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Original poster

Dogs first GA?

24 replies

Alouiseg · 17/05/2010 18:45

I'm really nervous, he's only 7 months old (Bulldog) he has an occasional limp and a possible prolapse from his penis. He needs a GA to investigate these and the vet suggested we have him castrated at the same time.

I feel really nervous and very sad that i will have to leave him, do you think that the vets will let me stay with him until the pre med has worked and he is drowsy?

I know it's pathetic but i felt sick and faint when the vet suggested it any advice?

OP posts:

BudaisintheZONE · 17/05/2010 18:55

Well not sure if they do it the same way but I am in Budapest and we had our female lab spayed on Friday. DH took her and the vet just gave her the injection and then left her with DH while she went to sleep. Then they took her from DH.

DH was there when she woke up too - I think that bit was disturbing as her head was shaking a lot and they had to give her a few doses of some meds to stop it.

She was drowsy and sort of drugged for quite a while after - I was out so didn't see! And she vomited once.

On Saturday she was still a bit quiet but was pretty much back to herself on Sunday.

AccidenToryOnPurpose · 17/05/2010 18:55

lol, i had a munsterlander that shredded her feet quite badly in the woods when we were in germany - my german was tourist adequate, but not up to veterinary levels, and the vet anaesthetised her saying 'now i will put her to sleep' and walked out. the only reason i tell you this is it was genuinely a bit freaky - much easier to watch your kids getting GA (ime).

i'm very much a 'here's my dog, fix it' person now, and hand them over at the door, whereas i do stay when they knock out the dcs i've never been to a british vet where they let you stay - it's normally 'drop off at 8am, and we'll call you this afternoon when you can collect'.

(they fixed her feet by the way, and then lifted her into the car for me whilst she was still out... i was hugely pg, and drove home and had to try and find a neighbour that could lift her out of the car and onto the sofa for her to come round. bizarre. it took hours... )

poor puppy - sure it will be ok x

MrsJohnDeere · 17/05/2010 19:09

Vets normally don't let you stay, ime (doesn't harm to ask though). Standard practice at the vets I've used over the years seems to be to drop off the dog in the morning, before the vet starts morning surgery. Then nurses observe the dog on and off during the morning to check they're ok for a GA, then the vet gives the GA and does the procedure at lunchtime. Allow some time for recovery and onservation and collect mid/late afternoon.

One of my dogs would be out of sorts for 24 hours afterwards. The other is right as rain as soon as they wake up.

Original poster

Alouiseg · 17/05/2010 20:35

Thank you for your replies.

I'm sure the dog will be fine, i on the other hand will be a wreck.

Will let you know

OP posts:

OhExpletive · 17/05/2010 20:38

It isn't usual for the owner to stay. Pre-med drugs are sedatives and work best when the dog is left in peace and not stimulated. Another consideration is that if you are this anxious your dog is likely to sense it and become distressed too - which won't help either of you.

I think the best thing you can do is contact the surgery beforehand to discuss your fears with them. I am sure that once the procedures are explained, in all the detail you feel you need, you will be reassured and more confident about this.

I am a vet and while I realise that leaving a pet is always a stressful time for the owner, it is my experience that once people have had a chance to discuss any worries and ask any questions they almost always feel happier about the situation. I also think that nurses are an excellent source of information and reassurance - why not give the surgery a ring in the morning and see if you can have a chat with someone?

TiggyR · 18/05/2010 13:28

My daft dog swallowed a big pebble that lodged in his intestine when he was only 7 months old, as well, so I know how you feel. I was worried sick. Actually it was seeing him in pain and looking so scared and sad that was worst. Once I knew what it was and that it could be sorted, I was much happier. Though having to leave him behind in the vet's waiting for his surgery and knowing he would be fed-up was not nice. But they seem to bounce back so quickly at that age - he'll be fine! It's the getting them not to run around too much afterwards that's the hard bit, but as he's a bulldog hopefully he's not too energetic.

Original poster

Alouiseg · 19/05/2010 09:47

I've just dropped him off he was so excited to be there but he looked so confused when he was shut into a crate in the kennels. I left in floods of tears, I just wish i could explain to him that i would be back later for him.

OP posts:

TiggyR · 19/05/2010 10:54

Now you've got the fun of trying to get him back in the door to have routine stuff like jabs, when he remembers he came home a bit sore and cross last time!

Madsometimes · 19/05/2010 11:59

My dog had his op yesterday, and I did miss him when he was at the vets. However, I think they dosed him up with pain killers because he does not seem to be in pain.

I was quite worried about the crating at the vets. Patch does not do crates, he sleeps in the kitchen behind a baby gate. He is also a typical clingy cocker and normally cries when I leave him in the kitchen. However, the vet nurse said that he did not give them any problems.

When I collected him yesterday, he was so happy to see me and the children. Even though he was supposed to be still a little groggy, he jumped up (naughty dog), licked us and did his uncontrollable waggy tail thing. He was not cross with me at all, just very pleased to see me.

AccidenToryOnPurpose · 19/05/2010 16:55

Hope he's ok x
(lol @ growing a pair in the context of his op though... )

Original poster

Alouiseg · 19/05/2010 17:45

he's home

They x-rayed his legs and can't find out why he's lame so more investigation there. He had a prolapsed penis (ouch) very waxy ears, blocked anal glands and finally his bollocks chopped off!

He is now snoring on his blanket and I am very relieved that we have such comprehensive insurance.

OP posts:

AccidenToryOnPurpose · 19/05/2010 18:01

glad he's ok. and fixed-ish (maybe lame because he was in discomfort from everything else?)

congrats on the insurance
very important!

TiggyR · 19/05/2010 18:11

Good job the vet spotted the blocked anal glands. I have read some digusting descriptions of how to unblock these yourself.

TiggyR · 19/05/2010 18:11

Tht is the dog's anal glands, BTW not your own.

GrimmaTheNome · 19/05/2010 18:19

When the vet did our last dog's glands, the foul contents shot across the room and splattered their cupboards ... glad I was holding his head at the time!

Original poster

Alouiseg · 19/05/2010 18:36

Urgh! I just hope that they don't want to teach me how to do it

OP posts:

AccidenToryOnPurpose · 19/05/2010 21:01

ah, we take ours to the groomer for a bath and de-shed... and they kindly give the anal glands a squeeze before they start. i guess they've had too many lovely clean fluffy pooches that, er, have to be re-washed.

should add - ours are just very hairy labs, not uber-clipped poodles or anything...

Original poster

Alouiseg · 19/05/2010 21:15

Probably the way forward, I don't think that Rupert and my relationship could flourish if it was my job!

OP posts:

TiggyR · 19/05/2010 22:10

Rupert is your dog?! Cool name! Very regal. What is he?

TiggyR · 19/05/2010 22:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

Alouiseg · 20/05/2010 05:39

Awww! Gorgeous name, what breed is Rufus? I think it suits a very hairy dog!

OP posts:

TiggyR · 20/05/2010 11:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

Alouiseg · 20/05/2010 12:35

Gorgeous. I loved the Vizsla who won Crufts he looked terrific fun.

OP posts:

TiggyR · 20/05/2010 13:05

Well, 'terrific fun' would be one euphemism for vizslas - they are goofy and playful and gentle, great with other dogs, really lovable characters, but they are also really boisterous and neurotic. Still, I was warned, so it's my own fault. Anyway, I wouldn't change him. (well, maybe some days....)

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