Here is the letter I handed my vet before the spaying/dental procedure. It is a collection of "best practices" from a zillion YT spaying threads.
Too bad the vet read it and said "Someone has done too much reading"....
Needless to say, that guy is fired.
Probably would get better results by discussing these items with your vet in advance though.
Quote:
Dear Dr. ABC:
Thank you for taking great care of London today, as always. She is coming in primarily for spaying, and secondarily for dental cleaning, microchip, nail clipping, and heartworm prescription. Please call me to discuss the procedures in detail before any anesthesia or procedure begins. I can be reached at home ###-###-####, or cell ###-###-####.
Her heat cycle began yesterday, so let me know if that will be a problem.
Here is my wishlist for the procedures, based on my understanding of best practices for small breed dogs. If you recommend something different, let’s discuss.
Spaying
- Start an IV and catheter just in case there are complications
- Only use Isoflurane or Sevoflurane anesthesia, because these are the safest
- If pre-anesthesia is needed, use Propofol
- Procedure to be performed on a heated table or with a heated blanket. This is important for small dogs
- Use a heart rate monitor / EKG
- Have a second person in the room monitoring London’s vital signs, besides the person performing the procedure
Dental Cleaning
- Ultrasonic dental cleaning has risks for small dogs. Let’s discuss whether this is appropriate for London. May need to consider hand-scaling only, or a combination of hand-scaling below the gumline and ultrasonic.
After-Care
- Please provide detailed written instructions for London’s care at home.
- Do you recommend a painkiller and/or antibiotics? There are pros and cons to each.
Thanks for the wonderful work you do. It is comforting to know London is in hands of an experienced and highly recommended vet. I look forward to speaking with you to discuss her care. |