TessaGA
Georgia
MH
Posts:2387
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| 10/19/2009 12:59 PM |
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It's done, did, Tessa's an "it"!
After running through the fields like the devil over the weekend Tessa was spayed today. I figured, if anything goes wrong, she had two really awesome last days.
The vet just called, everything went fine, they also cleaned the teeth that needed cleaning, and she is already sitting up in her cage.
NOW...we need suggestions on how to survive the next 10 days. The vet office that struggled with even getting her to the back room on four legs (in the end, I had to take her back there) suggested ACE. That is a big no-no for me and I declined. As a matter-of-fact, I made them write it in the orders for today - no ACE. I will try benadryl if things get too rowdy. |
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To live without dogs would mean accepting a form of blindness. [Thomas McGuane]
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Texas Belle
Austin, TX
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Posts:7843
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MurfsMa
Orange County, CA
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Posts:280
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| 10/19/2009 1:13 PM |
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Glad to hear Tessa had a good fun weekend before the spay! And that things went well today...
Not sure I can offer much advice on how to keep her calm other than what Bev already mentioned... we used A LOT of peanut butter stuffed marrow bones after Murf's neuter surgery 
Good luck! |
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FrancisMcGee
Ann Arbor, MI
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Posts:114
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| 10/19/2009 2:35 PM |
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Tessa-
Sorry, I am curious as to why you are against Acepromazine? I'm not saying that I am for/against it but maybe I was just uninformed when Gracie was spayed. Our vet definitely recommended this and I really trust him. If I missed something, I'd like to know.
We did use the tranq for a few days...the last 3, I believe. Honestly, I couldn't imagine not having it. 3 days after the surgery she was back to her old GSP self and it was nearly impossible to contain her energy without the tranq. (Even off pain meds)
When we gave the tranq, the only difference I really noticed was her willingness to play...she looked like she does after a day of good exercise. I did some reading about excessive grogginess and a "drugged" look, but I never noticed this. I don't remember the dosage, but we gave the smallest recommended amount...1/2 pill. We gave her a ton of chew treats and personnal attention. Luckily, one of us was able to be home with her the entire 10 days. I could see not using the tranq if you aren't home.
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TessaGA
Georgia
MH
Posts:2387
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| 10/19/2009 5:18 PM |
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Francis, it's just one med that vets love to prescribe but that is on my no-no list (unless totally unavoidable). It's generally considered safe but has significant risks (seizures, low blood pressure etc). I am not willing to take my chance in this situation (post-op tranquilizer). Here is a link to a discussion on this forum regarding ace:
www.shorthairs.net/GSPForum/tabid/220/forumid/2/tpage/1/view/topic/postid/34124/Default.aspx#34124
Another drug on that list is Rimadyl. It is exactly what my vet filled as post-op pain med. I didn't even take it home. Again, it's widely prescribed but a med I am not entire comfortable with, unless absolutely necessary.
Oh and whatever happened to affordable vet care? $ 468.48 for a spay? It was $ 200 just 4 years ago. Well, in all fairness, I asked them if they could clean up the little bit of plaque on a few molars. She's only 15 months old so there wasn't much. I just thought, since she's out. I guess my fault for not asking what they charge for a dental. $ 300! But I got half off, I guess because she was already out?
Initially, they quoted me $ 200-300 max for a spay. This morning at drop off, I found out that doesn't include the post-op med or the pre-op blood work, which they say is optional. Optional is always good, but pre-op bloodwork I would say is a good thing, especially if the dog never had bloodwork or anesthesia. So I added it for $ 59.
"Would you like stitches to go with that? We recommend it. Otherwise her guts may fall out." Gee! |
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To live without dogs would mean accepting a form of blindness. [Thomas McGuane]
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TessaGA
Georgia
MH
Posts:2387
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| 10/19/2009 5:23 PM |
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Oh and they said NO WALKS for 7 days. I think I will heed that warning but really just potty breaks for a whole week? I don't remember that one at all.
