is this normal for a vet? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Newyorkymomma · 02-01-2014, 09:10 PM

So I took Joey in to get his shots started because I've no idea if he had them and had no records. While I was there I scheduled his neuter for Wednesday, am.
So the vet asks me if I wanted to also pay for pain med injection after surgery... I was sort of shocked, I mean....don't they just automatically give a pain shot? It has to be painful.
Is that normal? And of course I'll pay it, I was just shocked by that.
Now I'm wondering...what about when the shot wears off? Won't he be in a lot of pain?

Magnus · 02-01-2014, 09:53 PM

I don't remember my vet asking if I wanted to pay extra for pain shots. If anything, they might have asked if I wanted to take some pain meds to take home in case they're in a lot of pain.

After the surgery, your pup will probably sleep for rest of the day. Some pups seem to feel "better" the very next day and will act like nothing happened. Others will take another day or so to be little more perky.

As long as you keep them from running around, jumping, licking the area, etc... He should be fine. If you ever feel that "something isn't right", call your vet and explain your concerns.

Yorkiemom1 · 02-01-2014, 09:53 PM

My vet always gives mine Torbutrol in Vitamino for post op pain....I love that stuff....it works super, it desnt make mine sick, and they like the taste so it isnt a hassel giving it to them...it is liquid and it is usually a very small amount, like .25cc every 4-6 hours as needed....very well tolerated. There have been a couple of occasions where they gave one of mine the pain injection, but I think it was included in the "total package"....

KeeganRiley · 02-01-2014, 10:05 PM

For my pup's spay surgery a few weeks ago, I, too, was surprised to learn that pain medication post-op was not part of the "package" so-to-speak. Of course, I chose for my yorkie to have pain meds and requested IV fluids, with the knowledge that I would pay extra for both. (I also had to request the pre-op blood work--it wouldn't have even been discussed otherwise.)

MandiesMom · 02-02-2014, 08:23 AM

I think it just depends on the vet. I wouldn't say it is normal or not normal.

When I had Shelby-Dale neutered, they didn't give him any pain meds at all. I asked for them and they gave him a couple of pills reluctantly.

Different vet, a couple of years later..I had Mandie spayed and it was automatic with that vet. They sent her home doped up and with a bottle of (I think, 5?) pain pills.

I wouldn't necessarily hold that against the vet but I would always evaluate my vet on all visits and interactions. I've had to change vets 2 times in the past year because the ones I had just didn't "feel right". Make sure you are comfortable enough with your vet so that you can always feel your questions and concerns are addressed.

Maximo · 02-02-2014, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MandiesMom

I think it just depends on the vet. I wouldn't say it is normal or not normal.

When I had Shelby-Dale neutered, they didn't give him any pain meds at all. I asked for them and they gave him a couple of pills reluctantly.

Different vet, a couple of years later..I had Mandie spayed and it was automatic with that vet. They sent her home doped up and with a bottle of (I think, 5?) pain pills.

I wouldn't necessarily hold that against the vet but I would always evaluate my vet on all visits and interactions. I've had to change vets 2 times in the past year because the ones I had just didn't "feel right". Make sure you are comfortable enough with your vet so that you can always feel your questions and concerns are addressed.

I would make sure your little guy has a pain shot and that you are given pain meds to bring home with you. Max needed them the first night.

I think vets are under a lot of pressure to keep costs as low as possible, and sadly it is affecting what I consider best practice.

BLowry · 02-02-2014, 09:38 AM

If my pups have ANY kind of procedure that requires surgery they are always sent home with pain meds. just protocol with my vet

gracielove · 02-02-2014, 10:34 AM

Of course I would expect my pet to have post op pain medication but no vet has ever asked me to pay extra for it.

All of that should be included in the procedure bill. Sounds like your vet is a bit greedy.

Most vets don't use stitches that have to be removed anymore but when they did even the stitch removal was included in the surgery bill.

Even in human health care post op care is included in the original bill. I would question your vet a bit further.

Maximo · 02-02-2014, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gracielove

Of course I would expect my pet to have post op pain medication but no vet has ever asked me to pay extra for it.

All of that should be included in the procedure bill. Sounds like your vet is a bit greedy.

Most vets don't use stitches that have to be removed anymore but when they did even the stitch removal was included in the surgery bill.

Even in human health care post op care is included in the original bill. I would question your vet a bit further.

When Max was neutered and had surgery, we received an itemized statement. Anesthesia, pain injection, and even hazardous waste disposal were each listed separately.

I don't think this is a matter of the vet being greedy. I think this is the vet giving owners the option of what they want for their pet. It shouldn't be optional, in my opinion.

MauiGirl · 02-02-2014, 10:42 AM

When my girls were spayed, they were on pain meds at the vet clinic, but I was offered to purchase additional meds to have at home "if needed".

