What Is a Spay?

Everyone knows they should have their females dogs and cats spayed, but what exactly does that mean? The word “spay” is thought to originate from the Old French espeer meaning to cut with a sword, which then may have been changed to the Middle English spayen. Today the word means to perform a surgery to remove the reproductive tract from the abdomen of a female animal.

A spay is not a simple little surgery. It is not a tubal ligation. A spay surgery is a major abdominal surgery that removes the ovaries and uterus. An incision is made on the mid-line of the abdomen, each ovary is isolated, ligated and removed, then the body of the uterus is ligated and removed.

This surgery is performed in order to prevent pregnancy of course, but there are two other reasons veterinarians recommend the procedure. The two reasons are: to try to prevent breast cancer and to prevent a pyometra. If a dog is spayed before her first estrus (heat cycle), veterinarians just don’t see breast tumors. If a dog goes through one heat cycle, she has an 8% chance of developing breast cancer. If a dog has two or more estrus cycles, she has a one-in-four chance of getting breast cancer.

A pyometra is a bad infection of the uterus that requires immediate surgery to remove the swollen uterus along with the ovaries. This is considered an emergency, it is essentially an abscess in the uterus. These dogs are sick and require hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics and fluids until they are feeling better. This is fairly common problem in unspayed female dogs, with the odds increasing with age. It tends to occur a few weeks after an estrus cycle.

When women have a hysterectomy, the ovaries are often left in the abdomen. This is not done in dogs because they would still come in heat and they would still be at a high risk of breast cancer.

The traditional age to perform the spay surgery is six months of age. The first estrus cycle is usually between seven and nine months of age, and we want the surgery to be done before this.
Some rescue groups are doing spay surgeries at younger ages as their motivations are population control. They want to make sure all puppies and kittens that are adopted have no chance of having litters of their own.

In summary, while a spay surgery is a commonly performed procedure, it is not a simple surgery, or one to be taken lightly. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about getting your pet spayed.

What is an Emergency?

We all become worried when our beloved pets become ill, but when should we take them to an emergency hospital? Most larger communities have an ER for pets, but when do we need to utilize one? What symptoms are serious and need immediate attention, and what can wait until the next day for your regular doctor? The following list will help you decide.

1. Almost any problem involving the eye should be seen right away. Glaucoma, corneal ulcers, and foreign bodies beneath the eyelids are common eye diseases where waiting could make the problem worse.

2. Profuse vomiting is another sign that needs immediate attention. Vomiting has many causes. A common reason, though, is an intestinal obstruction since pets love to eat so many weird things! If this occurs, the pet can die in a matter of hours, so an ER trip is warranted.

3. Difficulty breathing is also a problem that should not wait. This symptom again has many causes but almost all need immediate attention. Difficulty breathing may be a severe cough, but more commonly it is exaggerated effort in breathing, with pets often using their abdominal muscles to help them breathe. At first people may not notice their pet is having difficulty, but they may note that their pet does not want to lie down.

4. If there is active hemorrhage, of course, the pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian right away. If there is a small wound with just a few drops of blood, it is probably OK to wait for your regular veterinarian.

5. If your pet suddenly can’t use its back legs, is dragging its rear legs, or is unable to get up, this is a reason for an emergency trip. This is a common problem, especially in Dachshunds, and emergency surgery may be needed to save the spinal cord. For the best outcome in these cases, time is of the essence.

6. If your pet has its first seizure, it should be examined immediately. Seizures are just a symptom, they have many causes, and they should be checked without delay. The pet should be monitored closely for the next several hours as another seizure may occur. If your pet has had seizures before, has been diagnosed with epilepsy, is on medication, and has another seizure, it may not need to visit the ER each time it has a seizure, but if a seizure lasts more than a couple minutes, or there are clusters of seizures, then a trip to the ER is warranted.

7. If your pet ingests a toxin, they should be taken to the emergency hospital as soon as possible. The doctor may induce vomiting to try to eliminate some of the toxin, so time is important. If there is even a possibility the pet ingested antifreeze, it is important to get to the ER immediately. There is a test to determine if they did drink any of the poison, and the antidote needs to be given within a couple of hours.
8. If your pet is pregnant, and is having difficulty having the babies, it should see the emergency veterinarian. This problem is called a dystocia and an emergency caesarean section maybe needed. Veterinarians advise that a puppy or kitten should be born within two hours of the mother starting active labor, and there should be no more than one hour between puppies or kittens. But, if you see a baby stuck in the birth canal, take them to an ER right away.

Of course, there are many other problems that pets can have. Dogs and cats can get into some very odd predicaments that may also use ER care. The dog that gets a tin can stuck to its tongue, or the bone lodged around its lower jaw, does not have a true emergency, but they sure will be happier if they can get them removed as soon as possible!

If you need advice on whether your pet’s symptoms should have immediate attention, call the Emergency Hospital for advice. They will be happy to discuss your pet and their problem.