It is very quiet here right now - she is resting in her crate. I kinda enjoy having the evening off. |
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To live without dogs would mean accepting a form of blindness. [Thomas McGuane]
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MelB
MH
Posts:1217
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| 10/19/2009 5:39 PM |
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| awww hope she's up and moving about like normal when she can be, in the meantime, I pray you can keep her quiet,,,,,well at least as quiet as you can!!! |
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dieterthegsp
Cape Breton, NS, Canada
MH
Posts:559
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| 10/19/2009 6:19 PM |
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| if she is anything like dieter just drive around in your car all day!! haha he absolutely konks out on car rides..haha good luck! |
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Properly trained, a man can be dog's best friend.
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bravepoint
North Gower, ON Canada
MH
Posts:894
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| 10/19/2009 6:34 PM |
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Your vet bill for the spay was cheap compared to what I pay.... Over $650 for a mature spay! I leash walked Terra after a couple of days. I'm with you on the meds. I don't like to over medicate my dogs. If it hurts a bit, Tessa may be more inclined to not overdo it. I remember Avery jumping on me after her spay and yelping. She didn't do that agian for a few days. Good luck!
Gail |
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Gail, Moka, Avery, Terra & Rayne
Bravepoint GSPs
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TessaGA
Georgia
MH
Posts:2387
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| 10/19/2009 8:14 PM |
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Gail, was that $ 650 Canadian dollars? At any rate, that is steep. I remember a time when we were outraged that a spay was $ 120 compared to the $ 70 neuter. Of course, that was 20 years ago.
It is what it is, I am glad this is behind me and done, she is not completely vetted up ($ 250 worth of routine just two weeks ago) and has polished teeth.
Dieter, LOL that was exactly my plan - drive her around in the evenings. She's very mellow in the car and at least it will get her out of the home. |
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To live without dogs would mean accepting a form of blindness. [Thomas McGuane]
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Texas Belle
Austin, TX
MH
Posts:7843
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| 10/19/2009 8:49 PM |
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| Tessa - I don't think you will need to give her any drugs. I think Tessa will be a good girl, just spoil her more than usual. You might want to stay away from the pain relievers too, like Rimadyl or whatever your vet gives you for pain. They were fine with Belle the first day because she was still sleepy from the anesthesia, but after the anesthesia wore off all the pain meds did was make her feel too good. I am assuming she is now home with you. How is she doing? Giver her hugs and kisses from the TX GSP gang. Ringo, Belle and Halo say get well soon Ms. Tessa. Oh and Ringo says, Tessa, got birds? Seriously, hope she is feeling better really soon. |
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Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna)
Yellow Rose GSPs
   
"A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato |
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TessaGA
Georgia
MH
Posts:2387
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| 10/19/2009 10:16 PM |
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Thanks Bev!
She is doing well. She is very quiet and I LOVE it! It's the first evening in over a year where no one steals my socks, sips my coffee or tosses bones on the hardwood floor. I got a lot done tonight. LOL. Better still, I get to sleep in for a week because no walk...ah I need it!
I never was big on pain meds for the standard stuff but the vets give you the dirty look. It is optional but then they press you. They gave her a shot post-op which is fine and the Rimadyl I left right there on the counter and they credited back my account. I did not pick up any other pain meds. I hated to be so difficult since I just switched to them, but I hate that they did not communicate well about some stuff. I guess most people don't question them.
Anyway, Tessa is doing better than my stoic bulldogs were. She's a little sleepy but moves fine and doesn't seem to be in much pain. These dogs look so delicate and sensitive but they really are pretty tough. I make sure she is warm and cozy in her den/crate, and take her out every two hours - they hydrated her well.
She is on antibiotics I guess as a precaution, can't remember that this is standard but that is fine with me. Makes more sense than pain meds or tranquilizers. |
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To live without dogs would mean accepting a form of blindness. [Thomas McGuane]
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Marie
Wisconsin
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Posts:2721
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bravepoint
North Gower, ON Canada
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Posts:894
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| 10/20/2009 5:31 AM |
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TessaGA,
Yes, that's Canadian dollars. I left out the laser procedure which was an additional $72.50. Vet stuff seems to be much more expensive here than in the US. Or is it just me?? I have to say though that my usual vet often doesn't charge me for other than meds. Terra's spay ended up being done a week ahead of our original date when she sliced a pad badly and required stitches. We bumped up the spay to do the 2 procedures at once so I had to use a different vet at the same clinic.
