Poppy's spay.

[Rachael x]

I have always wanted Poppy to be spayed but have been putting it off because I have been so scared of loosing her under anesthetic. I know it was selfish of me to put my feelings before her health but I love her too much and it kills me to think of anything happening to her.

After she came into her first heat I thought I have waited too long she needs to be spayed now in order to reduce her risk of mammary cancer later in life, but again I kept putting it off because of my fears. Sometimes I just wish she had came to me already spayed so I didn't have to make this decision.

Then about a month ago she came into a phantom pregnancy, the vet put her on tablets to make the milk dry up and gave me advice. I have decided that I can't let my fears get in the way of my babies health any longer and I have been selfish for too long. I don't want my baby to go through phantoms after every heat so have booked her in for her spay on Thursday at 8:30am.

The vet told me that it is very rare these days that you loose a dog under anesthetic and that they now use the same kind of anesthetic used in hospitals for premature babies. He told me that six months ago a lady died and left £12 million in her will to the cat and dog shelter, they used this money to make sure all animals were fixed before leaving the shelter to go to their new homes. So he said in the last six months they have spayed/neutered 8,000 dogs and havn't lost a single one. This makes me feel more confident. I do love my vet and trust him with Poppy but I think every owner would worry when their dog goes through an operation.

So I have come to ask if you have any advice for me on how to prepare her in any way for her spay and how to look after her afterwards.
The vet has already told me not to feed her after 6pm the night before and take water away from her in the morning. Anything else?

I know I shouldn't have waited as long as I did but she is booked in now and that is what really matters. Please don't be angry that I have waited this long.

[susan lynn]

You and Poppy are in my prayers. I always worried about them having anesthesia also but I have never had a problem. My Sassy went into heat also before I expected her to, she was 6 months old. I had her spayed 3 weeks ago and she is doing great. The hardest part was leaving her. She did better than I do. I have another female and 2 males that have been spay/neutered and they all did good. She will have stitches and a little pain, they should give you meds for that. Sassy was up running around after 4-5 days. Just let her rest a lot and give her lots and lots of love, she will be ok. Keep us posted on her progress.

[Rachael x]

Originally Posted by susan lynn

You and Poppy are in my prayers. I always worried about them having anesthesia also but I have never had a problem. My Sassy went into heat also before I expected her to, she was 6 months old. I had her spayed 3 weeks ago and she is doing great. The hardest part was leaving her. She did better than I do. I have another female and 2 males that have been spay/neutered and they all did good. She will have stitches and a little pain, they should give you meds for that. Sassy was up running around after 4-5 days. Just let her rest a lot and give her lots and lots of love, she will be ok. Keep us posted on her progress.

Thank you.
I just keep thinking about those 8,000 dogs in the last 6 months and not one of them died. And the fact that everyone dies at some point, If I had the choice between her dying peacefully and without pain under anesthetic or dying in pain because of mammary cancer later in life it's obvious which one I would choose. It will kill me leaving her at the vets on Thursday and no doubt I will cry, but I know it's in Poppy's best interest and I just have to get over my stupid fears.

Quick question, did your baby wear a cone after the op? and for how long? Thanks!

[Foster Mom]

My girl was just spayed last Friday and came home with no cone. She has not even bothered with her incision at all.

[Rachael x]

Originally Posted by Foster Mom

My girl was just spayed last Friday and came home with no cone. She has not even bothered with her incision at all.

That is good to know, I hope Poppy reacts the same way.

[susan lynn]

Sassy didn't wear a cone because I knew the boys would use it to drag her around and she is so wild she would have found someway to destroy it. It is your right as here mommy to worry and cry if you want to, I cried all 4 times.

[Rachael x]

Originally Posted by susan lynn

Sassy didn't wear a cone because I knew the boys would use it to drag her around and she is so wild she would have found someway to destroy it. It is your right as here mommy to worry and cry if you want to, I cried all 4 times.

