Spaying @ SPCA? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

AprilLynn · 04-23-2009, 12:59 PM

I have a question that some of you may know more about or have info on...
My Chloe is 21 weeks old so it's almost time to look into spaying her. I plan to get it done at her normal vet and asked about at her last shots and was quoted about $340 which also includes her pre-op testing.

Today I was talking to a few of the ladys at work and they suggested I go get it done at the SPCA for only a fraction of the cost. I am weary. I don't know if these pre-op tests are something she NEEDS to be safe. She is only 4lbs.
The ladies said that the SPCA does just as good as any other vet and not to worry...that it is a simple surgery. What do you think on the subject. Should I still do to my normal vet and pay the extra $250??

Thaks in advance for the advice!

BonBon · 04-23-2009, 01:21 PM

I strongly believe they should always have pre-op bloodwork.

As far as the surgery, if YOU had a hysterectomy, would you think it was a simple surgery? Spaying is actually a major procedure. I'm sure the doctors at the SPCA are good at what they do. I just prefer to have a doctor I know and trust work on my babies. This is just my opinion.

I wish you the best of luck whichever way you decide to go!

Jacklynn · 04-23-2009, 01:27 PM

Wrigley just had his neuter done at one. They were sooo GREAT. They cared so much more about them than our old vet did. They did all of the pre bloodwork and loved on them so much. Our vet had quoted us over $400 for the neuter not including bloodwork. We paid about $100 for the bloodwork, the neuter, the meds and the cone.

We came out 100% satisfied and so glad we didn't give our old vet the over $400 they wanted, and we will no longer be going back to the old vet. Our SPCA also has vet services (I'm not sure if they all do this), and we will probably be using them from now on. Not just because of the cost, but because they cared so much for our babies when they were there. They really gained our trust by how well they took care of them.

BUT I am sure each place is different. We just might have an over the top place. I'd go check it out for yourself and decide if you feel comfortable with it. I wouldn't ever leave them somewhere I didn't feel comfortable with.

Jacklynn · 04-23-2009, 01:34 PM

oh, I forgot to add, I do think it is important to have the pre blood work. If the SPCA is unwilling to do the pre blood work (which I don't see why they wouldn't do it) I certainly wouldn't have it done there. Especially with your yorkie being only 4lbs.

I just looked and the SPCA we went to actually requires blood work for dogs over 5 years old, and it is optional but recommended for all other dogs. So I would think your SPCA would have the same mindset.

yavenay · 04-23-2009, 01:38 PM

I took Brandi to the Humane Association and we had no problems. I took her to the vet first to get the pre-op bloodwork for only 50.00 then I took her to the Humane Association and it only cost 85.00 for a total of 135.00. Had I taken her to the vet it would of cost me about 350.00. I ask the vet why such a big difference in price and she explained to me that the vet will have more monitoring equipment then the Humane Association. I volunteer at the Humane Association in Delaware so I was quite comfortable in taking Brandi there. They have not lost a dog or cat to spaying or neuturing in the last 3 or more yrs.

Ladymom · 04-23-2009, 03:49 PM

You absolutely need to have pre op bloodwork done, especially with the high incidence of liver disease in Yorkies. Bloodwork will alert your vet to any hidden health problems that might make it hard for Chloe to process anesthesia.

Please read this thread about little Toby and his near fatal reaction to anesthesia during his neuter:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...on-update.html

Does Chloe have any retained baby teeth? Your vet will normally remove them during the spay, but the ASPCA vet will not. If you have to have it done separately, it will end up costing you more in the long run.

Britster · 04-23-2009, 04:23 PM

Jackson got neutered yesterday at a clinic. Not SPCA. But it was called Spay Now! Clinic... so along the same lines as the SPCA. The vet there was great! I expressed my concerns, I questioned them on everything (they probably thought I was nuts) because I was very nervous. I would have been nervous at a regular vet as well though!

But, he was treated great, he's healing fine so far, he came back to me in good shape and happy... and it was only $174 TOTAL to get him neutered ($65 for the neuter) 4 teeth pulled, microchipped and his 3 month heartworm medicine supply!! I was pleasantly surprised and happy!

Jacklynn · 04-23-2009, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Does Chloe have any retained baby teeth? Your vet will normally remove them during the spay, but the ASPCA vet will not. If you have to have it done separately, it will end up costing you more in the long run.

That may be true at some places, but we didn't even realize that Wrigley had one baby tooth left, and they called us in the during his neuter and asked if it was okay for them to take it out, and they took it out for us while he was under. They charged us $5-$10 to have it taken out.