Caring for Your Pet Before and After Surgery

Caring for Your Pet Before and After Surgery

Is a surgery in your pet’s future? If it is, you probably have a few questions about pre- and post-surgery care. Paying close attention to care recommendations will help you ensure that the surgery is just a minor disruption to your pet’s normal routine.

Before Surgery

Stop Food

Your pet will need to stop eating prior to surgery. If your dog or cat eats prior to surgery then vomits, stomach contents can travel to the lungs and cause infections, pneumonia or respiratory distress syndrome. The exact time your pet must stop eating will vary depending on when the surgery is scheduled. In most cases, your furry friend can still drink water.

Some pets will need to eat light meals the morning of surgery. If your pet has diabetes, your veterinarian may recommend a small amount of food to prevent blood sugar fluctuations. Young animals may also need to eat small meals before surgery. Do not feed your pet unless you are specifically asked to do so.

Dig Out the Leash or Carrier

The morning of surgery is not the ideal time to try to locate a missing leash or carrier. Your morning will be less hectic if you find these items the day before surgery. If you have a cat that turns into the Tasmanian devil at the sight of the carrier, allow a little extra time in the morning for cat wrangling.

Pack Food and Medication

Ask your veterinarian if you should bring your pet’s medications and a small supply of food with you. Although the hospital can provide food, introducing new food can cause an upset stomach.

Drop Your Pet Off Early

The day of surgery is a busy day for your pet. You will be asked to drop off your companion early in the morning to ensure that there is enough time for these essential procedures:

  • Physical examination
  • X-rays or EKG (electrocardiogram) if needed
  • Blood tests
  • Placement of a catheter
  • Administration of IV fluids
  • Preparations for anesthesia

After Surgery

Prepare a Comfortable Resting Place

Your pet needs a comfortable place to recover from the surgery and the effects of the anesthesia. Bring your companion’s pet bed or crate to the first floor of your home if it is not already there. If you have small children, you may want to find a quiet room for your pet to ensure that he or she gets plenty of rest.

Limit Activity

Although your pet may be a little groggy, a little thing like surgery probably will not keep him or her from trying to resume a normal routine. Keep your pet away from stairs or other obstacles until the anesthesia wears off and try to discourage running or jumping. If your pet absolutely must rest, a crate is a good solution, although your furry friend may not be happy about being confined.

Make Bathroom Trips Easier

Pets often receive fluids before, during or after surgery, which causes frequent urination in the first few hours that they are home. Take your dog outside frequently and make sure that a litter box is easily accessible for your cat.

Follow the Medication Schedule

If your pet came home with antibiotics or other medications, make sure you follow dosage instructions and schedules to ensure that your pet has an uncomplicated recovery.

A positive surgical experience for your pet is our goal. Be sure to contact us if you have any questions about your pet’s surgery or need answers to general health questions.



Sources:

Pet Health Network: How Do I Prepare for My Dog or Cat Having Surgery?, 05/14/14
http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-surgery-a-z/how-do-i-prepare-my-dog-or-cat-having-surgery

VetStreet: Caring for Your Pet After Surgery, 03/21/14
http://www.vetstreet.com/care/caring-for-your-pet-after-surgery

Mercola: Top 10 Reasons Pets Go Under the Knife, 11/25/10

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/11/25/prevent-pet-sicknesses-to-lessen-pet-surgeries.aspx

Peteducation: Surgery on Your Pet
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2116&aid=2647

Anesthesia Free Dentistry

Does your dog have stinky breath? Do your cat’s teeth look brown? In fact, periodontal disease is the most common disease that pets develop. It is estimated that 80 to 85% of dogs and cats have some degree of infection. It is not just a cosmetic problem, chronic infection shortens their life because of effects on other organs, especially the heart, kidneys, and liver, not to mention the pain that bad teeth can cause.

Veterinarians are trained to diagnose and treat periodontal disease. Unfortunately, there is a growing trend to offer “anesthesia free dentistry” by untrained people at grooming parlors and pet food stores. Here are six reasons why “anesthesia free dentistry” is a terrible idea.

In “anesthesia free dentistry” the dogs are just held down and the teeth are scraped with a metal tool to clean tartar off the crowns of the teeth. One problem is that the crowns are only about 2% of the problem. Pathology takes place under the gums and this is where veterinarians concentrate their treatment. Cleaning the crowns is just a cosmetic treatment, it does nothing to improve the health of the pet. Dogs are stressed with “anesthesia free” dentistry. They have to be held firmly to try to reduce movement. Think how hard it is to get them to hold still just to brush their teeth. Hand scaling uses sharp metal instruments. Even a slight movement can cause injury to teeth, gums, lips, even the eyes. Also, as the dog is struggling, it can aspirate pieces of tartar as it is removed. Fractures of the jaw have also been known to occur.

Hand scaling with metal instruments causes etches in the enamel of the teeth. Veterinarians use either power instruments that cause less etching, or are able to use a light touch with hand instruments on the enamel because the pet is not moving. Then the teeth are polished to smooth the enamel. With the “anesthesia free” procedure, deeper grooves are made in the enamel of the teeth, which enables the tartar to attach and accumulate even faster.

