Mel...my sister had Ellie the Pug spayed by laser...it was the fastest healing time I've ever seen on spay (5 days, if I remember right)...so I'm thinking the healing time for a neuter would also be shortened. That's my only experience with laser surgery.

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 Quote: Melissa Hoyer

... requires that dogs are left overnight (with no attendant) ...

I've never heard of this, in {mumble mumble} decades.

I'm very curious about the rationale behind this. I can't even imagine how this is justified when there is no overnight staff.

My guess is so they can leave your dog in a cage all day and do the surgery later in the day. I have had two dogs spayed at the same vet and neither spent the night. Not sure when their policy changed.

 Quote: Melissa Hoyer

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

 Quote: Melissa Hoyer

... requires that dogs are left overnight (with no attendant) ...

I've never heard of this, in {mumble mumble} decades.

I'm very curious about the rationale behind this. I can't even imagine how this is justified when there is no overnight staff.

My guess is so they can leave your dog in a cage all day and do the surgery later in the day. I have had two dogs spayed at the same vet and neither spent the night. Not sure when their policy changed.

ROFL Connie. Loved that post.

You've got a real good guess there Melissa. I'd bet you're right on. They have the option to delay surgery till later in the afternoon, and not have to send home a doped dog (because no one likes bringing home a dog who can't walk, and is screaming from anesthesia recovery).

My vet keeps many overnight due to not trusting the owners to manage post surgical patients well. Many of our clients take their dogs/cats home just to feed them a heavy meal (but s/he hasn't eaten in hours...) just to call the E-vet because of the vomiting. We've also had many turn them loose outside and rip sutures.

For those clients that follow directions well, their pets can go home after a decent recovery time.

Oh, he (my vet) keeps cats overnight since some many of them seem to urinate on themselves. We would rather they did that in a cage at the office than on someone's bed or couch.

I get to stop guard over my pets in surgery and take them home as soon as they are able to walk. I must listen well. lol

I can see the reasoning.... except for the fact that there is no staff at most 'regular' vet clinics overnight.

2 out of the 3 clinics I've worked at do routine Sx's first thing in the AM. Pets dropped off at 7am, techs do all the prep work, and pre-med if we know what the Dr will want. If not, pre-med's wait till the Dr shows up around 9. By 9:30 at the very latest the first pt is on the table. Out by 9:45, and the second pt on the table by 10! That leaves most of the pets a god 6+ hours to recover with high supervision, and everyone goes home with a strict warning about activity level and food. If for some reason a pet is not ready to be sent home (concerned about vitals, or simply not awake enough) then they get booted out to the Evet, for overnight supervision. The only animals that get to stay in the clinic overnight would be boarded animals, which are few and far between.

I dunno. It just does not seem overly complicated to me. Your pet just had abdominal surgery (ok, only spays...) DON'T FEED IT TONIGHT!


Sorry Melissa- hijack. Back to Laser VS traditional neutering! I loved Betty's hubby's point with healing. Makes sense- does not matter how long the incision is, it's healing from side to side anyhow. The only reason I can see incision length making a large difference (enough to warrant the increase in price with laser!) would be if the surgery location was in an area with a good amount of movement. (not the belly)

 Quote: Kelly Byrd

Sorry Melissa- hijack.

No, I am glad to read it all...helps me make sense of how things go during the surgery day.

Also, for me, having Vigo be at the vets as little time as possible is a priority. He is nervous in new places, including the vets, but extremely comfortable at home.

Good luck with Vigo's surgery. I am quite sure you both will get through it well.

Quick update:

Vigo was neutered today. It went great. Coincidentally, the new vet I chose does laser surgeries, so that was the method he had. You cannot even see an incision unless I shine a flashlight on it. No pain or swelling that I see. He is resting comfortably (hogging the couch!).

 Quote: Kelly Byrd

My suggestions for finding a quality clinic would be asking about the requirements- even though it is not necessary in a young, healthy dog like Vigo, I'd like to see pre-anesthetic panel done, as well as IV/Cath being MANDATORY in the surgery. Fluids are going to help him recovery quickly, and handle the anesthesia better. Also, pay the extra few $$ to take home some pain meds (tramadol) with you, just in case he is sore/tender!

Thanks again for this list, Kelly. When the vet brought out the quote at our initial visit and it included all of the above, I felt so much more comfortable!

What great news!!!