Miss B

A very common (and understandable) question - you're not alone! In fact we just had one of our own boys desexed yesterday, and he is experiencing a bit of swelling at the moment. If it weren't for the fact that I was right there in the theatre and witnessed the two testicles being removed, I too would probably be wondering if something had been left behind Oh and just as a side note - there is actually a procedure (scrotal ablation) which involves surgical removal of the entire scrotal sack after castration. We did one just recently on an older male Great Dane.

We charge $176 for the anaesthetic (more if you want an upgraded anaesthetic such as Alfaxan), plus around $30 for materials and then the scale and polish is anywhere from $99 for a Grade 1 up to around $150 (I think) for a Grade 3 (based on the condition of the dogs teeth). Extractions are extra, the cost is based on the time taken to perform the extractions. Pain relief and antibiotics, if necessary, are also an additional cost. Depending on whether the client wants the PA ($66) and/or intra-op fluids ($48), our dentals routinely reach the $400-500 mark. So I would say your quote of $250 is pretty good! For a geriatric dog (8 years and over) we always recommend a PA, to check their kidney and liver function. It helps to highlight any problems the dog may have metabolising the anaesthetic.

Our dogs are eating whatever they do best on. Two of them are on Hills Science Diet (Prescription) and two of them are on Supercoat. {Edited for spelling}

Thanks Hesapandabear, that's exactly what I was looking for :D I did do a search but I must have missed that particular thread.

Just wondering if anyone can provide recommendations on a good repro specialist in the Brisbane area? I understand that Manly Road Vet Hospital has a dedicated Canine Reproduction unit, and that West Chermside has a repro specialist also. Looking for feedback from anyone who has dealt with either of these clinics. Any feedback appreciated

Just an update. He went under GA today for his dental and we had his hips and elbows x-ray'd at the same time. We did end up going with Alfaxan and all up he was under for just over 2 hours. He came out of the anaesthetic really nice and smooth, in fact he was up and about within minutes and walked back to the dog ward by himself Very happy with how it all went, no dramas whatsoever.

You may not need to see a specialist, the clinic I work for regularly performs cherry eye surgery. In fact we did one just today.

I can't help notice you're both vet. nurses. Have you had contact with him through work or personally? Through work. We always refer clients with behavioural problems to Dr Day. Err perhaps I should rephrase We always refer clients whose dogs have behaviour problems to Dr Day.

I'd recommend Dr Cam Day as well :D

Yup that's exactly the point I was trying to make. A lot of pet owners think that leaving the head behind will cause more damage than has already been done, which is just an old wive's tale. The bottom line is, if you suspect your pet may have been bitten by a paralysis tick - get it to a vet ASAP. And if you live in an area prone to ticks, be sure to do your research - learn how to distinguish between a bush tick and a paralysis tick, and read up on the symptoms of tick paralysis.

My two Cav boys got out a few weeks ago and ended up in the RSPCA. They were only there for a few hours but Malibu developed a cough, which he has since passed on to Monty A week and a half of steroids, antibiotics and cough syrup, and they are both finally starting to feel better.

I wasn't talking about removal methods, I was talking purely about the "head" (mouthparts) of the tick being left in the dog. And I probably didn't word my post particularly well, I do apologise for that. If the tick is removed, and mouthparts remain, the tick cannot grow a new body nor can it continue to inject venom into the dog. The saliva glands and toxins are contained within the tick's body, not it's "head" or mouthparts. If removed correctly without being squeezed, there's no problem with the mouthparts being left behind. And if people will remove a paralysis tick from their dog, think everything is ok and not take it to a vet - then they have some serious problems, imo. I've seen firsthand what paralysis tick does to cats and dogs and it ain't pretty. My 'source' was a recent Critical Care and First Aid workshop at an animal emergency clinic.

The whole, "make sure you get the whole tick out, including the head" thing is actually a myth. There is no 'head' as such, and if some parts of the tick (usually the mouthparts) remain in the dog it is no cause for concern. {Edited to clarify}

Aloveen :cool:

Agreed.

Sorry it's not on the northside, but if you get desperate - the Petwise stores at Cannon Hill and Underwood have grooming salons with DIY hydrobath and drying facilities. I think it's around $10.

Our clinic is at the more expensive end of the scale, but having said that - for what you get for your money it is well worth it. Given that you only have to desex your pet once in their life, the cost is really not that big of a deal. When checking out the prices at different clinics you really have to ask what is included. Do they do a pre-operative health check? What type of anaesthetics do they use? Do they include pain relief injections and/or take-home pain relief? Will a vet nurse be monitoring the patient during and after the procedure? Is a recheck appointment included in the cost? As for shopping around and going to the cheapest place - not something I would ever do. Chances are they are cutting corners somewhere and I have heard some real horror stories.

So the vet clinic was staffed overnight?

The clinic I work for does not keep routine spays in overnight. Is there a reason your vet chooses to do this? Seems like a money making exercise to me. If the dog is admitted in the morning and has surgery throughout the day, there is no reason why they shouldn't be able to go home by around 5-6pm at the latest. Is the vet clinic staffed 24 hours? If not, there is no reason (imo) why your pup should not be at home recovering in her own familiar surroundings.

Aloveen

Hey! Someone who does it exactly the same as I do! Those crazy sibe owners huh? Just had Minook hydrobathed at work today.... she looks and smells be-ootiful

If the daily tablets are a bit of a drama, and you don't want the heartworm injection - you could try something like the monthly 'Heartgard' chews - they are pretty palatable and most dogs will happily eat them. My dogs love them I was thinking the same thing. The Fort Dodge promotional posters actually use wording such as "Simple yearly injection, can be given at the same time as your dog's annual health check and vaccination" or something to that effect. As with anything though, there are good vets and there are bad vets and I do not believe they should all be tarred with the same brush. I would never support a vet who promoted the breeding of designer dogs Obviously they are all about the money, and squeezing as much as possible out of their clients. Thankfully not all vets are like this. I'm lucky enough to work for a wonderful clinic owned by vets who genuinely care about their patients and clients and are not 'all about the money' :D

I think I'm washing my dog the right way Step 1: Phone and book grooming appointment. Step 2: Drop dog off at groomer's. Step 3: Pay. Step 4: Collect beautiful clean pooch.

When the suffering in their life outweighs the happiness, you know it's time. And as hard as it is to make that decision, it is better to send them over the bridge with dignity than allow them to suffer until nature takes it's course. *hugs* All the best with your girl.

Some of you guys are getting taken for a ride! My OH is wonderful, he takes pup for her potty breaks, feeds her, trains her, cleans up after her, comes along to puppy pre-school etc. Having said that though, we have lived together for several years, have joint finances etc and the decision to get our puppy was a mutual one. If you really wanted a puppy and he did not, then I wouldn't expect him to contribute towards it's costs. On the same token, if he is not contributing towards the puppy financially then why should he have the final say in how the pup is raised? Do you guys share rent? If so you have every right to raise the pup however you like, in my opinion anyway.