Your visit

We know that you are likely to have many different questions about the referral of your pet and that this can be an anxious time, so we've compiled a list of our most commonly asked questions which we hope will give you the information you need to feel at ease. 

Why has my pet been referred?

Your vet has referred you to Fitzpatrick Referrals for diagnosis and treatment of your pet’s illness by one of our clinicians.

You and your vet will want the best possible outcome for your pet and has referred you to us to explore all possible treatment options and ensure that your pet receives the very best care and attention, with appropriate clinical intervention where necessary.

What happens next?

Your vet will have called us to explain why they are referring your pet and will send us all the clinical information we require (including any x-rays they have taken), and inform us of your contact details.

We will contact you to arrange a suitable appointment for an initial consultation. 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 having not eaten from 8pm the previous evening. Your pet can have access to water until arrival at the practice.

What should I bring with me?

We ask that you bring the following to your first appointment:

• A letter from your vet if this has not previously been sent to us.
• Any x-rays that have been taken.
• Your pet's insurance certificate and claim form. We do not perform Direct Claims unless by prior arrangement with ourselves and after confirmation from your insurance company. Please note: this process will take at least 5 working days

What happens when I arrive?

When you arrive, our friendly reception staff will put you at ease and check through your details.  You will be offered refreshments and invited to wait in our calm, open and comfortable reception area until your appointment time, when you and your pet will be met by one of our clinicians.  Your pet will be then be examined thoroughly and recommendations made for further investigations and treatment.  All implications will be clearly explained and we would encourage you to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. We will also discuss costs with you and give you an estimate of costs for any tests and the treatment plan agreed with you.

The length of appointments can vary so please allow plenty of time as we may need to perform x-rays or other investigative procedures.

What happens if further investigation or surgery is required?

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. Your pet will only be returned home to you when we are certain that they have excellent pain control and that you are completely comfortable with the plan for their homecare. Consequently, an overnight stay may be advised by the attending surgeon, although some pets are able to return home on the same day as their procedure. Procedures requiring sedation without surgical intervention will usually be performed while you wait.

If your pet does stay with us, our dedicated inpatient team will monitor your pet round the clock and ensure that they have the same amount of care and attention that they would be used to at home.

What happens after surgery?

You will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your pet postoperatively. Your 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 that your pet will receive 24 hour professional 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 believe good rehabilitation is integral to the successful outcome after surgical intervention. Consequently, your pet is likely to receive physiotherapy and hydrotherapy in our state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre as part of a tailor-made post-operative rehabilitation programme.  A treatment plan will be agreed with you prior to any additional treatment.

For more information about our Rehabilitation facilities, please click here.

What happens when my pet is discharged?

An appointment will be organized for you to collect your pet at a time that suits you best. We will give you a specific list of written instructions and talk you through these instructions during this appointment.

If you have any queries or concerns about your pet after discharge, please contact us on 01483 423761.

Do I need to advise my primary care veterinary surgeon?

No, we will communicate with your vet at every stage of your pet’s treatment and will provide a full report on the diagnostic findings, the surgery performed and the required postoperative care direct to your vet.

If I am not insured, can I set up a payment plan with you to cover the cost of treatment?

You will be given an estimate of costs during your initial consultation and our staff will discuss all options with you at that stage.

If you have any questions at all about your visit to Fitzpatrick Referrals, please call us on 01483 423761.