I had no idea that blood works are supposed to be done before spay/neuter. All my neighbors and friends went to low cost clinic to get their dogs spay/neutered. When I told them that I was thinking of going to my vet, they said theres no need. This is our first ever dog, so we didn't know.
If they did the blood works and found something wron with Eevee's liver, I guess they would have used lower dose of anesthetic. But the liver problem will still be there afterwards and my regular vet would be the one treating that. The lady vet I saw (because my vet is away) did the blood works and told me about high liver enzymes and that I need to do an ultrasound, function test etc. Nothing else said. Nothing about treatment. She said its not an emergency so I can wait until my vet comes back.
Then lastnight Eevee had a seizure which temporarily blinded her. I took her back to lady vet. She gave Eevee lactulose to help the liver after I insisted she presume Eevee has a liver disease and treat it. If there was something to help liver, why didn't she give it to me 5 days ago? It might have avoided the seizure. Today's bill included $100 hospitalization fee because Eevee was at the vet getting IV fluids on top of $150 IV fluid fee.
If I hadn't said anything that vet wouldn't have given Eevee anything. That makes me so mad. I read about milk thistle so I ordered and gave Eevee one pill. Apparently it does wonders for dogs with liver problems. Again, I wasn't told about this. I found out from reading the posts here. I don't trust this lady vet. I want a second opinion.
Today I called a different vet. She says there are supplements you can give to improve liver function and many more things you can do before jumping into an ultrasound. I'm wondering why such a different approach??
First off,let me clear something up,and its only becuase I am now re-reading the thread.
There is nothing wrong with low cost spay/neuter clinics. They are very well equipped,some better than others.
I do know that in any way shape or form,if I did not trust a low cost spay neuter,I would hav e NEVER EVER entrust them with our Mia.
For them to take in thier only ever blind & deaf dog,and knowing there could possibly be complications from anesthesia,they said they were well equipped ,and would give her the best care ever. They exceeded that.
My other 2 vets would not even think to put her under without a bill less than 700.00. That is no lie. Becuase she was that much of a risk.
I left Mia,that day with alot of fear,but having her spayed was important as well. She did marvelous.Came home the very same day.
I did sign papers for appropriate blood work to be done prior to the surgery.I felt it was important.But I must add,it was MY choice. It is also the choice I would make if I went to one of my other 2 vets I use.
So I am not discounting thier protocol,or procedures. I am sure they did a great job.
The underlying issue with Evee is obviously something more than the spay. And having a second opinion is way to go. Either with your regular vet,or a new one.
Now getting back to the visit today,now I realize she was taken to a vet,and NOT the clinic she was spayed at. These clinics do not usually do stiuations as this,they are strictly spay/neuter clinics,thats it. They will see the pet if complications arise from the procedure.
So in that case the fees that were charged were I am sure customary,and needed to be done to get to the root of the problem. So my apologies. But if good care is to be givin,and they were doing what they felt deemed needed,then a bill is what one needs to pay. It stinks I know,but we are all pulling for this sweet babe,and I know you want her well also.