Not all dogs need it, but I did purchase 5 preloaded oral syringes, and used it for the first night and maybe the day after, just to keep the girls comfortable. I think it was only about $10, and well worth it to avoid a trip back to the vet.

ShowGirlLola · 02-02-2014, 10:46 AM

My vet is going to charge extra for at home pain meds, I can refuse them but he said he's required by law to offer them.
The pain meds given at the vets are included.

Newyorkymomma · 02-02-2014, 11:17 AM

all good info thank you all :-) It may be protocol to ask before hand about the injection post surgery...I'm new to the whole thing and I guess I can only relate my own post surgery memories when it was asked...sort of shocked me.
I think this is a good vet but possibly I needed to ask more questions and I have a few to ask on Monday when I call them. Like, will pain meds be offered to take home and how long pup will be hurting etc.
They did tell me he needs a teeth cleaning which will be about 100 bucks. She showed me some yellow plaque that was on his back teeth...his front look fine. I think having the shots and the neuter done this month and the second set of shots plus the tooth cleaning done next month will work out ok.
His little neck was so tender and sore last night after his shots, he was not comfortable at all poor lil guy. So I wonder about his pain tolerance with the upcoming neuter....
Still it must be done. I don't want any accidental litters with my daughters Chiwawa who isn't fixed. Plus should he ever wander off and someone grab him somehow I don't want him ending up as a stud in some awful mill.
A fixed dog isn't as valuable as a non fixed dog to these sort of people that steal dogs and flip them. I think he'll be happier after he heals up...not as likely to wander etc.
still sort of nerve wracking. I love this lil mutt, I hope his surgery goes smoothly...

gemy · 02-02-2014, 11:34 AM

What do you mean his neck was sore, after his first set of shots? Did you mean his neck? I am used to my vet doing intramuscular shots in the buttocks. The only time I have had a dog with a "shot" in the neck, was when drawing blood for analysis, and we could not get the leg area to work correctly.

I think though each vet practice does things somewhat differently, so that is great that you came on here to ask questions.

MauiGirl · 02-02-2014, 12:05 PM

Newyorkymomma, they may also offer to implant a microchip during his surgery, and it's a good time to do it.

I personally don't like to do vaccinations at the same time as surgery or dental, in case of any reactions.

The price quoted for teeth cleaning doesn't sound like a complete dental cleaning under anesthesia (here that costs more like $400.) Is that a different type of dental cleaning?

yorkiemom76 · 02-02-2014, 12:15 PM

I work for a vet and we do give an injection for pain while the pet is waking up from anesthesia that's included in the cost of surgery. They will also usually offer to send home pain medication but you would be surprised at how many people refuse it because they don't want to spend the few extra dollars.

Maybe your vet is just try to keep costs lower?

02-01-2014, 09:10 PM	#1
Newyorkymomma Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: federal way, wa,usa Posts: 28	is this normal for a vet? So I took Joey in to get his shots started because I've no idea if he had them and had no records. While I was there I scheduled his neuter for Wednesday, am. So the vet asks me if I wanted to also pay for pain med injection after surgery... I was sort of shocked, I mean....don't they just automatically give a pain shot? It has to be painful. Is that normal? And of course I'll pay it, I was just shocked by that. Now I'm wondering...what about when the shot wears off? Won't he be in a lot of pain?

02-01-2014, 10:05 PM	#4
KeeganRiley YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Coastal, Virginia, US Posts: 261	For my pup's spay surgery a few weeks ago, I, too, was surprised to learn that pain medication post-op was not part of the "package" so-to-speak. Of course, I chose for my yorkie to have pain meds and requested IV fluids, with the knowledge that I would pay extra for both. (I also had to request the pre-op blood work--it wouldn't have even been discussed otherwise.) __________________ Instahandle: tennywhistle

02-02-2014, 08:23 AM	#5
MandiesMom and Shelby's too Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Millbrook, AL Posts: 7,842	I think it just depends on the vet. I wouldn't say it is normal or not normal. When I had Shelby-Dale neutered, they didn't give him any pain meds at all. I asked for them and they gave him a couple of pills reluctantly. Different vet, a couple of years later..I had Mandie spayed and it was automatic with that vet. They sent her home doped up and with a bottle of (I think, 5?) pain pills. I wouldn't necessarily hold that against the vet but I would always evaluate my vet on all visits and interactions. I've had to change vets 2 times in the past year because the ones I had just didn't "feel right". Make sure you are comfortable enough with your vet so that you can always feel your questions and concerns are addressed. __________________ Terri, proud mom to Mandie & Shelby-Dale

02-02-2014, 09:38 AM	#7
BLowry My furkids Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 4,625 Blog Entries: 1	If my pups have ANY kind of procedure that requires surgery they are always sent home with pain meds. just protocol with my vet __________________ Brenda

