Thoughts on timeline of procedure
 

It is that time of year for Thumper's annual exam. At this time I get him his usual ultrasound and teeth cleaning.

In addition Thumper is due for a boatload of blood tests. (It is pretty much the kitchen sink). Luckily he does not need any shots except Bordatella

I emailed his vet to find out all the tests he needs and about the ultrasound and teeth cleaning. I asked if it can all be done on the same day.

She emailed me back stating she would not recommend it because it is too much for him. I agree with that assessment.

However, she recommended to do the ultrasound and blood work all together and if it comes back good do the teeth cleaning after.

I put a call into her to discuss her thoughts. However, she is not back into the office until Sunday and wanted to get others opinions before I talk to her.

I do think we should split things up but want to do the ultrasound and teeth cleaning together. I do not mind doing the blood work beforehand as then I can know if he can go under anesthesia.

1. My main concern is I do not want to have to put Thumper under anesthesia twice in a short time period.
2. I have pet insurance and they will not pay for dental but if I combine it with another procedure like an ultrasound I would get the anesthesia and meds covered. That comes to about 1/2 the cost of the procedure. Financially, that helps a lot.

He also has a fatty lump under his skin about the size of a quarter. It does not bother him but want to ask about removing it or if it is better to leave alone.

Finally, Thumper needs the following blood work and BP done. I have no issues with any of these tests.

1. ACTH
2. SDMA
3. Senior Blood Panel
4. CPL for Pancrititis

I am dreading these vet bills this summer. Good thing I have credit care :)

I don’t recall Thumper’s age or weight, but those would be considered in any decision I made.

In general, though, I agree with not wanting to put a dog under anesthesia twice if it’s not necessary or if the procedures can be safely be done at the same time — so I would think having the bloodwork done first, then the two procedures under anesthesia at the same time, would be preferable, unless the vet has a particular reason for doing things in the other order. Did she explain the reasoning?

Thank you. I am in agreement with you. I missed the vet's call on Thursday so I am waiting to speak tp her tomorrow and will discuss my concerns. All she said in vm was that doing all the blood work and surgeries in one day would be too much on Thumper's system.

He is roughly 9 years old and about 16 pounds. He has pancrtititis, high blood pressure and Cushing's disease as well.

I would have the vet check his teeth to see if they need the dental first. I don’t think they should just be done yearly but when the dog needs it which can many times be longer then yearly depending on the dog. Why would they do anesthesia for an ultrasound? Callie had several done when she had her liver infection and they never put her under. Even when I was looking at going to a heart doctor for her they said they don’t like to use anesthesia or sedation when doing ultrasounds. If his teeth are very bad it might be about having him under for to long that is the vets concern. Can they just sedate him for the ultrasound?

Spoke to Vet
 

I spoke to my Vet today and she is fine with doing the blood work one week prior to dental and ultrasound.

I did ask if they use anesthesia or sedate the dogs when doing the ultrasound and she said they try not to unless the dog is being uncooperative.

Thumper has always had the two procedures together so I did not realize he was. not under anesthesia for the ultrasound. What they do is the teeth cleaning first and as he is coming around they do the ultrasound. She said the dogs are usually sedate do to the meds so it is easy for them to do the procedure at that time.

I plan to make an appt in July/August. The vet's schedule is changing on a weekly basis and since I want my specific vet to do the entire procedure I cannot make the appoint too far in advance.

Unfortunately, Thumper does need yearly teeth cleaning I previously went three years without any and he needed 7 extractions. I can see the tarter on his teeth. Even with me brushing them they are bad. :(

Thank you all for being my sounding board. I love my vet and that she listens to my concerns.