Do you have one of these treat balls? I use it with kibble (meals) in it as it takes a while to get it out and keeps usually Rayne busy while Terra does agility class or whatever.
How is Tessa today? Sore?
Gail |
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Gail, Moka, Avery, Terra & Rayne
Bravepoint GSPs
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everbell
Kanata, ON
MH
Posts:3166
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| 10/20/2009 5:36 AM |
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When we had Bo neutered (mature neuter - 15 months) it was around $400 - 500 (Cdn). I guess I have another big bill after Raz's last litter (!). Thanks for the heads up Gail!
They gave us Rimadyl for Bo after his neuter, but after one dose he was sick for three days. Given that he had been doing pretty well up until that point, I will be very cautious with the pain meds in the future.
Give Tessa a hug from me!
Joce |
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Joce and Rich
Bogart and Shiraz (GSPs)
Roxane (RIP: 1995-2009) and Tiger Lily (Cats)
The Everbell Adventures |
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TessaGA
Georgia
MH
Posts:2387
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| 10/20/2009 9:11 AM |
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Thanks everyone for the well wishes!
Tessa is doing very well today all systems go. She is not crying at all just mellow. She doesn't have sutures btw - stitched up internally and then glued shut? The scar is very small and looks great already. I wonder if that was laser, although it does not say on the itemized bill.
What IS on the itemized bill though is $ 70 for the "dental anesthesia" - huh? Was that not the point to do that while she was under already? Next time they will need to itemize, in writing, in advance. All other fees seem pretty standard.
Joce, I am really glad now that I skipped the Rimadyl! Why take that risk if the dog seems to be doing just fine. She may a little sore but she most definitely is not suffering. |
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To live without dogs would mean accepting a form of blindness. [Thomas McGuane]
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Texas Belle
Austin, TX
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Posts:7843
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| 10/20/2009 10:11 AM |
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| Tessa - I am glad she is doing well. I would have done a huh to with the dental anesthesia, but maybe they had to give her a little more to keep her under longer to do both. Anyway I am not a fan of the pain meds like Rimadyl. Belle never needed them either when she was spayed or even when she had her shoulder surgery. |
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Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna)
Yellow Rose GSPs
"A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato |
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FrancisMcGee
Ann Arbor, MI
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Posts:114
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| 10/20/2009 10:57 AM |
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Glad Tessa is doing well. Thanks for the information on the Ace.
Gracie's spay bill was about $385...we also had a dental cleaning. Stitches were the same for her...internal with superglue on the outside.
Meds...they gave us Rimadyl as well. Like you, we never used it...she definitely didn't appear to be in any pain.
Gracie sends her best. We'll try to get some pheasants in Tessa's honor tonight (Michigan's opener is today). |
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TessaGA
Georgia
MH
Posts:2387
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| 10/20/2009 11:25 AM |
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Mmmmhhh...pheasants! Tessa heard that! At lunch she was sitting up in her crate ready to go. Well, we had a pleasant first 24 hours ![<img src=]() " align="absMiddle" border="0" src="/DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/blue/emoticons/smile.gif" /> |
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To live without dogs would mean accepting a form of blindness. [Thomas McGuane]
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MelB
MH
Posts:1217
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| 10/20/2009 4:41 PM |
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I know my vet here wanted $265 to spay a cat!! I took the cat to the local clinic and got it done for $86 needless to say. My vet charges almost $500 here for a dog over 50 lbs to spay, not sure if Xara will go there, or if she too will go to the clinic and get done for wayy less.
The clinic does use Rimidyl, which I can opt out of luckily. And my vet always gives me antibiotics for them just in case after I take them to the clinic because the clinic doesn't offer those. |
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