Here is a summary of what these drugs might be used for in dogs and cats.

Carprofen and Meloxicam are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) commonly prescribed for spay/neuter post-operative pain in dogs. They are not without side effects, so it is important to read details about these drugs before administering them to your dog. We use carprofen for dogs over 6 lbs. and meloxicam for the little dogs. We dispense one of these meds with every dog that comes for surgery at no extra charge.

Acepromazine and Trazodone are two options for post-operative sedatives. These help to keep highly active dogs from running around for the required 10 days of rest after spay/neuter surgery. We use acepromazine for all dogs except those with boxer in the bloodlines. For boxers, we use trazodone. The sedation from trazodone is not as reliable, but some (not all) boxers can have issues with acepromazine other than in very low doses as a pre-operative medication. Clients with highly active dogs can purchase these medications at an extra charge.

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid and Cefpodoxime are antibiotics that we rarely dispense, but if we find an issue with your dog that we feel would benefit from a broad-spectrum antibiotic for the days following spay/neuter surgery, we will call for permission to dispense an antibiotic for an extra charge.

CATS
Buprenorphine is a pain-relief medication that is considered very safe for cats after spay/neuter surgery. We compound this medication so that you can administer it in your cat’s cheek pouch. It is absorbed in the mouth and cannot be given in your cat’s food. Since it is not appropriate for feral cats (you cannot get the meds into their cheek pouch), this medication is not included in the cost of the spay/neuter procedure.

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that can be helpful in some cases of upper respiratory infections in cats. We generally send cats with this condition home to return for spay/neuter surgery at a later date. If we suspect a URI in your cat, you will be called, and the doctor may or may not prescribe this medication.