Horse off for a stay in RVC - having a mini panic!

ChestnutConvert

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Found out that my girl has tendon damage (the shortest easiest way to put it!) so she is off to one of the RVC's next week. I already had a mini panic with oh god an operation, she's doomed, what am i doing!?

Have spoke to my vet who has reassured me blah blah and i feel better but now i worry about little things! Basically what do i need to take with me for her? Obviously rugs but not sure what else i need to take. I mean the horsey things not passport and insurance docs!

I think that now the shock has worn off and i've got things clear in my head i'm finding little things to fret and think about instead... having a vent of worry on here i guess too! Sorry!:o
 
when my mare stayed there, i left nothing other than the cream i had already bought, they prefer to use their own headcollars/rugs/feed etc. My liitle leaflet said if you wanted them to have supplements then to bring those in.
 
Not taken any to the RVC so can't comment.

Been to the AHT and Rossdales. Took own rugs and headcollars. If you take them and they're not needed, you can always take them home again.

Hope it goes well for your girl.
 
Not taken any to the RVC so can't comment.

Been to the AHT and Rossdales. Took own rugs and headcollars. If you take them and they're not needed, you can always take them home again.

Hope it goes well for your girl.

Thanks it's the first time i've had to do it and just hate thought of her being knocked out and everything that goes with it, but it's that or no horsey i guess.
 
Mines stayed several times,after the first time they've never requested to see passport etc but I take it anyway. First couple of times he had his own rugs & headcollar but when he stayed earlier this year they were insistent that I didn't leave headcollar or rugs. I took feed but then mine is a bit special needs with his feed!
 
Mine's a bit of a frequent flyer up at the RVC, we've had 4 overnight stays, an operation and numerous day visits.

No headcollar, rugs, nothing etc they will provide everything.

They have a range of feed but if you want anything a bit special take it with you, in our case they provided his speedibeet and bran and I gave them some Copra and linseed premixed and supplements in little plastic pots to add.

The staff are lovely there and the equine techs who look after them are brilliant, very dedicated.

Is yours having a general anaesthetic? They have a very good success rate as they hand raise them when they come round minimising the risk of injury at this time. Even so the morning they operated was one of the worst days of my life. They won't call you till they have fully come round and after 3 1/2 hours, I eventually cracked and called them. Reception couldn't get through which they told me meant they were still in theatre or in recovery but that I would have heard if something had gone wrong and nothing had.

I visited the day after they operated. I had been worried he would be traumatised by the experience but when I went to visit he was fine and his usual self, charming the nurses and begging for treats.

Good luck and hope the op is a success.
 
Oh bless you I would not worry too much, I am sure they will be fully equipped if not they will let you know.

If you wish to take anything you think your horse likes or needs I am sure they will let you know if this is ok, otherwise I hope your horse makes a full recovery and you do not worry yourself too much which I know is easier said than done.

Sending you lots of healing and loving vibes, to both of you.

It is so hard when they are ill however it sounds as though your horse is in the best hands.
 
Thank you all of you, helping to put my mind at rest. She is having a general but some people seem so intent on telling you horror stories that it's great to here how good there are there. My vet also said that at any point you don't understand or are worried etc just ask them to stop and they will go through things (not during the op mind!).

The only other thing is how long are you there roughly when you drop them off? i know they have to go through things with you so just wondering. Not that i will be in a hurry just curious! :o
 
Think it depends on the problem as to how long you're there. The first time mine went I didn't go as was lorry-less at the time. Transporter took him direct from local vets who had referred him & I'm not local so waited it out at home for the verdict. He's had a number of day visits & 2 more stays for a ongoing problem. I'm usually there for about 1.5-2 hrs, the travelling there takes me about 3 times the length of time I'm actually there!
 
I took Boomerang's big likit toy and apples for him to have in his water. My friend is an equine tech there, she's very good and I think the level of care is good. :)
 
I have spent virtually entire days there while they do very complicated workups but for the op I just dropped him off the day before. Signed some forms and a last chat with the vet. I'd been there for the diagnostics so there wasn't too much to discuss as we'd already gone through treatment options and pros and cons.

I did hang around in the stable making a fuss and saying goodbye. Not that I needed to settle him, Frankie loves it there and treats it like some sort of luxury spa break.
 
I'm in at the moment, they prefer to use their own rugs and equipment, A so they cant lose it and B so you don't bring any bugs into the hospital.
My 17mth filly has had two GA in the last 4 months, it is Cary but they are in the best place. Best advice I can give you is after GA they can look awful (mine this time looked more sick than then I'd taken her in) but after a few days they pick up. The vets there are super, mine was under will and David bolt, who will give you their direct numbers so you can call them for updates. Even this weekend David isn't working but told me to call him if I had any worries.
Honestly your in the best hands x
 
I can't thank you all enough for putting my mind at rest, her op is on Weds so will take her home Fri as they want her in for recovery hopefully she will look better by then and we can get her home and rested.
Will give her a big fuss and try to be brave!:)
 
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