can I leave items for my pet?

If your pet is on any medications or a prescription diet, please bring these with you. We are unable to accept raw food. Unfortunately we are unable to accept any personal items with your pet. We do have comfy blankets, toys, and a range of best quality foods.

How much will it cost?

We have a fixed price system and the price of your pet’s treatment will be discussed by the specialist surgeon and the client advocate during your first visit. There are no hidden costs at frank. Pet Surgeons. In fact, you can find our fees on our website. We are as frank about prices as we are about everything else.

In addition, we have a surgical complications guarantee that means we will treat and cover the cost of those treatments performed at frank. Pet Surgeons. for complications that arise within six months of the original surgery.

Dogs feel pain much the same as humans but unlike humans they can not communicate that they are in pain as we do. Recognising the signs that your dog is in pain is extremely important to enable your vet to treat and care for your dog quickly and effectively. You know your dog the most and are therefore best placed to recognise early signs of pain.

It is extremely important that if you recognise your dog is in pain that you contact your vet immediately. You can spot signs of pain in your dog physically or by observing changes in their behaviour.

Common behavioural signs of pain include

• Vocalising (howling, whining, whimpering, groaning or yelping)
• Becoming aggressive (acts out of character, growls, bites, pins ears back)
• Reluctance to be touched or held
• Licking, biting or scratching painful area
• Decrease in appetite
• Sleeping more

Common physical signs of pain include

• Hunched
• Lays on their side
• Doesn’t put weight on a limb
• Limps
• Changes in facial expressions (wide eyed, flattened ears or pants excessively)

Pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain is sudden and usually lasts for a short period of time whereas chronic pain is long standing that is extremely persistent. Chronic pain can come and go or it may be continuous.

Post surgical discomfort

After surgery your dog will have some degree of discomfort. The vet will prescribe medication to help ease and manage this discomfort during your dog’s recovery period and this will be discussed with you during your dog’s discharge appointment. It is important that you follow the vet’s instructions carefully. Additionally, at home, you can also provide comfortable bedding that is easily accessible, ensure food and water is close by, avoid touching the painful area and placing rugs or mats on slippery surfaces. Cage rest is often required and if this is the case for your dog, it will be discussed with you.

Cats instinctively hide signs of pain very well and it can often go unnoticed until their pain is severe. Being able to recognise subtle signs of pain in your cat is extremely important so your cat can receive the treatment and care they require.

It is extremely important that if you recognise your cat is in pain that you contact your vet immediately. You can spot signs of pain in your cat physically or by observing changes in their behaviour.

Common behavioural signs of pain include

• a reluctance to be touched or handled
• toileting outside their litter box or spraying
• a lack of interest in playing or going outside
• a lack of energy or depression (eating less, listless, or hiding away)
• poor grooming or excessive grooming (usually resulting in scruffy or patchy fur)
• a reluctance to jump or climb on furniture they usually sit on
• aggression (such as hissing, growling, scratching or biting)
• frequent meowing or howling

Common physical signs of pain include

• a lowered head with their back hunched over
• limping
• stiffness after resting
• narrowed eyes or flattened ears
• tension in the body

Pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain is sudden and usually lasts for a short period of time whereas chronic pain is long standing that is extremely persistent. Chronic pain can come and go or it may be continuous.

Post surgical discomfort

After surgery your cat will have some degree of discomfort. The vet will prescribe medication to help ease and manage this discomfort during your cat’s recovery period and this will be discussed with you during your cat’s discharge appointment. It is important that you follow the vet’s instructions carefully. Additionally, at home, you can also provide comfortable bedding that is easily accessible, ensure food and water is close by, avoid touching the painful area and placing rugs or mats on slippery surfaces. Cage rest is often required and if this is the case for your cat, it will be discussed with you.