Explanation of a canine / feline spay procedure:

Even though a spay procedure is considered a routine procedure, it is actually an invasive procedure that involves opening the abdomen of the pet.  Our goal is NOT to perform this surgery in a rushed, no frills manner, but instead to strive to assure a successful outcome as well as minimize pain and stress for the pet.

The following items are included on a standard estimate for the spay procedure for a pet.  Each individual item is explained below:

Pre-operative Examination: The veterinarian will perform a physical exam on the patient prior to performing the surgical procedure.  This is performed at no cost unless he or she is a new patient.

Pre-anesthetic Blood Profile:  The pre-anesthetic blood profile which includes a complete blood cell count, blood chemistry profile and a blood clotting test is highly recommended but optional prior to any surgical procedure.  This testing is done to check for some of the underlying medical issues a patient could have that would make them a surgical or anesthetic risk.  For example, if the kidney or liver values are high the patient may be unable to metabolize the anesthetic medication properly.  In some cases, it may still be possible to perform the surgery but extra precautions would need to be taken to ensure the health of the patient.   In other cases, the surgery should be cancelled and the abnormal lab results should be further investigated.

Microchip Application: The microchip application is highly recommended to ensure the safe return of your pet should he/she turn up missing.  The microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades.  A veterinarian office and the animal shelters can scan the chip and determine the name of the owner if the chip has been registered on-line with the chip manufacturing company.  This service is optional.

Analgesia Perioperative Elective Surgery:  Pre-anesthetic medication is given for sedation and pain relief.

Catheterization, IV Elective Periop:  An IV catheter is placed in the foreleg and IV fluids are run during the surgical procedure to aid the internal organs in metabolizing the medication.  Should complications arise, medication can be quickly administered via the IV catheter.

Anesthesia, Isoflurane:  Isoflurane anesthetic gas is administered during the procedure to keep the patient anesthetized. Isoflurane is considered a very safe anesthetic medication.  This gas is administered via a tube that is passed directly to the patient’s windpipe, as is also done during human anesthesia.  This also provides a means to allow the patient to breathe 100% oxygen during the anesthetic.  It also gives us the ability to have the airway under control during anesthesia.

Anesthetic Monitoring: A veterinary technician is with the patient during the entire procedure to monitor vital signs and alert the veterinarian should complications arise.  Monitoring equipment is also used to monitor the pet’s parameters, including, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen concentration in the blood, and other parameters.  Following the procedure the technician will continue to monitor vital signs until the patient is completely recovered from anesthesia.

Cefazolin: An antibiotic is given intravenously during surgery to prevent infection.

Post-op Pain Management: Following the surgical procedure the patient is sent home with post-operative pain medication to ensure the comfort of the patient, and to help with normal post-surgical inflammation.

Ovarioysterectomy (OVH) or Spay: During the spay procedure, the patient is placed on a warmed surgery table designed specifically for pets.  A high grade suture called PDS is used for the spay procedure.  These high quality sutures are absorbable and are placed underneath the skin, eliminating the need for a suture removal.  Additionally, PDS is less irritating for the patient and therefore the patient is less likely to lick or chew at the surgical site.  The patient generally goes home the same day of surgery. The incision is usually completely healed in 10-14 days.

Hazardous Waste Fee: A hazardous waste fee is charged for disposal of needles and scalpel blades used during the surgery. 

 If you have questions about any of these items, or have further questions about the spay procedure, please call us at 295-8100.