How do I know if my pet needs surgery?
Dr. Callum Hay is a board certified small animal surgeon with over 17 years of experience in veterinary medicine and surgery. He has built his reputation on his honesty, integrity, compassion and his surgical expertise. If you believe your pet may need surgery, you should call and schedule a consult with Dr. Hay. He will examine your pet and discuss the treatment options that he believes to be the best for your pet, not the best for his business.
The biggest challenge for veterinary surgeons is making recommendations for or against performing surgery. The reason this is difficult is because there is no regulatory body that requires a burden of proof that the procedure is safe and consistently effective before surgical procedures can be adopted by veterinary surgeons. While there is science behind choices surgeons make, surgeons are basically free to recommend procedures that they believe will help the patient. A recommendation to perform surgery is not always easy because the surgeon cannot ask an animal if they feel better before or after the procedure was performed! Dr. Hay invests effort every day in trying to determine how he has helped his patients. In 10 years of continuous practice as a surgeon he has developed a reputation for recommending surgery only when he feels that the risks of not performing surgery are worse than the risks involved in performing the surgery. Dr. Hay receives much pleasure with every surgery he does; knowing he is making a difference in the life of each pet and their people.
Is there a fee to bring my dog in for a consultation?
Our initial consultation fee is $95- $150 depending on the complexity of the problem and will provide the information we need to determine if surgery is necessary and if so, which surgery would be best. In some instances, plan on the consultation to take 3-4 hours to allow time for us to do sedation and x-rays for a full evaluation.
Do you perform the operations on site?
Yes, we perform all operations on site. Our hospital includes two operating rooms supplied with all the modern equipment necessary to perform a wide variety of surgeries and safe and reliable anesthesia including a heated surgery table and an intravenous fluid warmer and bair hugger to help prevent hypothermia. Each surgery patient is monitored in the O.R. by an anesthesia technician with modern monitoring devices. Depending on the surgery, Dr. Hay may have one to three O.R. technicians assisting him during the surgery. The facility also includes radiology and a laboratory with blood and urine analysis capabilities. Intensive care, post operative pain management and antibiotic treatments, if needed, are provided to each patient leaving the O.R. Each patient is assigned a well trained veterinary technician to monitor and care for them throughout the entire admission to post- operative recovery period. This assures continuity of treatments and that each patient gets the intensive care they deserve. We have experienced certified technicians who provide competent and compassionate nursing care 24 hours a day (Monday through Friday) for the surgical patients.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare my home for my pet after the operation?
Depending on the type of surgery that your pet requires you may need to prepare your home for your pets return after surgery. In some instances it is preferred to keep your pet confined. So, if your pet has been crate trained, you will want to make sure your crate is ready for post-surgery. If you don’t have a crate or your pet has not been crate trained, you may want to purchase a “baby-gate” to block off a utility room or bedroom as it is recommended your keep your pet confined. If you have slippery tile or wood floors, you may also want to put a few extra throw rugs on the floor so that your pet does not slip easily.
What can I expect when I pick my pet up?
When you pick up your pet, do not be surprised if he/she looks a bit different then when you dropped them off. We will have had to shave the area where we operated on your pet as well as one paw for the IV. Your pet may also have a “lamp shade” (Elizabethan collar) on; this is used when a dog or cat needs to be restrained from accessing a wound while it heals. We will also have a written list of post-operative care instructions and medication for you to take home.
How long is the recovery period and what can I expect?
At the time of your consultation we will discuss with you the recovery period depending on the type of surgery we perform. While each pet is different, we will be able to give you an idea of what to expect. At the time of discharge we will give you written post-operative instructions and details of any follow up visits that are required.
I have other pets in my home, is it ok for them to be together after the operation?
This is a difficult question as every situation is different based on the relationship between your pets. If they are accustomed to be together, your pet may feel lonely if you separate them, however you do not want them to rough house. We suggest you let them together, under your supervision, in a controlled environment. However, if one dog is typically the alpha and they are accustomed to playing rough, it would be best to keep them apart during recovery time.
How much does surgery cost and what payment options are available to me?
Surgeries range in price based on each animal. Our initial consultation is $95- $150 and will provide us with the information we need to determine if surgery is necessary and if so, which surgery would be best. Our fees are commensurate with other referral practices in Florida and we will discuss the costs of the surgery during the consultation. The cost will include medications, follow-up check up and x-ray. We strive to maintain competitive pricing by improving efficiency, fully utilizing our staff, maintaining our equipment and facility, but never through compromise of patient care.
We require a deposit on all surgical cases with the balance payable at discharge. We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, and CareCredit.
Will I have to bring my pet back for check ups after the surgery?
Depending on the type of surgery we perform we may need to remove sutures and/or a follow up visit which may require sedation and x-rays, usually 8 to 10 weeks post-operative. At the time of discharge we will give you written post-operative instructions and details of any follow up visits that are required.
Public Service Announcement
Please spay and neuter your pets and have your veterinarian examine them at least yearly. Make certain they have a means of identification on them, like a rabies tag and or microchip, just in case they run away from home (yes, this can happen to your dog or cat). Also, please make certain your pet is current on vaccines, especially Rabies and that your Rabies license is renewed annually.
Please support rescue groups in your local area with donations, volunteering a foster home and or by adopting a pet. Adopt don’t shop!
Thank you
