Neuter surgery

[Bluebells]

I’ve finally been able to schedule neuter surgery for Jax. He had the blood draw for his pre-op bloodwork today, and the surgery is scheduled for next Friday, June 5th. This is almost a month later than planned, as the vet is just ready to start doing elective surgeries again. He’ll have his neuter, have his one retained baby tooth removed, and have his microchip put in. (The vet wanted to wait til he is under anesthesia for the microchip because he is so wiggly.)

Can I admit to being terrified of having him go under anesthesia? He weighs barely over four pounds, and I’ve read so many stories of small dogs dying under anesthesia. I know it has to be done, but it will still be my fault if something goes wrong.

[Mike_and_Me]

I know how you feel. Last year Mike had neuter surgery at 7 1/2 month old and his surgery was invasive due to him being a cryptorchid.. I was terrified for him to go under anesthesia, but I knew it has to be done, especially due to his condition. Please know that for healthy dogs and when anesthesia is done right the risks are very low (as per what I've read and my conversations with vet). I'm sure you know that but make sure there is a bloodwork done before anesthesia. I also asked my vet a lot of questions, about whether there will be a person in the room dedicated to monitoring his vitals, will they have an iv open and how he will be hydrated during and after the surgery. He did so well, despite having a huge scar on his belly and was back to himself in a day (even though it took longer for stitches to heal). I'm sure most of us are terrified for our furkids, but after all after getting our questions answered we must trust our vets. Sending you lots of support <3

[yorkietalkjilly]

My 3 lb. Jilly was neutered at age 6 years(how long it took me to work up the courage)and her anesthesia went fine. Tibbe, who was 3 lbs. larger, was neutered at age 9 mos., had annual anesthesia for years with his dentals and all went well. If you use a responsible vet who hires good tech help, etc., and the dog is healthy, everything will be as good as can be for anesthesia. Tiny dogs are neutered every day successfully. Try not to worry.

[matese]

It's normal to be anxious when a pet at any age and weight goes under anesthesia. Blood work is so important and you have that covered. Next comes trust in your vet and the techs that will be assisting. Jax will be just fine.

[Bluebells]

Originally Posted by Mike_and_Me

I know how you feel. Last year Mike had neuter surgery at 7 1/2 month old and his surgery was invasive due to him being a cryptorchid.. I was terrified for him to go under anesthesia, but I knew it has to be done, especially due to his condition. Please know that for healthy dogs and when anesthesia is done right the risks are very low (as per what I've read and my conversations with vet). I'm sure you know that but make sure there is a bloodwork done before anesthesia. I also asked my vet a lot of questions, about whether there will be a person in the room dedicated to monitoring his vitals, will they have an iv open and how he will be hydrated during and after the surgery. He did so well, despite having a huge scar on his belly and was back to himself in a day (even though it took longer for stitches to heal). I'm sure most of us are terrified for our furkids, but after all after getting our questions answered we must trust our vets. Sending you lots of support <3

Jax doesn’t need invasive surgery, as his little boy parts are fully descended. He does need the surgery, though, because his vision impairment is from a recessive genetic condition, per his ophthalmologist, so I won’t take the risk of him accidentally passing it on to puppies. Not that I would want an unneutered dog running around the house, anyway, but that gives me more reason to not to give in to my fear of the anesthesia.

I did have a very long discussion of with the vet about the surgery, but it was way back in January before the pandemic. It seems like a lifetime ago. I guess that’s one reason I’m so nervous. I haven’t been able to talk to her again, because clients aren’t allowed into the clinic. I had to sit in the parking lot today while he was in for his bloodwork.

[Bluebells]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

My 3 lb. Jilly was neutered at age 6 years(how long it took me to work up the courage)and her anesthesia went fine. Tibbe, who was 3 lbs. larger, was neutered at age 9 mos., had annual anesthesia for years with his dentals and all went well. If you use a responsible vet who hires good tech help, etc., and the dog is healthy, everything will be as good as can be for anesthesia. Tiny dogs are neutered every day successfully. Try not to worry.

I do trust the vet, but I’d be a lot happier if we weren’t still in the middle of a pandemic so I could talk to her again. Even scheduling the bloodwork was nerve-wracking, because the employee I first talked to about the scheduling insisted Jax was too young to need pre-surgery bloodwork for such a simple procedure. I had to talk to three different people before the nurse finally looked in his file and said, yes, I was correct, the vet had written down that she recommended the bloodwork because of his size. Not that I blame anyone for the mix up; they were only going by normal procedure. But I think everything would be less stressful without the pandemic procedures.

[Bluebells]

Originally Posted by matese

It's normal to be anxious when a pet at any age and weight goes under anesthesia. Blood work is so important and you have that covered. Next comes trust in your vet and the techs that will be assisting. Jax will be just fine.

