[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_mp4="" video_webm="" video_ogv="" video_url="" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" overlay_color="" video_preview_image="" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" padding_right=""][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_color="" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" min_height="" hover_type="none" link="" border_sizes_top="" border_sizes_bottom="" border_sizes_left="" border_sizes_right="" first="true"][fusion_text] We use premium vaccines to provide optimal protection for your pet. For Dogs a C5 Vaccination - to protect against, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza (Kennel cough - viral), Bordatella bronchisepta (Kennel cough - bacterial) For Cats a F5 Vaccination - to protect against Panleucopaenia (Feline enteritis), Rhinotracheitis (Feline herpes virus), Calicivirus (Cat flu), Chlamydophila (Chlamydia), Leukaemia. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

FAQs Archive - Page 3 of 4 - Vetwest Veterinary Clinics

Q: Why don't veterinarians diagnose and/or prescribe over the phone and save you time?

For the same reason a medical doctor won't, it's both unethical and illegal. Without physically examining an animal, it's impossible for the veterinarian to come up with an accurate diagnosis and rational plan of treatment. A veterinarian can't make a diagnosis based on symptoms only as observed by an owner. The outward signs may be an indication of any number of internal causes with a wide variety of clinical treatments. A complete physical examination and possibly other diagnostic tests are required to determine the cause of the symptoms and best course of treatment. And some medications are considered prescription medicines and it is illegal to dispense such items without a physical consultation.

Q: Isn’t there a cheaper option for treatment? Can’t your vet discount your bill?

The extent of care given to any animal is ultimately determined by its owner. As a responsible pet owner, you place a high value on your animal and will want to consider what's best for your pet. Every pet owner has different ideas about what is acceptable pet care and how much they are willing to spend on their pets healthcare needs. We can only make you aware of the services and products that are available and then provide guidance in their choices and decisions. The owner is given options; the owner makes the call. It's important to understand that our veterinarians can and will go the extra mile for their clients, but they simply cannot jeopardize the quality of our practice by discounting or waiving fees. We must cover our employees' salaries, costly equipment, the expense of years of professional training, and the expense of continuing education for staying up-to-date on the latest research.

Q: How do we determine desexing prices?

The prices we charge for desexing cats and dogs are based on the quality and amount of services we provide for your pet. We strive to ensure that your pet's surgery is as safe as possible. We use the best quality anaesthesia presently available to veterinarians, similar to that used for human anaesthesia. A pulse oximeter, and respiratory monitor is attached to your pet during the entire surgical procedure. An IV catheter is placed so that fluids can be used to keep your pet's blood pressure at a safe level during surgery. A warming pad is used to reduce the danger of hypothermia. We use high quality suture material. Sterile gloves, gowns, drapes and surgical instruments ensure the cleanest, germ-free operating area. On a one-to-one basis, our qualified nursing team monitors your pet's post-operative recovery until your pet is breathing safely on their own. The surgery fee includes a pre-surgical exam, a one day stay in our hospital, post-operative pain medications and a post-surgical checks before discharge. Optional services include pre-anaesthetic blood work to more thoroughly examine your pet's health status before surgery. We are very proud of the high quality of service we offer pets and their families.

Q: Should females have a litter before being desexed?

This is not necessary for your pet’s benefit. Spaying a dog before her first heat will reduce the risk of mammary cancer to nearly zero. Every season/heat a female has, significantly increases her chance of developing mammary cancer.

Q: Do pets become lazy after they are desexed?

There is generally no change in the character of your dog. Young males will be less inclined to mount objects and jump fences in search of a female mate. However, they will still be happy to chase their favourite ball or participate in their favourite activity.

Q: How soon after an oestrous cycle can a female dog or cat be desexed?

When an animal is in season, there is an increased blood supply to both the uterus and the ovaries. Animals can be desexed whilst they are in season, but generally we try to do the surgery from about 8 weeks after the start of their last oestrous cycle.

Q: How do I organise my pet’s desexing procedure?

Please contact your local practice to schedule a time for your pet’s procedure. This is best done by telephone so we can discuss any specific questions you may have. We can also provide information about the price of the procedure as this depends on the species and size of your pet. If your pet is female, we’ll also ask you specific questions about her heat or oestrus cycle.