Ladymom · 04-23-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacklynn

That may be true at some places, but we didn't even realize that Wrigley had one baby tooth left, and they called us in the during his neuter and asked if it was okay for them to take it out, and they took it out for us while he was under. They charged us $5-$10 to have it taken out.

It sounds like your local SPCA is fabulous since they also require pre op blood work.

AprilLynn · 04-27-2009, 11:53 PM

ours does the teeth too, 12.50 a tooth. They offer the blood work but it is optional...I would definately do it. I just want her to have as much comfort as possible so I just don't know. I want her to be monitored closely in case any complicaions arise. I can't find many reviews online other than for adoptions.
It's is the Houston SPCA. The one you see on Animal Cops

Ellie May · 04-28-2009, 04:40 AM

If they follow good anesthetic protocol and the surgeon has experience, then it should be okay.

I would choose to use my regular vet who I know and trust and who is so very careful about all things Ellie.

MING · 04-28-2009, 06:07 AM

Take a look at the "Friends of Animals" website and their program for spaying. You can use any vet that you want as long as the vet will honor the coupon. I used it and was very satisfied, my Lola got all the pre-op blood tests and also a Heartworm test.

amandawash · 04-28-2009, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellie May

If they follow good anesthetic protocol and the surgeon has experience, then it should be okay.

I would choose to use my regular vet who I know and trust and who is so very careful about all things Ellie.

I definitely agree with Crystal and would have my regular vet do the procedure. One of my girlfriend's is a small animal vet and interviewed at our local humane society. They will not hire anyone as a surgeon unless they can complete a spay in under 7 minutes. Rushing through surgery does not sit well with me. I do agree that the less time under anesthesia the better, but I know that is not their goal in that requirement. Perhaps your ASPCA is better than that, but I would still not feel comfortable with someone that I didn't have a relationship with.

Please make a point to find out exactly what anesthetic they use, if they have a heated surface, a high-tech monitoring system, etc, before you make the appointment. I would also find out what they use for a pre-anesthetic sedative, if any, and the post-surgery pain management. Yes, I am a total control freak

Ellie May · 04-28-2009, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amandawash

I definitely agree with Crystal and would have my regular vet do the procedure. One of my girlfriend's is a small animal vet and interviewed at our local humane society. They will not hire anyone as a surgeon unless they can complete a spay in under 7 minutes. Rushing through surgery does not sit well with me. I do agree that the less time under anesthesia the better, but I know that is not their goal in that requirement. Perhaps your ASPCA is better than that, but I would still not feel comfortable with someone that I didn't have a relationship with.

Please make a point to find out exactly what anesthetic they use, if they have a heated surface, a high-tech monitoring system, etc, before you make the appointment. I would also find out what they use for a pre-anesthetic sedative, if any, and the post-surgery pain management. Yes, I am a total control freak

This is one good reason to have your vet do it.
They do tons of surgeries a day at these places and even if they don't have to do them in 7 minutes, they do have to move quickly which isn't always good. Some of these places also do line surgeries.

jc212 · 04-28-2009, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MING

Take a look at the "Friends of Animals" website and their program for spaying. You can use any vet that you want as long as the vet will honor the coupon. I used it and was very satisfied, my Lola got all the pre-op blood tests and also a Heartworm test.

I did this as well! If you feel more comfortable with your regular vet, see if he participates in Friends of Animals. I was able to get the neuter for free (for me, it did not include cost of pre-op bloodwork, teeth extractions, e-collar,etc.) with purchase of the certificate. It drastically reduces the cost!

04-23-2009, 12:59 PM	#1
AprilLynn Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Houston, Tx, USA Posts: 140	Spaying @ SPCA? I have a question that some of you may know more about or have info on... My Chloe is 21 weeks old so it's almost time to look into spaying her. I plan to get it done at her normal vet and asked about at her last shots and was quoted about $340 which also includes her pre-op testing. Today I was talking to a few of the ladys at work and they suggested I go get it done at the SPCA for only a fraction of the cost. I am weary. I don't know if these pre-op tests are something she NEEDS to be safe. She is only 4lbs. The ladies said that the SPCA does just as good as any other vet and not to worry...that it is a simple surgery. What do you think on the subject. Should I still do to my normal vet and pay the extra $250?? Thaks in advance for the advice! __________________ ~* Chloe's Mom *~

04-23-2009, 01:21 PM	#2
BonBon Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: With my yorkies Posts: 10,350	I strongly believe they should always have pre-op bloodwork. As far as the surgery, if YOU had a hysterectomy, would you think it was a simple surgery? Spaying is actually a major procedure. I'm sure the doctors at the SPCA are good at what they do. I just prefer to have a doctor I know and trust work on my babies. This is just my opinion. I wish you the best of luck whichever way you decide to go! __________________ He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. -- Author Unknown