I am sure I will cry Im dreading it, I don't know if I should put a cone on her or not. Maybe I should buy one and see how she is, if she dosn't bother with the stitches then she may not need one. I was just wondering if she does mess with the stitches and I need to put the cone on her, if I take it off at night when she is crated or not? totally new to this so I don't have a clue.

[Mom to Hot Rod]

You shouldn't beat yourself up waiting to have her spayed, you were only doing what you thought was best for her. What matters now is that you are still looking out for her best interests and that's what makes a for a good mommy.

If you are not wanted to use a cone, try a preemie onsize. You can turn it upside down so the snaps are on top and her tail can come thru. The one problem I had with Maggie was I didn't get to her in time and she peed right thru it! lol

I offer soft cones for surgical aftercare. They can be used for many other applications such as grooming and cutting nails. My cones are made of fabric so it's not so horrible for them. Best of luck with Poppy's spay. Will be sending good thoughts and prayers.

[Rachael x]

Thank you, I would purchase a cone from you as they sound great but as her spay is less then a week away I don't think it would arrive in time. Thank you for your advice and kind words though.

[My lil friend]

Mina's spay is in about 10days. This is the information that I have found that I think will help. I purchased a package of 0-3months onsies that she can wear in the house and not get to her stitches (good thing that she likes clothes). Someone suggested keeping your baby in a doggie stroller so baby can be with you at all times.
When I leave my dogs with my vet for surgery or teeth cleaning. I ask to be sent a text message with a report as soon as they are out of surgery (any problems,anything else like teeth pulled,a total charge and when can I have my baby back). That way I dont have to wait all day to find out if they are ok.
By the way it is ok to cry after you leave your baby. Hopefully there will be someone in your life close by that can give you a hug. Please keep us posted as to how you both are.

[Rachael x]

Thank you I have a onesie here that she can wear for a couple of days, I will just have to keep washing it. I'm really nervous and just can't wait for it to be over.
Will keep everyone updated.

[107barney]

All I can say is that your fear is really out of proportion to the risk. Recently, one of my dogs underwent testing and the vet told me that the risk of anesthetic death is less than 1% of 1%. I hope this statistic helps you. Poppy will be fine. As for taking care of her after, some dogs need an e collar and some do not -- my female did not. As for feeding, you do not want to feed her after the spay until much later in the evening and I would only give a very small meal. Your vet will give you detailed instructions to go home with. Keep her safe and quiet and let her rest.

[Rachael x]

Originally Posted by 107barney

All I can say is that your fear is really out of proportion to the risk. Recently, one of my dogs underwent testing and the vet told me that the risk of anesthetic death is less than 1% of 1%. I hope this statistic helps you. Poppy will be fine. As for taking care of her after, some dogs need an e collar and some do not -- my female did not. As for feeding, you do not want to feed her after the spay until much later in the evening and I would only give a very small meal. Your vet will give you detailed instructions to go home with. Keep her safe and quiet and let her rest.

Thank you Cathy, I know my fear is a bit stupid I just can't help it. I have heard a few horror stories from people I know who's dogs have died under anesthetic and it just freaks me out. I know I need to stop being selfish and put her health before my feelings, it's for the best. Just dreading Thursday and can't wait to get her back safe and sound!

[107barney]

Originally Posted by Rachael x

Thank you Cathy, I know my fear is a bit stupid I just can't help it. I have heard a few horror stories from people I know who's dogs have died under anesthetic and it just freaks me out. I know I need to stop being selfish and put her health before my feelings, it's for the best. Just dreading Thursday and can't wait to get her back safe and sound!

Well first off, I don't think your fear is stupid. I just meant that it is really misplaced by today's statistics. If it calms you any, I can tell you this - my high risk Daisy has undergone anesthesia (spay, LP surgery, dentals) without any problem. I would make sure that you have done bloodwork beforehand and that the vet is using anesthetic drugs that are best for toy breeds. You are right, you need to put her health first always.

[YorkieRose]

Just to let you know...in 35 yrs plus of owning/breeding/showing I never lost a female to spaying..but I lost one due to whelping.

Mallory was spayed at 7 months, she was not quite 3 pounds...teeth pulled also...and it never phased her. Best wishes