When your pet has an “anesthesia free” procedure, it gives you a false sense of accomplishment and delays the treatment your pet really needs. It is very common to find abscessed teeth, fractured teeth, and bone loss on x-rays that no one could see just by looking in the mouth. It is illegal. In the United States and Canada, only licensed veterinarians can practice dentistry. Anyone providing dental services other than a DVM or a supervised, trained licensed veterinary technician working directly with a DVM, is practicing veterinary medicine without a license and is open to prosecution.

Owners are commonly concerned about putting their beloved pets under anesthesia, but modern anesthetic techniques and monitoring equipment actually make it as safe as in human medicine. As you can see, there is more risk if any dental procedure is done without anesthesia.

Deciding to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Spaying and neutering your pet is a common practice in the United States. With so many animals in the United States (and around the world) n­eeding homes, spaying or neutering your pet is the responsible way to help end pet homelessness.

Spaying and neutering (also referred to as “sterilizing” or “fixing”) is done under anesthesia. Spaying involves removing the female’s reproductive organs. Neutering is the removal of a male’s testicles. This way, animals are unable to procreate and have unwanted litters.

The procedure to spay or neuter is quite simple. Some pets (depending on age, breed, and current health concerns) will go home the same day as their procedure, while some might have to spend the night at the vet hospital where we can keep a watchful eye on your pet and restrict their activity.

A few pets may experience discomfort for a few days, but many pets go back to being their happy, playful selves in a few days. If there is a chance your pet will have pain or discomfort, we will certainly address those chances with medication.

While some pet owners feel they have a duty to breed their pet because they are purebred, this is not the case. An estimated 25% of all animals turned over to shelters and rescues are purebred animals. Many animal rescues dedicate themselves to rescuing one specific breed because of the number of purebred animals needing homes.

Other pet owners worry about their pet’s health after having them fixed. Old wives tales exist about pets gaining weight after being fixed, or them not being as affectionate. Neither of these beliefs is true. Pets do not gain weight because they are fixed. Pets gain weight because of diet and lack of exercise. Pets that are spayed or neutered are just as affectionate after being fixed, as they were before.

In fact, some pets (such as female cats) in heat will stop being affectionate during heat cycles. Being in heat can lead your female pet to cry for no apparent reason and shy away from being petted or played with. Females who are not spayed may also show signs of nervousness and can attract males who are not neutered and can make a litter.

The benefits of spaying and neutering:

  • Decreases the chances of your pet roaming the neighborhood
  • In males, there is no chance for testicular cancer
  • In females, there is no chance for ovarian cancer
  • Other reproductive related cancers (such as mammary cancer) is greatly reduced
  • Your pet will not experience “heat” or “ovulation” periods
  • Spayed and neutered animals live longer, healthier lives
  • Cities and towns spend millions of dollars each year caring for, and unfortunately euthanizing animals who are homeless

While spaying or neutering your pet is a big decision, take into consideration your pet’s health, the overpopulation of pets currently, and what you would do with an unwanted litter of puppies or kittens. If you are still unsure about spaying or neutering, contact us to discuss the topic further.

Why the Controversy About Pet Vaccinations?

As with anything, pet vaccinations can be too much of a good thing. Similar to parents who are learning more about vaccinations for children, veterinarians and pet owners alike are beginning to question some of the standard wisdom when it comes to protecting pets. There are certain fatal diseases against which every pet should be protected, but the questions now relate to some of the newer vaccines, how often pets should be vaccinated, and whether it is appropriate to vaccinate all pets against all diseases.

In Healthy Pets, Dr. Karen Becker conducted an in-depth interview with Dr. Ronald Schultz from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, a pioneering expert in the field of veterinary vaccines. Dr. Schultz explains that puppies and kittens are different from human babies when it comes to the need for vaccinations. If the mother cat or dog has been vaccinated, some level of protection is passed on to the puppies or kittens for the first few weeks of their lives. Once a human baby has been vaccinated against a certain disease, the immunizations are not repeated again.

Dr. Schultz recommends a vaccination protocol that calls for pets to receive initial puppy or kitten shots. They should then be vaccinated again at one year of age. After that, he recommends booster shots every three years or so. The core vaccines which he believes every dog should receive include distemper, parvo, adenovirus, and rabies. For cats, his recommended core vaccines include panleukopenia, calici, herpes, and rabies.

The ASPCA also discusses some of the benefits and risks of dog vaccinations. Similar to Dr. Schultz, they provide a list of core vaccines and also include non-core vaccines which are based on the individual dog. These may include protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira bacteria. For cats, the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) also recommends that serious consideration be given to the timing and need for receiving a full battery of vaccinations.

Pets usually tolerate vaccinations quite well; however, if you should observe any unusual symptoms in your pet after an injection such as a fever, sluggishness, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What does this mean for you as a pet owner? It means that you need to become an advocate on behalf of your pet’s health. Take steps at home to keep your pet healthy, visit your veterinarian on a yearly basis, and become educated on the benefits of pet vaccinations.

Sources:
Healthy Pets
ASPCA
AAHA