Ace of Spays

Instructions - Ace of Spays
INSTRUCTIONS

Before Your Appointment

  • If you have not already done so, make an appointment-we do not accept walk-ins. Schedule by CLICKING HERE.
  • Sign-In/Consent Form-Required: We require a pre-filled and signed Drop-Off Form for each pet.  You can fill it out and sign it online; just CLICK HERE. If you do not already have an appointment, please schedule one before filling out the form. Here is the Link To Schedule Surgery. Paper copies of these forms are also available in our parking lot attached to the sign for the reserved parking space by the walkway to the office but we prefer you use the online version.
  • Cats-purchase a carrier if you do not have one already.
  • Leave your carrier near your pets feeding station several days before your appointment. Feed your cat in the carrier if possible. Cats need to eat to stay healthy so if your cat does not eat the food while in the carrier, offer some food next to the carrier as well. This process will make it much easier to catch your cat the morning of surgery.
  • Consider a complete physical exam prior to your spay/neuter appointment. This is not required but will help reduce “surprises” that may necessitate rescheduling with us or having a private neuter. To request a preoperative exam, CLICK HERE. To learn more about exams and blood testing, CLICK HERE.
  • Consider Pre-operative blood tests especially on pets over 4 years of age. This is not required. Testing needs to be done at least 2 days PRIOR to your surgery appointment. Testing is best paired with an exam but neither blood testing nor exams are required. Each pet gets a brief pre-anesthesia exam, but no blood tests, the morning of surgery. To schedule blood tests without an exam, CLICK HERE.  To learn more about exams and blood testing, CLICK HERE.
  • Read “AFTER SURGERY” (below) so you know about post-operative care.
  • Reschedule if your pet becomes sick.
  • Reschedule if your dog goes into heat. Wait 10 weeks after the heat cycle stops to schedule a dog spay. This helps prevent false pregnancy. Cats can be spayed in heat. 

Night Before Surgery

Feeding Instructions: No food after 10 pm. Leave water down. If your pet is 3 months old or younger AND under 10 lb, give 1 tsp of canned food at or before 6 am the morning of surgery. Do NOT withhold water from any pets. 

Place a note on the food or at the feeding station the night before surgery to prevent accidental feeding.

Morning of Surgery

  • Reschedule if your pet eats.
  • Arrive at 1485 Route 38, Hainesport, NJ at your scheduled time. There is a map below. Drop off time is between 8-9 am.
  • Walk dogs on the veterinary property before entering. A waste station is provided.
  • Bring your consent form. You will find this in your e-mail once you fill the form out online. If you haven’t filled it out yet, here is the link: CONSENT FORM. If you have trouble with this for ANY reason, please do not worry. We can do it at the office with you when you arrive.
  • Bring a towel or blanket that can be discarded if soiled.
  • A rabies certificate is NOT needed unless you want a 3-year rabies shot for your pet.
  • Dogs must be on leashes or in carriers.
  • Cats MUST be in individual cat carriers or traps.

After Surgery

  • Pick up your dog between 4pm-5pm, or pick up your cat between 4:30pm-5pm on the same day you drop off. Do not wait for a call. No early pick ups as we are busy caring for all pets prior to 4 pm. Be sure to arrive by 5 pm as there is a late fee.
  • Offer water Immediately on returning home.
  • Keep warm. Avoid heating pads.
  • Offer a small amount of canned food when you get home. Feed 1/2 of a normal meal 2 hours later. Resume normal feeding in the morning. Cats that have not been given extra pain medications may not eat well for a day or two.
  • No over-the-counter pain medications. TOXIC!
  • Keep pets in the house (except for leash walking) for 10 days, wild cats for 24 hours.
  • Avoid running, jumping, and playing for at least 10 Days.
  • Dogs: Allow short walks on a leash as needed.
  • Cats: Confine to a small area with food, water and litter.
  • No Baths for 10 days.
  • E-Collar for 10 days.

What to Expect (In Some Pets) After Surgery

  • Minor sleepiness
  • Watery eyes and/or drooling
  • Rare vomiting
  • A scrotum that is up to twice the size of the testicles. This resolves over 1-6 weeks.
  • A non-painful lump by the incision. Resolves within 3-6 weeks.
  • Sutures under the skin. They get absorbed by the body so suture removal is not needed. Male cats do not have closed incisions (ie/no sutures) for their well-being. This is the standard neuter procedure.

What Requires Veterinary Care After Surgery

  • A “lump” near the incision that disappears when pushed on or that is accompanied by poor appetite
  • Anything protruding from the incision
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • More than a few drops of blood from the incision the night of surgery or any bleeding thereafter
  • A pet that is unwilling to move around
  • Severe swelling (over 2 times the size the testicles had been) of the scrotum.
  • Decreased appetite that lasts more than 2 days
  • Skin discoloration, pus or a highly painful swelling around the incision
  • Anything that has you concerned. Trust your instincts: when in doubt, call the vet. 

Emergency contact numbers will be provided on your post operative instructions. You can e-mail non-emergent questions, including photos, by using this CONTACT LINK. If you need urgent care, we have been most happy with Blue Pearl Levittown (215-750-7884), or, locally, Mt Laurel Animal Hospital (856-234-7626). 

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