Questions to ask before spaying.
 

I know this has probably been asked many times before BUT I did a search and couldn't find exactly what I needed.

I really want some EXPERIENCED advice. What are the best questions to ask the vet before I take Abbey in for her spay? What do I need to specifically watch out for? Annnd what do I need to do in order to prepare for caring for her after the spay?

I appreciate any answers bc again, I'm sure this has been asked before. Thanks!!

I wrote this in another thread a couple weeks ago (but just edited it a little bit):

Spay day is never fun.
Whatever vet you use, they should have a good surgical protocol. Not all vets do.

For a spay the dog should have an IV placed before surgery. In case of an emergency, medication can be administered without wasting time to place the IV then. She should also get fluids the day of the surgery. The vet should do surgery on a heated surfact because toy breeds lose body heat so quickly. Pain medication should be offered. Pre-op blood work is the best way to go but some feel it isn't necessary. I wouldn't do a routine surgery without it. And the right anesthesia should be used. Isoflurane or sevoflurane are gas and should be used to maintain and an injection of something else to calm the dog enough to intubate is usually used. The induction medication could be given by IV (like Propofol). That is probably the most preferred protocol.

Hopefully your vet will be willing to pull any baby teeth that didn't fall out so she doesn't have to go under again.

She might be given an e-collar to wear but several members of YT have found that a baby onesie accomplishes the same thing and it lots more comfortable. It would be okay to use one as long as she doesn't try to get to her incision through it.

She might be lethargic for a few days and her appetite might not be great. The first night she may just lay down and not move. She should urinate by the next day in my opinion and have a bowel movement within about two days. If you can't get her to drink the day after surgery, I'd probably syringe water to her. If she won't eat anything, you could give a small amount of PediaLyte.

She can't run, jump or climb for a least 7-10 days and better yet wait til the stitches come out.

Bathe her before surgery because she can't have one til after stitch removal.

If they are making you leave her overnight after surgery, make sure someone is there awake the whole time. If not you might want to refuse to leave her because it is dangerous but so many vets do this.

One more bit of advice...look at the incision when you bring her home so you have something to compare it to over the next week. It's important to check it for redness, swelling...

Hi there,
I have a question about the onsie. What size would be good for Lulu? She is about 5 pounds. Also, do you alter the onsie to allow her to "do her business" or do you just remove it when she might have to go to the bathroom?

thanks

Ellie is just over 5 pounds and I got a larger one for her (sorry don't know the exact size) and she crawled out through the neck:rolleyes:. So, I got a smaller one but it was too short and closed too tight. I had an extra piece added to the smaller, shorter one to make it just the right length.:)

Depending on how short Lulu is, the smallest one might work and if not the next size up should.

From the suggestion of another member of YT, I put the onesie on Ellie upside-down, so that the snaps sit on the bottom of the back instead of on the stomach. This way you just undue the snaps when they need to go potty and bring it around and resnap on top, so it doesn't get peed on.

Ah, actually this is the EXACT post I was looking for. I replied to that thread and thanked you for it and then couldn't find it again, so thank you sooo much! Excellednt advice!

Excellent advice!!:thumbup: Pixie is booked in for friday 11th...:(