04-23-2009, 01:27 PM	#3
Jacklynn YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Orlando area, Florida Posts: 477	Wrigley just had his neuter done at one. They were sooo GREAT. They cared so much more about them than our old vet did. They did all of the pre bloodwork and loved on them so much. Our vet had quoted us over $400 for the neuter not including bloodwork. We paid about $100 for the bloodwork, the neuter, the meds and the cone. We came out 100% satisfied and so glad we didn't give our old vet the over $400 they wanted, and we will no longer be going back to the old vet. Our SPCA also has vet services (I'm not sure if they all do this), and we will probably be using them from now on. Not just because of the cost, but because they cared so much for our babies when they were there. They really gained our trust by how well they took care of them. BUT I am sure each place is different. We just might have an over the top place. I'd go check it out for yourself and decide if you feel comfortable with it. I wouldn't ever leave them somewhere I didn't feel comfortable with. __________________ Wrigley (1 year) Rainer (4 years)

04-23-2009, 01:34 PM	#4
Jacklynn YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Orlando area, Florida Posts: 477	oh, I forgot to add, I do think it is important to have the pre blood work. If the SPCA is unwilling to do the pre blood work (which I don't see why they wouldn't do it) I certainly wouldn't have it done there. Especially with your yorkie being only 4lbs. I just looked and the SPCA we went to actually requires blood work for dogs over 5 years old, and it is optional but recommended for all other dogs. So I would think your SPCA would have the same mindset. __________________ Wrigley (1 year) Rainer (4 years) Last edited by Jacklynn; 04-23-2009 at 01:37 PM.

04-23-2009, 01:38 PM	#5
yavenay Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 2,663	I took Brandi to the Humane Association and we had no problems. I took her to the vet first to get the pre-op bloodwork for only 50.00 then I took her to the Humane Association and it only cost 85.00 for a total of 135.00. Had I taken her to the vet it would of cost me about 350.00. I ask the vet why such a big difference in price and she explained to me that the vet will have more monitoring equipment then the Humane Association. I volunteer at the Humane Association in Delaware so I was quite comfortable in taking Brandi there. They have not lost a dog or cat to spaying or neuturing in the last 3 or more yrs. Last edited by yavenay; 04-23-2009 at 01:39 PM.

04-23-2009, 03:49 PM	#6
Ladymom Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 8,317	You absolutely need to have pre op bloodwork done, especially with the high incidence of liver disease in Yorkies. Bloodwork will alert your vet to any hidden health problems that might make it hard for Chloe to process anesthesia. Please read this thread about little Toby and his near fatal reaction to anesthesia during his neuter: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...on-update.html Does Chloe have any retained baby teeth? Your vet will normally remove them during the spay, but the ASPCA vet will not. If you have to have it done separately, it will end up costing you more in the long run. __________________ http://www.myladysdogbows.com/ http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref...6213341?ref=nf

04-23-2009, 04:23 PM	#7
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,815	Jackson got neutered yesterday at a clinic. Not SPCA. But it was called Spay Now! Clinic... so along the same lines as the SPCA. The vet there was great! I expressed my concerns, I questioned them on everything (they probably thought I was nuts) because I was very nervous. I would have been nervous at a regular vet as well though! But, he was treated great, he's healing fine so far, he came back to me in good shape and happy... and it was only $174 TOTAL to get him neutered ($65 for the neuter) 4 teeth pulled, microchipped and his 3 month heartworm medicine supply!! I was pleasantly surprised and happy! __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier

04-27-2009, 11:53 PM	#10
AprilLynn Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Houston, Tx, USA Posts: 140	ours does the teeth too, 12.50 a tooth. They offer the blood work but it is optional...I would definately do it. I just want her to have as much comfort as possible so I just don't know. I want her to be monitored closely in case any complicaions arise. I can't find many reviews online other than for adoptions. It's is the Houston SPCA. The one you see on Animal Cops __________________ ~* Chloe's Mom *~

04-28-2009, 04:40 AM	#11
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	If they follow good anesthetic protocol and the surgeon has experience, then it should be okay. I would choose to use my regular vet who I know and trust and who is so very careful about all things Ellie. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

04-28-2009, 06:07 AM	#12
MING Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 128	Friends of animals Take a look at the "Friends of Animals" website and their program for spaying. You can use any vet that you want as long as the vet will honor the coupon. I used it and was very satisfied, my Lola got all the pre-op blood tests and also a Heartworm test.