By Signing this document you certify that you own or have permission of the owner to consent Valley West Veterinary Hospital and its staff to hospitalize, administer treatments, and perform procedures deemed necessary by the attending veterinarian for the welfare of your pet. I also understand that by signing I am taking full responsibility for payment, treatments, and procedures upon discharge of the pet.
I. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: In order to be admitted for surgery, your pet must be up to date on his/ her wellness exam.
FEEDING REQUIREMENT: It is important to continue to allow your rabbit access to food and water until you leave to transport to the hospital. Rabbits require food in their gastrointestinal tract to stimulate motility and reduce the risk of gut stasis. Gut stasis is a life threatening syndrome where the gut motility slow and/or stops. This will cause severe dehydration, illness and possible death due to the unique gastrointestinal tract of rabbits.
** Please bring a small container of timothy hay, leafy greens (i.e. parsley, cilantro), and a jar of stage 1 carrot baby food along with your rabbit to the office. We will begin to feed your rabbit during recovery along with providing subcutaneous fluids and motility medications to further reduce GI stress.
II. PRE-ANESTHETIC EXAMINATION AND BLOOD TESTING: Although most animals tolerate anesthesia, there is an inherent risk, even in healthy pets. To provide the best conditions possible for anesthesia, a veterinarian will first assesses your pet during a pre-surgical exam. In addition, we recommend a pre-surgical blood panel to reveal hidden abnormalities that would put your pet at greater risk for anesthetic complications. In this case, we would postpone surgery and recommend needed treatment. There is a risk for increased stress in our rabbit patients with any restraint, that the bloodwork may be obtained after sedation.
III. PAIN MANAGEMENT POLICY: To allow your pet to rest comfortably after surgery we routinely administer an injection post-surgery to relieve discomfort and pain. In some cases, additional pain medications will be prescribed and sent home with you at the doctor's discretion.
IV: ANESTHESIA CONSENT: I authorize Valley West Veterinary Hospital to perform a procedure on my pet that requires general anesthesia. I understand that results cannot be guaranteed, and that anesthesia can always carry potential risks to the life and health of my pet. I am aware that in rare cases, medical complications may arise which will be treated in prompt and aggressive manner by the medical staff of Valley West Veterinary Hospital, including but not limited to the use of emergency drugs, cardiac compression and artificial respiration. I assume full financial responsibility for this animal, for all the procedures required and requested either on this form or by phone.
