Hospitalisation with an observation chart
A stay in the practice's in-patient hospital with an individual observation chart: measurements at set intervals, drips delivered by infusion pumps, oxygen, an on-site laboratory and a daily conversation with the owner.
What it involves
Hospitalisation means an animal stays in the practice's in-patient hospital when treatment at home is not enough: the patient needs drips, frequent measurements, intravenous drugs at set times or observation after an operation. Every hospitalised dog and cat has its own observation chart, in which the team records temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, hydration, pain, appetite, the amount of urine and faeces and all drugs given — every 2, 4 or 8 hours, depending on the condition.
The chart is not bureaucracy: it lets us see a trend (is the fever falling, is the patient starting to drink), hand over care between shifts without losing information (standard STD-06) and show the owner concrete data instead of generalities. The hospital is equipped with infusion pumps, an oxygen supply, heated kennels, an incubator for the smallest patients and separate rooms for dogs and cats.
We are open Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00 and on Saturdays 9:00–13:00. Overnight supervision of a hospitalised patient is decided individually by the lead veterinarian — depending on the patient's condition, the animal stays with us, goes home for the night with a plan, or is referred to a 24-hour animal hospital in Wrocław.
When it is used
We suggest hospitalisation when the animal is dehydrated and cannot keep fluids down, has severe pain, needs intravenous drugs (antibiotics, anti-emetics, painkillers), needs constant observation after an operation or poisoning, or when medication cannot be given at home. We make the decision together with the owner after the examination and the first results.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- A dog has been vomiting and has had diarrhoea for two days, is not drinking and is getting weaker.
- A cat has not eaten for three days and has visibly lost weight — cats are then at risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver).
- An animal has eaten something toxic (chocolate, raisins, a medicine, poison) and needs fluids and observation.
- A dog after abdominal surgery needs a drip and pain control for the first 24 hours.
- A cat with kidney failure has poor blood test results and needs intensive fluid therapy.
- A dog with pancreatitis has severe abdominal pain and cannot keep food down.
- An animal has a high fever of unknown origin and needs intravenous drugs and diagnostic tests.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
On admission we perform a full clinical examination and take blood for our laboratory: blood count, biochemistry, electrolytes, glucose — results within about an hour decide the composition of the drip and the choice of drugs. Depending on the signs we add an abdominal ultrasound, a chest X-ray or a urine test. During the stay we repeat the tests — usually every 24 hours, more often with electrolyte or glucose disturbances.
How it proceeds
After the examination and a discussion of the treatment plan and estimated costs, the owner signs a consent form. The patient receives an intravenous cannula, is weighed and placed in a kennel with bedding, water (if able to drink) and, for cats, a litter tray. The lead veterinarian sets up the chart: which drugs, at what time, what drip rate on the pump, how often to measure parameters and which values should trigger an alert.
During the day the team works through the chart: measurements, drugs, feeding (including tube feeding if the patient will not eat), taking dogs outside, changing bedding, pain scoring on a scale. In the morning and afternoon the veterinarian examines the patient and updates the plan. The owner receives a daily phone call or message summarising the condition and results; visits are possible at agreed times if they do not stress the patient.
Hospitalisation ends when the parameters improve and the patient eats, drinks and takes oral medication. At discharge the owner receives a written summary of the stay, the results and a home treatment plan (STD-06).
Aftercare
After returning home the animal may be sleepy and less active for a day. Give drugs and diet exactly as set out in the discharge notes, and watch appetite, thirst, urine and faeces. Follow-up usually after 2–3 days, with blood tests repeated if they were abnormal.
Call if vomiting, diarrhoea or loss of appetite for more than 24 hours returns, or weakness, pale gums or breathing difficulty appears. Outside opening hours, use the 24-hour animal hospitals named in the discharge notes.
Frequently asked questions
Will someone be with my animal at night?
We do not provide a regular overnight service. The lead veterinarian decides how a patient is looked after overnight: some patients go home for the night with a plan, and patients who need continuous care are referred to a 24-hour animal hospital. We always discuss this openly at admission.
Can I visit my dog or cat?
Yes, at agreed times, provided the visit does not worsen the patient's condition. Some cats are more anxious after visits — in that case we recommend contact by phone.
How much does a day in hospital cost?
The cost depends on the intensity of treatment: the number of drugs, tests and procedures. On admission we give an estimate and update it daily, so there are no surprises.
Can I bring my own food and a blanket?
A blanket or toy that smells of home — yes. Food needs to be agreed with the vet, because some patients need a special diet or a temporary fast.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Do you have questions about hospitalisation with an observation chart?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.