Discharge of the veterinary patient

What should be planned early in the discharge process?

The date and time of discharge.

Why is it important to identify whether a patient has simple or complex discharge needs?

To discuss these needs with the client early and arrange appropriate plans.

What should be done regularly as the discharge date approaches?

Review the clinical management plan and update it as necessary.

What is essential for coordinating the discharge process?

Effective leadership and handover responsibilities.

What information should clients receive upon discharge?

Care plans, instructions for ongoing management, and emergency contact details.

What should be confirmed regarding medicines or items at discharge?

Clients should receive any required medicines or items along with necessary instructions.

What should be in place for on-duty staff regarding discharging animals?

Protocols for discharging animals.

What is one basic principle of planning for discharge?

Plan the date and time of discharge early.

How should practices identify patient discharge needs?

Identify whether the patient has simple or complex discharge needs.

What should be reviewed regularly as discharge approaches?

The clinical management plan.

What is important for coordinating the discharge process?

Effective leadership and handover responsibilities.

What should clients be given at the time of discharge?

Any required medicines or items (e.g., collars, bandages).

RCVS Guidance on Discharging Patients

1.Plan the date and time of discharge early

2.Identify whether the patient has simple or complex discharge needs and consider how these will be met

3.Review the clinical management plan regularly, take any necessary action and update this towards the discharge date.

4.Co-ordinate the discharge process through effective leadership and handover responsibilities

5.Confirm that clients have been provided with necessary information on discharge

6.Confirm that clients have been given any required medicines or items (e.g. collars, bandages) on discharge

What should be explained to a client about the anaesthetic process?

Whether the anaesthetic went smoothly and any issues that arose.

What should clients expect regarding recovery from anaesthesia?

How quick and smooth the recovery was.

How long might a pet be more sleepy than usual after anaesthesia?

Clients should be informed about the expected duration of increased sleepiness.

What are possible side effects from anaesthesia?

Side effects can include nausea and other effects depending on the anaesthetic drugs used.

What should clients monitor if an IV catheter was placed?

Monitor for licking, redness, or signs of irritation at the catheter site.

What should clients know about the endotracheal (ET) tube after anaesthesia?

If an ET tube was placed, it may cause a slight cough that should resolve by itself in a few days.

What should be ensured for a client regarding drinking water?

Ensure clean drinking water within reach at all times.

What feeding guidelines should be followed for the first 24-48 hours post-procedure?

Feed them their normal food (little and often) for the first 24-48 hours, then start feeding them normally again.

What types of food should be avoided after a procedure?

Avoid treats and rich foods.

What can be done if a pet is inappetent after a procedure?

Try warming the food up for a few seconds in the microwave, or offer some plain cooked chicken breast or white fish.

What should be done if a pet hasn't eaten at all 24 hours after their procedure?

Contact the practice.

What special feeding advice is required after GI surgery?

GI surgery will require special post-op feeding advice.

What is vital for rabbits post-surgery regarding eating?

It is vital that they are eating well quickly post-surgery. Must see urgently if not eating well within 24 hours.

What should you do when bringing a client home after a procedure?

Bring them home from the straight away without stopping anywhere else.

Where should a client rest after a procedure?

In a warm, quiet room away from children, other animals, and noise.

What should you avoid doing with a client during recovery?

Avoid picking them up or moving them around as much as possible.

What should be blocked to prevent a client from jumping?

Block anything they might jump up onto, such as a sofa or bed.

What type of walks should be taken during the recovery period?

Walks on a lead.

Does specific exercise advice vary after a procedure?

Yes, specific exercise advice will vary by procedure.

What may be included in a client's recovery plan?

Physiotherapy exercises to promote recovery.

What should be explained regarding physiotherapy exercises?

When to start these, how often, and how to perform them.

What should be used to prevent interference with a wound during healing?

A cone collar, inflatable collar, or protective bodysuit.

How long does it typically take for a wound to heal?

Around 10 days.

Can most animals eat or drink while wearing a protective collar?

Yes, most animals can eat and drink fine with these on.

What should you do if you need to remove a protective collar?

Remove and replace it immediately after.

How often should you check a wound during healing?

A few times a day.

What signs should you look for when checking a wound?

Redness, swelling, discharge, tight or loose/missing sutures.

What should you show the client when bringing the patient through?

What the wound looks like now for comparison.

Can owners clean or apply creams to the wound without veterinary advice?

No, do not clean or apply any creams unless advised by the vet.

How often should owner check a bandage?

At least once a day.

What should owner look for when checking a bandage?

Slipping or complete loss of the bandage.

What sign indicates that a pet may be chewing or scratching at the bandage?

Signs of chewing/scratching at the bandage.

What should owner do if they notice wet areas on the bandage?

Check for any wet areas.

What does a bad smell or leaking fluid from a bandage indicate?

It may indicate an issue that needs attention.

What should owners check for regarding the edges of the bandage?

Rubbing of the edges of the bandage on your pet's skin.

What should owners look for around the bandage that may indicate a problem?

Swelling of the skin around the bandage.

How should a bandage be protected?

It must be protected from getting wet or dirty.

What should owners do if there are issues with the bandage?

Do not try and reapply the bandage at home; contact the practice.

What is the purpose of medication post-operatively?

Post operative pain relief

When should antibiotics be administered post-operatively?

If needed

Why is it important to have clear administration instructions for medication?

To ensure proper usage

What should be specified about when to give medication?

When to give

What should be specified about how often to give medication?

How often to give

What should be specified about when to start medication?

When to start

What should be specified about how long to give medication?

How long to give for

What are the methods of administration for medication?

By mouth, before food, after food

What should be discussed regarding side effects of medication?

Side effects and what to do if seen

What is a good practice for demonstrating liquid medication administration?

Demonstrate how to draw up liquid medications and have the owner demonstrate to show understanding

How much does the timing of follow-up appointments vary?

It varies a lot depending on the procedure and practice protocols.

What is the common protocol for rechecking after surgery?

Recheck approximately 3 days post-surgery and 10 days for sutures out.

When should follow-up appointments be booked?

These appointments should be booked before the client leaves.

What should clients do if they have concerns before their follow-up appointment?

Clients should contact the practice before their follow-up appointment.

What should you do if a pet shows extreme tiredness or is unable to stand?

Seek immediate veterinary attention.

What does it indicate if a pet has low energy for over 48 hours?

Seek immediate veterinary attention.

What should you do if a pet is showing signs of pain or discomfort?

Seek immediate veterinary attention - Pain

What action should be taken if a pet has problems toileting?

Seek immediate veterinary attention.

What does excessive redness, swelling, bleeding, or discharge around wounds indicate?

Seek immediate veterinary attention.

What should you do if a pet vomits more than 2 times in 24 hours?

Seek immediate veterinary attention.

What does it mean if a pet has diarrhoea more than 2 times in 24 hours?

Seek immediate veterinary attention - diarrhoea

What should you do if a pet refuses to eat for over 24 hours?

Seek immediate veterinary attention - refusing to eat

What is important to be aware of before taking a pet to the vet?

Any procedure specific concerns.