Bad Bad Spaying Day

[Bozo]

Dear Folks,
It's been awhile since I visited; some of you may recall a story about Atia, the Lithuanian Yorkie . . . anyway Hi again and back again with a question.

I will never know why but I got on the wrong side of the women at the reception desk of my vet. Never had a bad experience in 24 years, but all hell certainly broke out today.

Although the grisly details might be interesting (good gossipy things) , Atia comes first. Do you folks know if it is common to prescribe Metacam for 5 days after spaying? Due to my little girl-to-girl problem, I didn't receive any info on why she has to take it for 5 days, whether with food or not, etc.

Spouse will probably be wringing the vet's neck by the time you read this. I just had to get my little Attie home without stressing her out (she knows all my emotions just like every Yorkie can!)

Your expertise is always appreciated --

[Yorkieville200]

I don't know about the Metacam, but oh, boy, I'd sure be having a talk with my vet about his staff.

[Patti]

Cali was just spayed last monday and they sent her home with an antibiotic only. It was Clavimax. I called and asked if she should have pain meds and they said no. is that a pain medication?

[teffiemoore]

I know Metacam is a pain med for dogs, sort of in the same family as Ibuprofen for humans. Maybe it was for post surgical pain after the spaying???? One dose lasts for 24 hours and doesn't have to be taken with or without food.????? Is everything Ok with her?

[livingdustmops]

I have never used a pain med with any of my gang. They seemed to do fine without it.

Meloxicam (Metacam)


(for veterinary information only)

Brand Name: Metacam (veterinary product), Mobic (human product)

Available in 7.5 & 15 mg tablets (Mobic) and oral suspension (Metacam)

Background

Meloxicam is a member of the class of drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), the same class as such common over-the-counter pain remedies as Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), Orudis (ketoprofen), and aspirin. Most NSAIDs cannot be used in pets due to unacceptable side effects including:

Stomach ulceration - even perforation and rupture of the stomach can occur. This is not only painful but life-threatening.
Platelet deactivation - platelets are the cells controlling the ability to clot blood and, as a general rule, it is preferable not to promote bleeding. We would prefer platelets to remain active and able to function should we need them.
Decreased blood supply to the kidney - this could tip a borderline patient into kidney failure.
The veterinary profession has been in need of an NSAID that could effectively relieve pain without the above risks. The key appears to lie with the enzyme responsible for many inflammatory mediators, cyclo-oxygenase-2 (or COX–2). A different but related enzyme, cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1), is responsible for producing important biochemicals needed to maintain normal blood supply to the kidneys and GI tract. It had been previously impossible to inhibit cyclo-oxygenase-2 without also inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase-1, hence the side effects of previous NSAIDS.

In 1997, Pfizer Animal Health released carprofenfor dogs in the U.S. as the answer to this need. Carprofen is what is called a selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor. Carprofen does inhibit cyclo-oxygenase-1 slightly but, for the first time, it became possible to exert a different effect on each of these two enzymes. Meloxicam is a similar type of NSAID, selectively inhibiting COX-2 over COX-1. Meloxicam has only been approved in the U.S. for canine use since 2003 but has been available in Canada and Europe for years before. Meloxicam has been available in the U.S. for human use for many years.

How this Medication is Used

Meloxicam is generally given to control arthritis pain in dogs though it can be given for many other painful conditions. It is often used an analgesic in conjunction with surgery.

[sneri13]

I would call and ask to speak to the vet. I would ask him about the medication as well as telling him about your experience with the front desk. That is very unprofessional on both their parts if he allows this type of behavior. Mac and Mellie were sent home with pain meds, but only to be used if they seemed in pain. I just used it the next day.

[Bozo]

Thank you Thank You Thank you!

It's late and spouse is holding little Attie. We have not administered pain meds. She's still asleep from spaying and in my lap most of the night. Tomorrow I plan to compose a note to our vet that will knock the daylights out of them . . . DuPage County is about to get a surprise!

But, it's wonderful to have found this site and to get advice so fast. Spouse was unable to wring vet's neck as vet had left for the day. And TOMORROW is MY day in court!

Love to all

Bozo

[Baby Blessing]

Hi, I am so sorry to hear of your bad experience with the vets receptionist, that is not
right am glad you are going to bring it to his attention in the morning. I know that the TLC you are giving your Attie will be so much comfort to her. Too bad the vets don't take after hour calls. By chance is there a emergency clinic in your area that you could call and ask them if this medication is for pain or an antibiotic and should it be given with or without food. I am sure that someone would be able to give you an answer. Hope she is feeling lots better tomorrow. Glad you found this site, we found it to be so helpful and great folks here. Patti and ~~Baby Blessing~~

[heather_lathrop]

Im so sorry you had such a bad experience! Thats terrible. I have never had to give my dogs anything after spaying at all. But thats not to say that she may not need it for some reason. Just wanted to say that she will be in my prayers. And I hope that that girl gets the same treatment back to her!

[Magneticgal]

Lexie was prescribed Metacam after she got spayed. It is an anti-infammatory/pain med. She did fine with it.
Good luck!!

[livingdustmops]

I talked to my girlfriend last night and her vet prescribed the same pain meds. They gave Kati one pill and that was all. They felt she was fine the next day and didn't want to over medicate her.

Hope your little one is feeling better today.

[nifer]

slightly O/T - not having an open relationship with your medical professional's staff should NOT be acceptable on either of your parts. you look to your vet/doc/support staff for guidance and they are there to look out for your best interests. i hope there is a way for the drama between you two to be solved for everyone's sake.

please keep us updated.

[Yorkieville200]

Originally Posted by Bozo

Thank you Thank You Thank you!

It's late and spouse is holding little Attie. We have not administered pain meds. She's still asleep from spaying and in my lap most of the night. Tomorrow I plan to compose a note to our vet that will knock the daylights out of them . . . DuPage County is about to get a surprise!

But, it's wonderful to have found this site and to get advice so fast. Spouse was unable to wring vet's neck as vet had left for the day. And TOMORROW is MY day in court!

Love to all

Bozo

I would talk to my vet personally, and request that the staff member be present. The staff at my vets office is absolutely wonderful. I rely on them heavily, as they are his 2nd set of eyes and ears.

They know my Yorkies well, and quick to offer immediate assistance when needed. The relationship between you, and your vets staff is an important one. I hope you are able to resolve it.

So glad your baby is dooing better today.
Sheila

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by Yorkieville200

I would talk to my vet personally, and request that the staff member be present. The staff at my vets office is absolutely wonderful. I rely on them heavily, as they are his 2nd set of eyes and ears.

They know my Yorkies well, and quick to offer immediate assistance when needed. The relationship between you, and your vets staff is an important one. I hope you are able to resolve it.

So glad your baby is dooing better today.
Sheila

I totally agree Sheila - I depend on these people to get to the vet if we think it is an emergency. If they don't like you it could cause problems down the road.

[Yorkieville200]

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

I totally agree Sheila - I depend on these people to get to the vet if we think it is an emergency. If they don't like you it could cause problems down the road.

Absolutely right, Cindy. Last year, we had one such experience. My tiny Kia reacted very badly to her rabies booster. I no sooner ran back in the front door of my vets office with Kia collapsed in my arms, when one of my favorite staff members, literally flew around the reception desk, grabbed Kia and ran back with her to the vet in an exam room. I did not need to explain anything, she knows my girls well, was aware that Kia had been in minutes before.....

I know, the immediate, attention, without a moments hesitation on everyone's part, saved my baby's life.

I also rely heavily on the vets staff to provide me with meds, and moments notice visits with my wildlife fosters.

Sheila