02-02-2014, 10:42 AM	#10
MauiGirl Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Maui, Hawaii Posts: 7,740	When my girls were spayed, they were on pain meds at the vet clinic, but I was offered to purchase additional meds to have at home "if needed". Not all dogs need it, but I did purchase 5 preloaded oral syringes, and used it for the first night and maybe the day after, just to keep the girls comfortable. I think it was only about $10, and well worth it to avoid a trip back to the vet. __________________ SANDY, MOM TO TIKI , KAYLA , KARLEE , R.I.P. MEIKA

02-01-2014, 09:53 PM	#2
Magnus Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 3,192	I don't remember my vet asking if I wanted to pay extra for pain shots. If anything, they might have asked if I wanted to take some pain meds to take home in case they're in a lot of pain. After the surgery, your pup will probably sleep for rest of the day. Some pups seem to feel "better" the very next day and will act like nothing happened. Others will take another day or so to be little more perky. As long as you keep them from running around, jumping, licking the area, etc... He should be fine. If you ever feel that "something isn't right", call your vet and explain your concerns.

02-01-2014, 09:53 PM	#3
Yorkiemom1 Rosehill Yorkies Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 9,462	My vet always gives mine Torbutrol in Vitamino for post op pain....I love that stuff....it works super, it desnt make mine sick, and they like the taste so it isnt a hassel giving it to them...it is liquid and it is usually a very small amount, like .25cc every 4-6 hours as needed....very well tolerated. There have been a couple of occasions where they gave one of mine the pain injection, but I think it was included in the "total package"....

02-02-2014, 10:34 AM	#8
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	Of course I would expect my pet to have post op pain medication but no vet has ever asked me to pay extra for it. All of that should be included in the procedure bill. Sounds like your vet is a bit greedy. Most vets don't use stitches that have to be removed anymore but when they did even the stitch removal was included in the surgery bill. Even in human health care post op care is included in the original bill. I would question your vet a bit further.

02-02-2014, 10:46 AM	#11
ShowGirlLola YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: NJ Posts: 1,354	My vet is going to charge extra for at home pain meds, I can refuse them but he said he's required by law to offer them. The pain meds given at the vets are included.

02-02-2014, 11:17 AM	#12
Newyorkymomma Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: federal way, wa,usa Posts: 28	all good info thank you all :-) It may be protocol to ask before hand about the injection post surgery...I'm new to the whole thing and I guess I can only relate my own post surgery memories when it was asked...sort of shocked me. I think this is a good vet but possibly I needed to ask more questions and I have a few to ask on Monday when I call them. Like, will pain meds be offered to take home and how long pup will be hurting etc. They did tell me he needs a teeth cleaning which will be about 100 bucks. She showed me some yellow plaque that was on his back teeth...his front look fine. I think having the shots and the neuter done this month and the second set of shots plus the tooth cleaning done next month will work out ok. His little neck was so tender and sore last night after his shots, he was not comfortable at all poor lil guy. So I wonder about his pain tolerance with the upcoming neuter.... Still it must be done. I don't want any accidental litters with my daughters Chiwawa who isn't fixed. Plus should he ever wander off and someone grab him somehow I don't want him ending up as a stud in some awful mill. A fixed dog isn't as valuable as a non fixed dog to these sort of people that steal dogs and flip them. I think he'll be happier after he heals up...not as likely to wander etc. still sort of nerve wracking. I love this lil mutt, I hope his surgery goes smoothly...

02-02-2014, 11:34 AM	#13
gemy YT 2000 Club Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Huntsville,Ont,Canaada Posts: 12,335 Blog Entries: 2	What do you mean his neck was sore, after his first set of shots? Did you mean his neck? I am used to my vet doing intramuscular shots in the buttocks. The only time I have had a dog with a "shot" in the neck, was when drawing blood for analysis, and we could not get the leg area to work correctly. I think though each vet practice does things somewhat differently, so that is great that you came on here to ask questions. __________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018

02-02-2014, 12:05 PM	#14
MauiGirl Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Maui, Hawaii Posts: 7,740	Newyorkymomma, they may also offer to implant a microchip during his surgery, and it's a good time to do it. I personally don't like to do vaccinations at the same time as surgery or dental, in case of any reactions. The price quoted for teeth cleaning doesn't sound like a complete dental cleaning under anesthesia (here that costs more like $400.) Is that a different type of dental cleaning? __________________ SANDY, MOM TO TIKI , KAYLA , KARLEE , R.I.P. MEIKA

02-02-2014, 12:15 PM	#15
yorkiemom76 YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Ohio Posts: 364	I work for a vet and we do give an injection for pain while the pet is waking up from anesthesia that's included in the cost of surgery. They will also usually offer to send home pain medication but you would be surprised at how many people refuse it because they don't want to spend the few extra dollars. Maybe your vet is just try to keep costs lower?