Zeke getting neutered...

I would much prefer a neuter recovery over a spay recovery.  It's much less invasive, & the recovery time seems to be quicker.

All three of our boys have been neutered with no issues at all.  Bevo & Shooter were done young, & as a result, they have nothing hanging.  Brutus, otoh, was seriously packing when I picked him up.  As a result, he has, what we call, an "empty coin purse."  He was neutered about 6 months ago, & his "coin purse" has shrunk substantially since then.

 

rwbeagles

Buck NEVER went out with Ace....which I always thought was interesting.

 

We dont ace our greys - they get too spooky. But even with the telezol or ketamine with the gas - we still have a hard time keeping them under. it's all very interesting how different dogs react to different things!

Amberld

I did know about the allergy to Ivermectin. There was also a website that talked about Collies being allergic to Demadox (sp?) and rymadol(sp?). I need to re-look that website up. Both those were medicine given to my parents dogs when taken to the vet. I am sure things will go smoothly. I worry too much. Although it is better to be safe than sorry. : )

It's not an allergy to ivermectin -- it's literally a genetic pre-disposition (ivermectin kills the parasite by crossing the semi-permeable brain membrane and distrupting the nervous system of the parasite so completely it causes death -- with some collies and other herders, the ivermectin actually crosses the semi-permeable brain membrane OF THE DOG ... as it should *only* do with the parasite -- but it's literally a genetic thing, not merely a sensitivity.

I think you're talking about Deramaxx -- which can be very hard on the kidneys & liver.  Same with Rimadyl -- both are NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).  And again, some breeds are more prone to problems with kidneys/liver and processing those drugs.  But honestly MOST dogs have a problem with those drugs long-term and a lot of owners just plain miss it.  Milk thistle helps.  Helps a GREAT deal.

In the case of a neuter -- you really shouldn't need pain meds after.  Frankly, it's often more for the owner's comfort than the dog's.  A bit of pain is NOT a bad thing because it tends to keep them just a bit more sedentary while they heal. (Dogs tend to be stoic -- they do what they WANT to do unless it hurts -- so the pain literally acts as a check on behavior to keep them a bit more safe!)

 +++++++++++++++

In collies, shelties and lots of other breeds (mostly herders in this particular case) it is often the sedative/anesthesia *combo* that is problematic.  See there are two separate drugs -- they sedate them (make them sleepy or asleep) BEFORE they mask them down with anesthesia so they don't fight the mask. 

My vet literally doesn't sedate -- he has a good enough relationship with my dogs that he calms them so they don't fight the mask -- that tends to greatly reduce the risk.  But many vets won't do that. 

But it specifically some anesthesia/sedative combos that are more problematic than others.  So ask your vet specifically what THEY use and why and what the track record is with herders.

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It is ***always*** my preference to ask for the dog to come home THAT day.  Most vet clinics have NO supervision at night.  Now if the dog unstitches himself that allows the vet to "clean them up" before you come get them.  But for ME?  I want them home where ***I*** can watch them, and honestly you are well within your rights to ask for that as well.

My shetlie was n't neutered because my ex wouldn't let me.  then at the age of ten, he developed a peri-anal hernia  *because* he wasn't neutered.  I was newly divorced and my vet wound up having to simply repair the hernia (because I didn't have the $2000 for the proper surgery) but I learned my lesson -- never EVER again will I allow a dog to not be neutered.  That would have completely avoided the peri-anal hernia so honestly I think you're doing the right thing even if it IS late.

Foxy (sheltie/corgi mix) DID have a reaction (different vet) to the anesthsia/sedative combo and he nearly didn't wake up.  Soooo that's where a lot of my experience comes from. 

Later on he did have other surgeries (he lived to be 19) -- but we had NO further complications once my new vet simply used to mask him down rather than giving a sedative and anesthesia.  There are safer combos now -- but he just plain avoided it completely thank Heavens.

I would definately discuss the anesthesia and risks with the vet.  I do not think he will need to stay overnight or need pain meds.  Willow had a difficult spay at 2 years-old and didn't stay overnight.  She could only have water that night. She had to avoid some activities for a about 10 days.  And, she had no pain meds past the first night. 

