Kiwi's Preop (spay) Exam

[PartiMom]

I just wanted to update about Kiwi's preoperative visit last night. I learned that she is actually 2 lb 7 oz at 8 months. The veterinarian didn't seem to think that she was going to grow any significant amount that would make much difference with the surgery and was comfortable doing it now. He explained the options we could use lessen risks of complications, but obviously there is risk with any surgery.

Kiwi will have preop blood work done the morning of her surgery. She will have an IV during the surgery to keep her fluids stable and in the case any complications arise they won't have to take any extra time to find a vein to counteract them. If her blood sugar is low from having to be on an empty stomach, they can give her sugar through the IV. They'll use sevoflurane, which is the cutting edge anesthesia for humans and animals. It will put her out in about 30 seconds and wake up in about 30 seconds versus isoflurane, which takes about 2 minutes for going to sleep and waking up. He'll remove her 2 retained baby teeth so she doesn't have to go through this again. She'll come home with me that afternoon, which he stated and someone here on the forums stated that it doesn't make sense to keep her overnight when nobody is there and she can be home with me, who knows her best anyways. In case anyone is interested, the cost for this as it stands will start at about $300. The initial spay is $148, and the rest are options (blood work and IV fluids) and the 2 teeth.

I'm still going to dread this day, but I know everyone does, and you know how I feel. It will be a tearful day, but I bet Kiwi will fare a lot better than I do!

Below are a couple of Halloween shots of my little love:

[salazark]

Awww. Kiwi is adorable. I know how scary it is, especially with the little ones. If you are comfortable with your vet and he is comfortable and taking all the precautions I'm sure everything will be fine. There's risk with any surgery, but all you can do is lessen the risks to the extent that you can. I was a wreck both when Sadie (right around 4 pounds at the time) was spayed and last month when Beemer (3 1/2 pounds) was neutered. Good luck to you and keep us posted. When is the big day?

[R_Z]

it's always stressful to have your little loved one put to sleep for any kind of surgery. If you know your vet you should feel ok about it. the post recovery will take some time, but you will be there to help see her through it all.

[PartiMom]

Thanks to both of you The big day is December 19th.

[Roxi Ree]

I'm sure little Kiwi will do just fine. I also have a little one...Roxi turned 1 in November. Last night I weighed her and she is now 2 lbs, 13 oz!! In August, Roxi was spayed, had teeth removed, liver biopsy and exploratory surgery (I think she weighed 2 lbs 3 oz at time of surgery). She did stay overnight, but her surgery was done at an Emergency/Specialty hospital and there is a vet and assistants there 24/7. Just wanted to let you know that there are other little ones who have had surgery and did just great

[Roxi Ree]

Oh, and little Kiwi is soooo cute. She looks so much my Roxi!

[PartiMom]

Thank you, that is so good to know! Can I ask if she had an IV and what preoperative blood work and anesthesia they used? How did she do postop?

One thing about Kiwi that makes me feel better is that she is comfortable in most situations (she does hate the car wash, but hey, it is kind of freaky). She laid down on the examination table with her hind legs out behind her and her little head on her paws as we talked, and let him examine her all over without a flinch. She wasn't scared at all even after having shots in the past.

She has a great attitude about most anything. She prefers people to other dogs (though she does take the time to beat on our Aussie every evening). I took her to puppy socialization classes, and she visited all the people with wiggles and kisses while the dogs all played with each other.

I guess my point is she is going in not being scared and that's a plus for her. I just hope the surgery won't make her scared of the veterinarian's office.

[abbey46923]

Sounds like you have everything covered for Kiwi's surgery. She is such a cutie. Will be watching and praying that everything goes well.

[LuvMyFurkidz]

I pray for the very best. I know how worrisome this can be. Look at that cute little face! OMG. How adorable!

[southernbelle04]

I just had to say how adorable Kiwi is!!! So precious! I will keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers!

[yorkieusa]

She is precious. It sounds like they are doing everything properly. I know how hard it is to leave them for their spay. When I left Kacee, I was in tears after I walked out of the office.

[katirob]

Gracie was spayed Monday and it went well. She's a little over 4 pounds so a little bigger than Kiwi but still little. Sounds like your vet is as thorough as ours and it will be fine. Ours assured me the operating table was warmed which made me feel good. Also, he called me as soon as she was out of surgery so I was able to relax as I knew she would sleep the rest of the day. Gracie had 2 teeth pulled and she was micro-chipped and the total was $400+.

The worst part was picking her up and her looking so pathetic! She was fine, but looked wrung out. She was operated on in the morning and we picked her up at 5:00. She had pain meds on board and we got meds to give her that night and yesterday. She was wiped out yesterday but is pretty much back to normal today. Even last night she perked up but I gave her a pain pill in the evening and I think that made her a little sleepy.

Kiwi will do great!!

[PartiMom]

Thanks for your story I'm so glad Gracie did well. I had already asked prior to this exam about being kept warm, and she will be kept warm during the operation and after in the recovery area packed with towels and water bottles. I had forgotten about microchipping during this. I'll have that done too. They called with the final estimate yesterday and it was $330. So with microchipping it will be closer to what you paid.

I can picture your little Gracie "wrung out." Poor little thing. That's good that she rested so well afterwards. I hope she continues to recover well. Thank you for your story.

[Roxi Ree]

Roxi originally had been scheduled for her spay with her regular vet, but the preop bloodwork showed elevated liver enzymes, so the spay was cancelled at that time and we were referred to a surgeon who specializes in liver disease (Roxi does have mild MVD). She actually had 3 bloodwork panels done and yes, she was given an IV during the surgery (From my understanding this helps remove the anesthesia from their system). Roxi was her hyper self after the surgery. They couldn't keep her from jumping around in her pen...everytime somebody walked by she was excited to see them. I tried to keep her calm and in her xpen when I brought her home, but she was getting more anxious and excitable in the pen and possibly doing more damage to the surgery site, so the dr said to just let her out. She didn't touch her stitches once the whole time, so she didn't have to wear the collar. The only problem I had with her was because of having teeth removed, I had to wet down her dry dog food and she refused to eat. I was ready to take her in because of hypoglycemia, but I gave her some canned food and she was OK after that. And I have no problems with her at the vet after the surgery. She's so hyper and just loves everyone.

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Best of luck with Kiwi's procedure. It's always nerve wracking when one of our babies under goes any type of procedure. Will be sending good thoughts for you and and Kiwi.

Hugs.