Claudia - Spayed

I was a total bundle of nerves past 2 weeks after having decided to get Claudia spayed.

Spaying is quite common but I was more worried because she is after all, almost 6 years old. It's usually done before first heat to really minmize the risks of mammary growths. I waited too long. Nonetheless, spaying would also prevent uterine disease (pyometra) and tumour of reproductive tract. Read here if interested to know more about spaying.

I had, in the past, talked to many vets about spaying Claudia but despite their recommendation to get it done asap, I delayed it till now due to my own fear of the scalpel. I also had this idea that spaying was recommended for vets to make money. I also had this idea that I wanted to breed poodles but alas! that didn't happen.

The thoughts about possible pyometra was the major motivation factor to get the procedure done. The risks and complications of surgery for pyometra are even more!

Prior to making the appointment, I checked MORE about spaying online and also called her groomer, Colin who is also a poodle breeder for tips and also recommendation of a vet.

In my mind, I already had one - Dr Yeoh at Taman Megah, her regular vet for emergencies like when she ingested bones and also, when she made a dash for our new bed and hit hard straight on the solid wood which made her whimpered and very quite shaken for quite some time. We were worried about concussion and damage to her eye from the accident. But, she recovered and is fine.

As luck would have it, Dr Yeoh (Senior) would be on holiday on the date I had chosen and I was told it would be his nephew, Dr Yeoh (Junior). I checked with Colin and decided to go ahead based on the positive feedback received.

And after making appointment a week back, I had been calling the clinic nearly every day as new questions popped in my mind. It is better to be informed as much as possible! I believe your dog will sense your confidence or lack of confidence. It would be better for them to go into surgery sensing that it's good for them. I was stressed about the surgery but was sure it was the best for her in the long run.

Claudia had to fast for 12 hours before the surgery - so, I made sure she ate and finished her meal by 7.45pm on Thursday.

We went to the clinic the next morning and I requested the doctor to run a complete biochemistry tests and blood count to ensure that she is 101% OK for surgery. She is generally a very healthy dog. No health problems. She sees vet only for annual check-up and vaccination and when she gets into accidents because of her mischief. But, I just wanted to be supersure. That's the paranoid me at work.

I also asked for a jab of painkiller after surgery.

I left her at the clinic at 10.45pm - my heart was heavy especially when she clung onto me tightly as I put her in the designated cage. I hugged her and told her she would be fine and forced myself to not be too emotional. I let her sniff my fingers before I went out.

It was nice of the doctor to let me see the cage area - clean, organised, stainless steel cages with no bad smell. I was even more comforted to see that.

To ensure that she is doing fine, I called the clinic at about 2.30pm. Immediately, I was informed that she is awake but groggy. Great to hear that she is awake - use of anaesthetics on her is always my concern.

Barry went with me to pick her up after work. I let her stay a bit longer after surgery so that she can be monitored. Her eyes were glassy as she was drugged up for the surgery. But, could tell she was happy to see us.

She winced every time she moved to change her sleeping position last night but am glad she ate a little bit this morning. And, she dranks lots of water. Even let out a few growls when she heard neighbour came home last night.

I can't wait to see her get back her spunk and be bratty and ratty again. She is a little bit self-conscious about her shaven tummy now......