I meant to write about pet insurance before now, but I need to tell you about our January special before January is over! This month is flying by. Happy New Year by the way!
Did you know North Carolina ranks number 1 in pet euthanasias? Not something we want to be #1 in. This article explores the relation between euthanasia rate and US geography. In NC, a healthy dog in an animal shelter is nearly 25 times more likely to be euthanized than a dog in New Hampshire (see previous link: "The Puzzling Geography of Animal Shelter Dog Euthanasia"). This is one of the reasons that it is so important to spay and neuter our pets.
Did you know North Carolina ranks number 1 in pet euthanasias? Not something we want to be #1 in. This article explores the relation between euthanasia rate and US geography. In NC, a healthy dog in an animal shelter is nearly 25 times more likely to be euthanized than a dog in New Hampshire (see previous link: "The Puzzling Geography of Animal Shelter Dog Euthanasia"). This is one of the reasons that it is so important to spay and neuter our pets.
Graph by Hal Herzog, "The Puzzling Geography of Animal Shelter Dog Euthanasia."
The reduction of "unwanted" pets that ultimately are euthanized is one reason to spay and neuter; Another reason is for your pet's health. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections, breast cancer, and pyometra (infection of the uterus). Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best chance of protection from these diseases.
Neutering prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems. It also reduces marking behavior and the desire to wander to mate.
We recommend spaying and neutering around 6 months old. This gives them enough time to grow healthy and enjoy puppy- or kitten-hood, but before they get old enough to get into heat (females) or begin marking as a behavior rather than hormonal instinct (males).
So you can see, there are many benefits to having your pet spayed or neutered! We know times are tough, especially after the holidays, so to offer our best to our community pets and pet parents we're doing 30% off spays and neuters. Below please find a chart of the REDUCED, January cost for spay and neuter procedures. The cost includes: anesthesia, procedure, pain relief, hospitalization, meds to go home, and e-collar.
Neutering prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems. It also reduces marking behavior and the desire to wander to mate.
We recommend spaying and neutering around 6 months old. This gives them enough time to grow healthy and enjoy puppy- or kitten-hood, but before they get old enough to get into heat (females) or begin marking as a behavior rather than hormonal instinct (males).
So you can see, there are many benefits to having your pet spayed or neutered! We know times are tough, especially after the holidays, so to offer our best to our community pets and pet parents we're doing 30% off spays and neuters. Below please find a chart of the REDUCED, January cost for spay and neuter procedures. The cost includes: anesthesia, procedure, pain relief, hospitalization, meds to go home, and e-collar.
The "Fine Print"
Before any procedure requiring sedation, Dr. Mastafiak needs to do a physical exam. During this appointment she checks your pet's eyes, ears, mouth, heart rate, lung sounds, and any concerns you may have. She looks for baby teeth that may still be retained, and she discusses the procedure and post-surgery instructions.
For pets over 8 years old, Dr. Mastafiak needs bloodwork to make sure your pet is OK for anesthesia. The bloodwork includes checking kidney and liver function, and complete blood count.
For pets over 8 years old, Dr. Mastafiak needs bloodwork to make sure your pet is OK for anesthesia. The bloodwork includes checking kidney and liver function, and complete blood count.
How We Do It
The night before surgery:
We ask that your pet not eat after 10PM. This is because anesthesia can make your pet nauseous, and vomiting while groggy puts your pet at danger of choking.
The morning of surgery:
Check in for surgery around 8:30-9:00AM. We'll have a consent form for you, take your pet's weight, and get him/her comfortable in a large cage or run.
We finish procedures by early afternoon. Each day we only do 1 to 3 procedures (depending on type/length of procedure) because we are committed to giving your pet the best care and our sole attention when they need it. This means being with them and monitoring them as the sedation is taking effect. After fully sedated, they are intubated, and then the surgical site is sterilized. Next is the surgery.