Hope everything goes smoothly. 

calliecritturs

Amberld

I did know about the allergy to Ivermectin. There was also a website that talked about Collies being allergic to Demadox (sp?) and rymadol(sp?). I need to re-look that website up. Both those were medicine given to my parents dogs when taken to the vet. I am sure things will go smoothly. I worry too much. Although it is better to be safe than sorry. : )

It's not an allergy to ivermectin -- it's literally a genetic pre-disposition (ivermectin kills the parasite by crossing the semi-permeable brain membrane and distrupting the nervous system of the parasite so completely it causes death -- with some collies and other herders, the ivermectin actually crosses the semi-permeable brain membrane OF THE DOG ... as it should *only* do with the parasite -- but it's literally a genetic thing, not merely a sensitivity.

I think you're talking about Deramaxx -- which can be very hard on the kidneys & liver.  Same with Rimadyl -- both are NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).  And again, some breeds are more prone to problems with kidneys/liver and processing those drugs.  But honestly MOST dogs have a problem with those drugs long-term and a lot of owners just plain miss it.  Milk thistle helps.  Helps a GREAT deal.

In the case of a neuter -- you really shouldn't need pain meds after.  Frankly, it's often more for the owner's comfort than the dog's.  A bit of pain is NOT a bad thing because it tends to keep them just a bit more sedentary while they heal. (Dogs tend to be stoic -- they do what they WANT to do unless it hurts -- so the pain literally acts as a check on behavior to keep them a bit more safe!)

 +++++++++++++++

In collies, shelties and lots of other breeds (mostly herders in this particular case) it is often the sedative/anesthesia *combo* that is problematic.  See there are two separate drugs -- they sedate them (make them sleepy or asleep) BEFORE they mask them down with anesthesia so they don't fight the mask. 

My vet literally doesn't sedate -- he has a good enough relationship with my dogs that he calms them so they don't fight the mask -- that tends to greatly reduce the risk.  But many vets won't do that. 

But it specifically some anesthesia/sedative combos that are more problematic than others.  So ask your vet specifically what THEY use and why and what the track record is with herders.

 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It is ***always*** my preference to ask for the dog to come home THAT day.  Most vet clinics have NO supervision at night.  Now if the dog unstitches himself that allows the vet to "clean them up" before you come get them.  But for ME?  I want them home where ***I*** can watch them, and honestly you are well within your rights to ask for that as well.

My shetlie was n't neutered because my ex wouldn't let me.  then at the age of ten, he developed a peri-anal hernia  *because* he wasn't neutered.  I was newly divorced and my vet wound up having to simply repair the hernia (because I didn't have the $2000 for the proper surgery) but I learned my lesson -- never EVER again will I allow a dog to not be neutered.  That would have completely avoided the peri-anal hernia so honestly I think you're doing the right thing even if it IS late.

Foxy (sheltie/corgi mix) DID have a reaction (different vet) to the anesthsia/sedative combo and he nearly didn't wake up.  Soooo that's where a lot of my experience comes from. 

Later on he did have other surgeries (he lived to be 19) -- but we had NO further complications once my new vet simply used to mask him down rather than giving a sedative and anesthesia.  There are safer combos now -- but he just plain avoided it completely thank Heavens.

 

All that sounds really good. Thanks for the information. The main points I am going to discuss is the anesthesia/sedative combo. See how aware he is of doing this procedure on Collies (or other herders that have similar issues), then about the pain medicine (which if it is not needed, I may not give it to him), and I will also talk to him about whether Zeke needs to stay overnight. I would rather he was home with me. I will update as I know more. So far I plan on scheduling the appointment for January 18, in the morning.  

I called and made the appointment for January 18, 2010. He has to be there between 8AM- 10 AM. He will be able to be picked up around 3PM. I spoke with the secretary and she seemed to know the answers to my questions. She said that the anesthesia they use varies but, they do use one for dogs that may have sensitivities. She said with me being concerned they could use that. She did not mention whether they use both a sedative and an anesthesia. She said they have had a few Collies brought in there but, not a whole lot. She also told me that he would not need his pain medicine, if I did not want to give it to him (*which we already knew). I am going to take school off that day and bring him in and further speak with the vet if he is available, and if not remind them that he does need the lighter anesthesia. I gave him a bath today and I am sure he will need another one before he goes to the Vet. Other wise I am going to clean his crate, and put his fluffy blanket, toys, etc in it so he will be nice and comfy when he comes home. I have two weeks to make everything ready. I am sure this will go smoothly. I just worry too much :)