Admission query

[Hm77]

Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on something that has come up on my dogs pre admission from from vet.

He's going in to have his anal glands flushed as there is a persistent infection in one of them.

The form has asked if we want pre-anaesthetic bloods done and if we'd like him to have IV fluid therapy during the procedure. Neither were mentioned at the check he had this morning.

He is 7 years old and has no other health concens. I'm a paranoid owner at the best of times so not sure what is best for him.

Will speak to vet before he goes in but just wondered what others opinions on this are.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

At age 7 I would probably have the bloods done, while he's there, you could pick up very early signs of e.g. kidney problems and deal with them before they cause him trouble.

I would certainly give permission for IV fluids, they should help him to tolerate/recover from the GA better.

 

[AmyMay Again]

I always have blood panels run if an anaesthetic is given. It's a good opportunity to assess the health of the dog. I also opt for IV fluids as it helps with post anaesthetic hydration.

 

[Clodagh]

I don’t, as I’m tight. . It is recommended though. If he was an unhealthy dog, or one prone to issues or elderly I would, but I don’t as standard.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Yes to both for best practice.

This has come up a few times before, including from me as I was surprised that either were optional extras rather than being included as standard. I always opt for best care.

Vets on here always recommend yes, too.

ETA Poss not bloods if they have been done within last 6 months.

 

[Hm77]

Thank you all very much.

I'm always conscious that I want what is best for him but dont want to do things just for the sake of it.

 

[MurphysMinder]

With a 7 year old I would definitely have bloods and fluids. Pre op bloods picked up kidney issues with my old dog and probably gave us an extra couple of years with him.

 

[Hm77]

Thank you.

I can't remember when he last had any bloods taken so makes sense to do it now.

 

[poiuytrewq]

The last GA we had for a dog I did have bloods. He was 12 though and I didn’t want to take any risks.
I was going to say I might now have done so had it been one of my younger dogs, but actually that’s rubbish I would because the guilt of not and there being any repercussions would be too much!
What does it cost? I’m not even sure but I suspect if your paying for an operation of any kind in the first place you probably may as well.

 

[gunnergundog]

Yes to both in my opinion.

Fluids help ease the recovery in an older dog and bloods are an imperative just in case something has crept in that you are unaware of.

 

[Hm77]

The last GA we had for a dog I did have bloods. He was 12 though and I didn’t want to take any risks.
I was going to say I might now have done so had it been one of my younger dogs, but actually that’s rubbish I would because the guilt of not and there being any repercussions would be too much!
What does it cost? I’m not even sure but I suspect if your paying for an operation of any kind in the first place you probably may as well.

They've not quoted for the bloods.

I'm the same, think I'd rather do it now and know if it does pick anything up than find out later on that something could have been found earlier.

 

[Hm77]

Yes to both in my opinion.

Fluids help ease the recovery in an older dog and bloods are an imperative just in case something has crept in that you are unaware of.

Thank you. Definitely going to go for both.

It's scary to think of him as an older dog. In my eyes he's still that little 9 week old pup I picked up.

 

[poiuytrewq]

It’s one of those things isn’t it. With any luck he will be fine and it’s a waste of money!

 

[druid]

Every time I put a dog under ga unless they had bloods in past 6 months

Fluids are non negotiable for me

 

[poiuytrewq]

Out of interest what if owners say no? Or do you just put the cost into the quote as part of it all.
I don’t think I’ve ever been asked about fluids. I’d assume that as a given anyway

 

[Hm77]

I've been wondering that as well.

It will be interesting to see how much extra it costs.

 

[druid]

Out of interest what if owners say no? Or do you just put the cost into the quote as part of it all.
I don’t think I’ve ever been asked about fluids. I’d assume that as a given anyway

I was speaking for my own dogs.

 

[Jenko109]

I would always have the fluids, regardless of how old the dog is.

Bloods is dependent on age and reason for the GA for me.

 

[Hm77]

Turns out running the blood tests was 100% the right decision.

He has been diagnosed with kidney disease which came as a massive shock. Spent 4 days in the vets but is now home snoozing on my lap.

How long we'll have together I dont know but we'll be sure to make the most of it.

Thank you to all those who said to test, it was not something I'd ever really thought about in what appeared to be a healthy dog but now realise the importance.