What to expect
What to expect from an examination or procedure.
Surgery does not stop after the operation. From the first examination through to the end of rehabilitation, we stay closely involved and remain your single point of contact.
Step by step
The four steps.
First contact
Directly or through your own vet.
Contact by phone or email, directly or through your own vet. We look at the question and decide together on the next step.
If you already have reports or images, please send them along.
Assessment
Clinical examination and, if needed, imaging.
If needed, clinical examination or imaging follows. Existing examinations and findings from your own vet are taken into account; further diagnostics are only performed when they add value.
Treatment or surgery
Approach, expected outcome, alternatives and costs discussed in advance.
When treatment or surgery is indicated, we discuss the approach, the expected outcome, the alternatives and the costs in advance. You receive clear instructions, including on admission and, where needed, fasting.
After the procedure, we call you to let you know how everything went.
Follow-up
Instructions for aftercare and rehabilitation.
After treatment you receive clear instructions for aftercare and rehabilitation, tailored to care at home. Re-examinations take place only when medically necessary.
Findings, treatment and aftercare are coordinated with your own vet. For any questions, Camille remains your point of contact.
Practical
Frequently asked questions.
When do I bring my horse in?
The evening before or the morning of the procedure, preferably the evening before. We agree the exact time together when the procedure is scheduled.
Should my horse be fasted before surgery?
That depends on the procedure and is decided for each horse. If your horse needs to be fasted, we let you know when the procedure is scheduled, with clear instructions.
How does general anaesthesia work?
Before a procedure under general anaesthesia, the horse first has a clinical examination to assess its general health.
The horse is led into a separate box with protective padding on the floor and walls. There it first receives sedation (calming medication), after which general anaesthesia is induced with injectable drugs. Our team then guides your horse, by hand and in a controlled way, from standing to lying down.
Once your horse is anaesthetised, we move it onto the operating table with a hoist. There, anaesthesia is maintained with a combination of inhalation (gas) anaesthesia and injectable drugs. Throughout the procedure we closely monitor the depth of anaesthesia and vital signs such as heart rate, breathing and blood pressure.
Recovery takes place in the same padded recovery box. As a flight animal, a horse may try to stand up before its balance and coordination have sufficiently returned. That is why the medication is supplemented with sedation both during and after the procedure, so that recovery is as calm and controlled as possible.
Recovery is supervised. Depending on the procedure and on your horse’s needs and temperament, it stands up on its own or with help from our team. This, too, is tailored to each patient.
General anaesthesia in horses always carries risks, particularly during recovery. We always discuss these with you beforehand, so that you can give informed consent for the procedure.
Would you like to insure your horse for the procedure? Contact your insurer in good time and ask what cover is available, including for the anaesthetic risk. Conditions vary by company and policy. We complete any veterinary forms after the clinical examination and before the procedure, so that they can be sent to the insurer in time.
What should I bring?
Your horse’s passport, details of any medication it receives, and any previous reports and images.
What about transport?
You bring your horse to the clinic yourself, or have a transporter do so. There is parking on site for trailers and horseboxes.
Can I visit my horse?
Visits are possible by appointment, as long as they do not disturb the horses’ rest and care.
What does an examination or procedure cost?
That depends on the examination or procedure. For every procedure you receive a cost estimate in advance. Payment is settled when you collect your horse.
Book an appointment.
Call or email us. We look at your question personally and plan the next step together.