Thanks. I sure hope so. I’m going to be a nervous wreck until it’s over.

[Bluebells]

Brief Update: The vet’s office just called, and Jax’s bloodwork is all normal, so we’re a go for the surgery on June 5th. So now I just wait and worry.

I do have a question, for any of you with smaller yorkies. Jax’s written pre-op instructions include that he is supposed to eat a small meal and drink a small amount of water before 5am on the morning of the 5th, before he is dropped off for his surgery. (Drop off is at 7am.)

The pre-op instructions were on top of his crate when I picked him up from the vet’s office vestibule yesterday after his appointment, so I couldn’t ask about them then. So I asked the nurse who called with his bloodwork result, because (as a foster) I’ve taken a lot of animals in for surgery, and the food/water cut off is always the night before surgery.

The nurse says the morning meal & drink are because he’s so small. I told her I would try, but Jax is simply not a morning eater. It’s rare I can tempt him to eat anything before late morning except his tiny lick of peanut butter (mentioned in an older post under the “Diet” section). The nurse said to try. So question: is this normal for smaller yorkies, pre-surgery? And, if so, is it going to be a serious problem if he won’t eat? One more thing to worry about....

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by Bluebells

Brief Update: The vet’s office just called, and Jax’s bloodwork is all normal, so we’re a go for the surgery on June 5th. So now I just wait and worry.

I do have a question, for any of you with smaller yorkies. Jax’s written pre-op instructions include that he is supposed to eat a small meal and drink a small amount of water before 5am on the morning of the 5th, before he is dropped off for his surgery. (Drop off is at 7am.)

The pre-op instructions were on top of his crate when I picked him up from the vet’s office vestibule yesterday after his appointment, so I couldn’t ask about them then. So I asked the nurse who called with his bloodwork result, because (as a foster) I’ve taken a lot of animals in for surgery, and the food/water cut off is always the night before surgery.

The nurse says the morning meal & drink are because he’s so small. I told her I would try, but Jax is simply not a morning eater. It’s rare I can tempt him to eat anything before late morning except his tiny lick of peanut butter (mentioned in an older post under the “Diet” section). The nurse said to try. So question: is this normal for smaller yorkies, pre-surgery? And, if so, is it going to be a serious problem if he won’t eat? One more thing to worry about....

Then feed him a teaspoon or two of natural peanut butter or his regular food, if he ignores it, just open his muzzle and put it in his mouth and he'll get most of it down. Same with water, a needle-less small syringe of water in the side cup of his mouth will be mostly swallowed. He'll resist but you matter-of-factly, with no emotion, insist on getting some nutrition and fluid into his mouth, gently but firmly just like a medical professional does things we dont' like but are for our own good. Afterward, big laughs, smiles and praise, take him up and love him, smother with kisses and let outside to run off feelings. Got very used to doing this when fosters were too ill to want to try to take any nutrition but doc said feed them some food however every 4 hours but get it down and when tiny Jilly was young, would refuse food or water, etc., for a time. Natural peanut butter or a teaspoon or two of his food should keep his blood sugar regulated through the surgery; and while he's at the vet, they have all types of ways to keep his blood sugar level regulated. If you get some of both into his mouth, he'll likely spit lots out but get some down and you can tell by the amount he spits out how much was left and whether you need to repeat it.

[Lovetodream88]

We all worry that’s perfectly normal. You are doing all the right things. A dog doesn’t generally just die under anesthesia for no reason. In most cases the blood work wasn’t done or proper protocol wasn’t followed. Callie has been under so many times and I still get worried about it. They seem even smaller when they have to go in for surgery and are not feeling great afterwords. Joey refused to let me put him down the whole rest of the day after I picked him up. Prayers everything goes well.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Bluebells

Brief Update: The vet’s office just called, and Jax’s bloodwork is all normal, so we’re a go for the surgery on June 5th. So now I just wait and worry.

I do have a question, for any of you with smaller yorkies. Jax’s written pre-op instructions include that he is supposed to eat a small meal and drink a small amount of water before 5am on the morning of the 5th, before he is dropped off for his surgery. (Drop off is at 7am.)

The pre-op instructions were on top of his crate when I picked him up from the vet’s office vestibule yesterday after his appointment, so I couldn’t ask about them then. So I asked the nurse who called with his bloodwork result, because (as a foster) I’ve taken a lot of animals in for surgery, and the food/water cut off is always the night before surgery.

The nurse says the morning meal & drink are because he’s so small. I told her I would try, but Jax is simply not a morning eater. It’s rare I can tempt him to eat anything before late morning except his tiny lick of peanut butter (mentioned in an older post under the “Diet” section). The nurse said to try. So question: is this normal for smaller yorkies, pre-surgery? And, if so, is it going to be a serious problem if he won’t eat? One more thing to worry about....