During surgery:
During surgery, your pet's blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are monitored literally every minute. Depending on the size of your pet, cat or dog, spay or neuter, the actual time under anesthesia ranges from approximately 15 to 75 minutes. (Feline neuter being the quickest and large dog spay taking the longest.)
After surgery:
Someone is by your pet's side until they are awake enough to be out of danger. This "danger" includes choking on any vomit or getting twisted into positions that make it difficult to breathe. They are kept warm and comfortable. Usually, we also trim their nails at this time.
By evening they are fully awake but maybe a little sleepy. If they are not fully awake by now, then we stay until they are. We don't leave anyone alone if it's unsafe to do so.
The next morning:
After a good night sleep, staying still and comfortable, your pet is most likely feeling back to their normal self. This is when it's usually e-collar time! We know no one likes the e-collar, but it's important the surgical site stays clean and closed. Your mantra is "we only have to do this once!"
Care at home:
For the next 10-14 days you'll need to restrict your pet's activity. No running, jumping, fetching, or horseplay. No baths. Monitor the surgical site daily. You'll need to look for any redness, oozing, or lumps. Give us a call ASAP with any concerns. Sutures will need to be removed in 10 - 14 days (except for feline neuters).
Hope you've enjoyed the insight into spays & neuters! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. If you'd like more information about the benefits of spaying and neutering, the ASPCA has a good article here.
We ask that your pet not eat after 10PM. This is because anesthesia can make your pet nauseous, and vomiting while groggy puts your pet at danger of choking.
The morning of surgery:
Check in for surgery around 8:30-9:00AM. We'll have a consent form for you, take your pet's weight, and get him/her comfortable in a large cage or run.
We finish procedures by early afternoon. Each day we only do 1 to 3 procedures (depending on type/length of procedure) because we are committed to giving your pet the best care and our sole attention when they need it. This means being with them and monitoring them as the sedation is taking effect. After fully sedated, they are intubated, and then the surgical site is sterilized. Next is the surgery.
During surgery:
During surgery, your pet's blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are monitored literally every minute. Depending on the size of your pet, cat or dog, spay or neuter, the actual time under anesthesia ranges from approximately 15 to 75 minutes. (Feline neuter being the quickest and large dog spay taking the longest.)
After surgery:
Someone is by your pet's side until they are awake enough to be out of danger. This "danger" includes choking on any vomit or getting twisted into positions that make it difficult to breathe. They are kept warm and comfortable. Usually, we also trim their nails at this time.
By evening they are fully awake but maybe a little sleepy. If they are not fully awake by now, then we stay until they are. We don't leave anyone alone if it's unsafe to do so.
The next morning:
After a good night sleep, staying still and comfortable, your pet is most likely feeling back to their normal self. This is when it's usually e-collar time! We know no one likes the e-collar, but it's important the surgical site stays clean and closed. Your mantra is "we only have to do this once!"
Care at home:
For the next 10-14 days you'll need to restrict your pet's activity. No running, jumping, fetching, or horseplay. No baths. Monitor the surgical site daily. You'll need to look for any redness, oozing, or lumps. Give us a call ASAP with any concerns. Sutures will need to be removed in 10 - 14 days (except for feline neuters).
Hope you've enjoyed the insight into spays & neuters! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. If you'd like more information about the benefits of spaying and neutering, the ASPCA has a good article here.
Last Words
NEXT time, I'll post about Pet Insurance. I've come to realize "Pet Insurance" is a very broad topic and there's lots to talk about, so I'll probably have to make a few separate blog entries about it. First, I'd like to get you introduced to pet insurance terminology, types of plans, and how it can benefit you and your pet.
Also, we have a fresh new bulletin board in the waiting room! Please send me or drop off pictures of your happy pets. We would love to see them!
Have a good day!
Also, we have a fresh new bulletin board in the waiting room! Please send me or drop off pictures of your happy pets. We would love to see them!
Have a good day!
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