FAQs
If there are any questions you have that aren't answered here please contact us with your query.
- My vet has referred me to Fitzpatrick referrals, what happens next?
- What do I need to bring with me?
- What happens when I arrive?
- What happens if further investigation or surgery is required?
- What happens after surgery?
- Will my pet require additional treatment?
- What happens if I have any questions or concerns once I get my pet home?
- Do I need to advise my primary care veterinary surgeon?
- If I am not insured can you tell me how much the treatment will cost, and can I set up a payment arrangement?
My vet has referred my pet to Fitzpatrick Referrals what happens next?
All new appointments have a scheduled consultation with one of our clinicians. If you anticipate or have been informed that your pet may require investigations or procedures that could involve sedation or anaesthesia, then it is important that your pet arrives starved from 8pm the previous evening. Your pet can have access to water up until arrival at the practice.
What do I need to bring with me?
- A letter from your vet if this has not previously been sent through.
- Any x-rays that have been taken.
- Your pet's insurance certificate and claim form. We do not do Direct Claims unless by prior arrangement with ourselves and confirmation from you insurance company. Please note: this process will take at least 5 working days.
What happens when I arrive?
Your pet will be examined thoroughly and recommendations made for further investigations and treatment. All implications will be clearly explained. Please feel free to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. Please allow plenty of time for your appointment as we may need to perform x-rays or other investigative procedures.
What happens if further investigation or surgery is required?
Our clinic is equipped with fully comprehensive operating and diagnostic imaging facilities. The welfare of your pet is our main concern and we aim to provide a friendly and approachable service with an excellent standard of clinical, surgical and nursing care – plus emotional support for you and your family.
If your pet stays with us, we will ask you to telephone us later on that day and/or we will call you with updates as required. Although it may be necessary for your pet to be hospitalised overnight or longer, most patients are discharged on the same day to recuperate in the comfort of their own home.
What happens after surgery?
You will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your pet postoperatively and the surgeon will discuss any further questions you may have. For cases requiring extra special care or where you may find it difficult to cope in the postoperative period, we can provide a specialist boarding facility within the practice for as long as you need. You can then have the peace of mind your pet will have 24hr care.
In the event that your pet requires surgery, they will invariably require a period of close confinement or cage rest for recuperation. If you do not already own a kennel or cage please contact the clinic for details on how to acquire one which is suitable for your pet.
Will my pet require additional treatment?
We have a fully-equipped rehabilitation centre where your pet is likely to receive physiotherapy and hydrotherapy following surgery. We introduce these therapies as part of our comprehensive post-operative programme. We believe good rehabilitation is integral to the successful outcome of surgical intervention.
What happens if I have any questions or concerns once I get my pet home?
Please call us at anytime. Our fundamental goal is to provide your pet with the gold standard of care, to support you in making difficult practical or ethical decisions and to give the fullest possible information to allow you to make an informed decision relating to your pets condition.
Do I need to advise my primary care veterinary surgeon?
No, we will communicate with them at every stage of your pet’s treatment and will provide a full report on findings, surgery undertaken and postoperative care direct to your vet.
If I am not insured can you tell me how much the treatment will cost, and can I set up a payment arrangement?
Our experienced staff may be able to give you a guide to the costs involved and the vets will be able to discuss this with you further at the time of your appointment.