Maia's Surgery

[kshort49]

Hi everyone-thanks for all your good vibes. I have to tell you, this was the worst vet experience I have had. I hope you don't mind me venting here. First of all, when I went into the house (it was a house made into an office, but had no doors or anything-so those waiting to be seen were almost sitting in the 'examination' room. Both of us were nervous, and Maia being a timid pup, was really overwhelmed. I took her into this room, a woman came up with a needle (I assume she was some kind of tech) and gave her a shot, saying it is to calm her down. No examination, no talking to the doctor or anything. The only thing she did was weigh Maia. I overheard a man in the room (who ended up being the vet) saying to the tech (holding a piece of paper in front of his face) "Oh it's one of those.... At that point I know what he was going to say so I said (loudly so he couldn't miss me). "Yes, she is a rescue from Save-A-Pet". I guess he doesn't like working on "those". Then he was quiet. Apparently the kennels and operation room were in the basement of the house. To get there you had to go down some steep wooden stairs. Of course Maia wanted none of it. Well one tech took her collar and tried to pull her down the stairs and another was pushing from behind. That was that. The vet did not say one word to me. No checking to make sure she was healthy or anything at all. A woman came up to me and said to call at 4 to see if she was ready to come home. I was so mad at her treatment (and non-treatment) and all day at work I was a wreck. Well, I called at 4 and the woman said to come pick her up. When I got there, I told her who I was and sat. The finally brought her to me, and Maia turned around and walked away from me (I couldn't blame her). All the lady said was to make sure she doesn't lick the wound or jump up. No meds, no nothing. I asked when I bring her back to be checked and she said it wasn't necessary because they used dissolving stitches. Her final words were to tell me to be real careful with her because if she needs to come back, Save-A-Pet will not pay for her treatment. I was fuming when I left there, and still am. Poor Maia will be back at square 1 with trying to trust people. I was so worried about her-I laid her on a blanket and she just didn't want to move. I just stayed with her and petted her. She didn't want to eat or drink all night. I did manage to get her in her crate so she wouldn't move around so much. This morning I got her out, and most of the day, she has just been laying on the blanket. She ate a little foor and drank only a little water. I'm trying to get her to drink something, or eat crushed ice or something. I'm sure she will when she's ready. They didn't tell me anything about her care-if I hadn't had the help from this forum, I wouldn't know what to expect. I'm going to make an appointment to have my regular vet see her on Monday just to make sure everything is ok. They told me not to clean the wound or anything-just to leave everything alone and to keep the collar on her-how long do I keep it on? How long until she is healed and I can let her do her norman stuff? Not a word from them. So hopefully she will be ok over the weekend. My main thing is to get her to drink. She sometimes looks like it is hurting to chew and swallow? Another thing that worried me was this-whenever one of my pets has had any kind of surgery, even minor, they had a IV hooked up to keep the hydrated, etc. Well although Maia was not allowed any food or water from the day before, there was no evidence that she had any IV at all-no shaved leg, no bandaging etc. Maybe it's not necessary these days, I'm not sure. It just seems that this spaying and our treatment is not the way it should be. I'm so sorry this post was so long-I just needed to get this anger out of me. I'll keep you updated on how she is feeling-I think I'm feeling worse than her (this kind of stress is no good for one with Lupus!) Thanks again for you support and knowledge-it's good to know someone really cares for these pups-even those rescued (who should have an extra dose of love and caring). Kathy and Maia

[SalemWitchChild]

Kota did not have an iv either. THey didn't give you a paper for how to treat her afterward? She shouldn't have food or water for 24hrs I think. So if she is not willing to eat for a day or two don't panic. Kota didn't have the disolving stitches. Just keep an eye on it and if it starts oozing or looks bright red take her into the vets asap. (a different one). I think a spay is a bit traumatic for every dog. But with time they get over the experience. Just continue to comfort her and I'm sure she'll come around.

In the future when you rescue perhaps ask them if you can use your own vet. That way this won't happen again.

[FourIsCompany]

I'm so sorry for your experience. I didn't know you were taking her to a special place. I thought it would be your regular vet.

I would give her water. She needs it.

Caring for a Dog After Spay:
http://www.bigdogboutique.com/Produc...afterspay.html

Home care:
http://placervillevet.com/canine_spay_operation.htm

[kshort49]

Yes,the vet I had to take her to is one they have a contract with to spay and neuter all those who have been adopted. I didn't have a choice. Also, they did not give me any paperwork at all when I left, so the sites you mentioned will be very helpful. She seems to feel better tonite-she ate some food and drank water, and is walking around a lot more. She's trying to get to the incision but has the collar on so hopefully that will keep her away from it. How long do you think she will need to keep the collar on-a week or so? Thanks for your help! Kathy and Maia

[SalemWitchChild]

A week should be fine.

[Luvmyjob]

Honestly!I can tell you that I would be on the phone to the rescue to inquire as to their knowledge of that Vet. and what a turn off it was for you!I understand that a Vet. who does rescue care for a reduced price isn't going to be as upscale as the "norm" but this isn't a good reflection on the rescue shelter by any means! Shaking my head in disgust!

[hennaly]

i think this is awefull, i would have left with my dog and gone somewhere else.

[Faith]

Originally Posted by Luvmyjob

Honestly!I can tell you that I would be on the phone to the rescue to inquire as to their knowledge of that Vet.

i can't agree more! make sure they realize what your experience was like.

[kshort49]

I'm going to talk to the rescue tomorrow-hopefully they'll find another vet to work with. This morning I woke to another problem-she had chewed the collar off-I don't know how, but it was off when I got up this morning, parts of it on the bottom of the crate, others, who knows where. I stapled together what was left, and hopefully it will last until tomorrow when I can get a new one from my vet. I'm going to see if I can get her in to see him just to make sure everything is ok with her. Thanks for your support!
Kathy and Maia

[hennaly]

i hope it all works out for you, its so stressfull when our animals are unwell so take care of yourself too.