I have never heard of this for even small yorkies. I wouldn’t force it but you could just give a little more of the peanut butter then normal if he won’t eat. Mine are not morning eaters either.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I have never heard of this for even small yorkies. I wouldn’t force it but you could just give a little more of the peanut butter then normal if he won’t eat. Mine are not morning eaters either.

Likely her vet has treated tiny toy dogs before and knows even a six month old tiny can drop standing in the middle of the floor due to hypoglycemia so fasting has to be handled differently. I'd be certain to question how the vet handles aspiration during surgical anesthesia just in case, so she can know how prepared they are for that contingency.

I'm pretty certain they'll carefully question her about what, when and how much food/water was ingested at the small, pre-op breakfast but if not, insist on speaking to the surgeon first to tell him/her so they'll know exactly what they are dealing with and be as certain as they can the stomach has cleared of all content before anesthetizing.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Likely her vet has treated tiny toy dogs before and knows even a six month old tiny can drop standing in the middle of the floor due to hypoglycemia so fasting has to be handled differently. I'd be certain to question how the vet handles aspiration during surgical anesthesia just in case, so she can know how prepared they are for that contingency.

I'm pretty certain they'll carefully question her about what, when and how much food/water was ingested at the small, pre-op breakfast but if not, insist on speaking to the surgeon first to tell him/her so they'll know exactly what they are dealing with and be as certain as they can the stomach has cleared of all content before anesthetizing.

Generally at that age even being small a healthy pup shouldn’t be having hypoglycemia. I’m sure that veterinarian offices have something to deal with hypoglycemia. I imagine it can happen but I think it’s probably not a huge thing. I think more of a concern is blood pressure and temperature. There was a mix breed 4 or 5 pound puppy that was neutered the day I shadowed my vet and he was fasted. It is definitely something interesting to research. I just don’t think force feeding is ever a great idea unless the vet as instructed it and the same with water because one wrong slip and they aspirate it and you are looking at possible pneumonia. If forced some dogs will even throw it back up.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

Generally at that age even being small a healthy pup shouldn’t be having hypoglycemia. I’m sure that veterinarian offices have something to deal with hypoglycemia. I imagine it can happen but I think it’s probably not a huge thing. I think more of a concern is blood pressure and temperature. There was a mix breed 4 or 5 pound puppy that was neutered the day I shadowed my vet and he was fasted. It is definitely something interesting to research. I just don’t think force feeding is ever a great idea unless the vet as instructed it and the same with water because one wrong slip and they aspirate it and you are looking at possible pneumonia. If forced some dogs will even throw it back up.

Yeah, even at six months I guess not all tiny dogs are yet as healthy as they may be later in life. My sister's tiny poodle dropped suddenly in the middle of her den at age six months from hypoglycemia as she was looking at him and was rushed to the vet, who said if he hadn't been open, Jot would likely have died his glucose level was so low. She got him about the time I'd bought my Scotty. She'd bought him from some hobby breeder who cared nothing about the dogs their breeding pair produced, gave her no tiny pup special care, etc. and fell totally in love with him at first sight but thought he was too small, but said she kept talking about him. A day later her husband insisted they go back and get him. He was treated like a little king, lacked nothing he ever wanted or needed. Little Jot had been okay until then, never seeming weak or lethargic, tiny as he was.

By the time he was a year, he never had any more problems from it for the rest of his life and he put on more weight, got up to 4.5 lbs. But until he matured more or gained more weight, he had to eat frequently to prevent that per the vet and she would never leave him alone for over 2 hours. I guess most anything is possible if one brings home a very tiny dog or any puppy for that matter. Guess this vet has seen that type of thing in the past. Give the bit of water in tiny doeses if you fear your baby will throw it up.

[Bluebells]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Likely her vet has treated tiny toy dogs before and knows even a six month old tiny can drop standing in the middle of the floor due to hypoglycemia so fasting has to be handled differently. I'd be certain to question how the vet handles aspiration during surgical anesthesia just in case, so she can know how prepared they are for that contingency.

I'm pretty certain they'll carefully question her about what, when and how much food/water was ingested at the small, pre-op breakfast but if not, insist on speaking to the surgeon first to tell him/her so they'll know exactly what they are dealing with and be as certain as they can the stomach has cleared of all content before anesthetizing.

He’s between eight and nine months old now, not that it likely makes much difference since he hasn’t gained an ounce since he was six months old. (His surgery has been delayed by the pandemic, as the vet hasn’t been doing elective surgeries for several months.) He hasn’t ever had an attack of hypoglycemia, even when he was teeny tiny (only 26 ounces at 12 weeks), so I hope that means his constitution is pretty strong. I probably won’t be able to talk to anyone other than the receptionist or a technician on the morning of the surgery, though, since I won’t be allowed into the building. That bothers me a lot, since it limits the information I can pass along to the surgical team.