Dixie's Spay - I almost lost her, a warning

[drawlins27]

I have not been on for a few days because I have been taking care of Dixie. I had her spayed last Wednesday and she had a terrible reaction to the anesthesia and I almost lost her but hopefully someone can learn from my experience.

Here's my story and I will try to avoid going off on a rant. I took Dixie in on Wednesday to get spayed. They used isoflurane gas and also did all of the pre surgery bloodwork which they said was perfect.

They called and said that I could pick her up that afternoon which I thought to be unusual but I was just glad that she didn't have to spend the night. When I went in to pick her up, she was pretty groggy which is to be expected. Once I got her home I set her down in the grass and she could barely stand up which started to alarm me so I called the vets office and the tech said not to worry about it.

Well a couple of hours went by and I took her out again and this time she was worse, she would just fall over and she couldn't keep awake for more than a minute at a time. This was beyond just being groggy and I had a horrible feeling that something just wasn't right. So I called my vet's office but no one picked up even though it was still early afternoon. By this time she was shaking so I rushed her into the ER clinic and she started seizing. Thank god they were able to determine that she was having a bad reaction to the anesthesia and knew what to do. If I had not gotten her there in time, I would have lost her.

The next morning I brought her back to my vet's office and I was shaking, I was so mad. Apparently what had happened, was that after Dixie's surgery, he had gone to the dentist with an emergency and one of the vet techs was to keep an eye on Dixie and ensure that she was okay to go home. I don't know if the tech was incompentent or simply didn't do her job but she should have been able to determine that Dixie was not okay. I find it strange that they closed soon after I picked up Dixie and have to wonder if the tech sent her home early or without making sure she was okay just to close the office early. Regardless, someone made a mistake, a big one.

So there is a reason why they should stay overnight after being spayed. I guess that every vet has his or her own opinion on the issue but I would rather error on the side of caution. And I guess the other thing I hope everyone gets out of this is to trust your instincts when you think something is wrong and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

[tiggerr36792]

OMG what a scare. Thank god shes okay now, I hope your vet reimbursed you for the ER bill.

[adorame]

Oh my, I am sorry that this happened to you and Dixie. I am glad that she is fine now but my goodness to have to go through something like that!

[lara2913]

How scary, poor Dixie and poor you

Although its worth mentioning that some vets who ask for dogs to stay overnight do not even have anyone there overnight which IMO is worse than them being at home because at least you can watch them. So I say definatly check if there is going to be anyone there

[drawlins27]

Originally Posted by tiggerr36792

OMG what a scare. Thank god shes okay now, I hope your vet reimbursed you for the ER bill.

You know, I didn't even think to ask I was so upset. I don't think that it would be unreasonable request considering this whole thing happened due to negligence on their part.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by lara2913

How scary, poor Dixie and poor you

Although its worth mentioning that some vets who ask for dogs to stay overnight do not even have anyone there overnight which IMO is worse than them being at home because at least you can watch them. So I say definatly check if there is going to be anyone there

I agree that is worse. No one is at my vets over night. To the OP i am sorry that happened but I am glad dixie is okay now. What a scare you had

[ARCHIE]

So happy that Dixie is ok after that scare. I would have a talk with
the vet for sure regarding what happened and let him know how you feel
and what could have happened if you were not so alert.

[Connie]

I am so glad you got her help and that she will be okay! Shame on that tech that obviously wasn't noticing signs that Dixie was having problems. I've taken both my dogs home the same day after being spade, but they have not had any problems other than being sore and sleepy for the first night. A lot of vet places don't have overnight monitoring, so I just felt I'd rather have them with me so I could keep watch.

Sending get well wishes and kisses to little Dixie! Thank goodness she'll be okay!

[Akina]

OMG!!!
I'm glad you noticed the warning!!!
I hope Dixie is doing well now and I am sorry what you and Dixie went through..

[Kodak]

Glad to know she's ok and they should pay for the emergency visit.

[drawlins27]

Originally Posted by Connie

I am so glad you got her help and that she will be okay! Shame on that tech that obviously wasn't noticing signs that Dixie was having problems. I've taken both my dogs home the same day after being spade, but they have not had any problems other than being sore and sleepy for the first night. A lot of vet places don't have overnight monitoring, so I just felt I'd rather have them with me so I could keep watch.

Sending get well wishes and kisses to little Dixie! Thank goodness she'll be okay!

Yes, I think that may be the case, they don't have overnight monitoring. I asked the tech what I should be on the look out for and she just brushed me off. She acted like she just wanted me gone. She didn't even give me any pain medicine for her. I asked if the vet had prescribed her any and she said "I guess not" even though I later found out that he had. I should have known something just wasn't right.

[jp4m2]

Originally Posted by lara2913

How scary, poor Dixie and poor you

Although its worth mentioning that some vets who ask for dogs to stay overnight do not even have anyone there overnight which IMO is worse than them being at home because at least you can watch them. So I say definatly check if there is going to be anyone there

That's exactly what I was thinking...it would have been devastating to have been locked all alone in an office with no one there to catch this...I wanted mine home with me within a few hours of his procedure, I would be watching him like a hawk,I know his behavior and I would know when he's not acting right...

Your so fortunate you where there to have saved her...I hope she's better today....

[saphire]

Phew, how scary, I felt quite sick when I read your post. Glad she is ok - think I
would have also been one mad moma

Kisses to your baby.

[Sookie]

That's horrible. Is Isoflurane a bad choice? I have to take Kalina in to be spayed in the next few months and I know that some anesthesias are not recommended, but I'm not sure which. I'm so glad Dixie is ok now, what a scare!

[Gracie2006]

I am so sorry. What a horrible experience. I am glad it looks like your baby will pull through. You know, a vet is not unlike any other medical professional. If I were you, I would file a claim for malpractice. You can request the reimbursement of the ER vet bills, any additional follow-up care, plus compensation for baby's pain and your time in making it right. Also ask for reimbursement if you lost time from work as a result of this. I am not a sue happy person, but when negligence happens, someone needs to be made accountable. All you need to do is write the vet a letter outlining your claim, and ask that he forward it on to his insurance company. Just make sure you have all of the records and receipts from the ER vet. Just keep in mind your vet clinic may not be willing to treat your baby after you file a claim, but from what I read I think I would be looking for a new vet anyway.