I need to take my Frenchie to get spayed? Is SPCA or PETA just as good as a vet?

Question

My French Bulldog is now going on 3 years old. I wasn't aware earlier in her life before her 1st heat cycle that I should have gotten her fixed. Well I keep putting it off because it cost so much through my Vet. Everyone keeps telling me to go to SPCA or PETA but I am scared that they won't take as good of care as her Vet will. I need some advice on what to do, or success stories that would make me feel better!?

Answer 1

The area Humane Society's, SPCA or PETA will reference you to whoever is the assigned Veterinarian to that facility. That Vet is usually a very good one, local with good facilities but more than likley is not a specialist in the Brachycephalic type breeds or (Flat faced). The area Humane Society's and Animal Control offer certificates for altering your pets. Usually $50.00 for female and $25.00 for males send in the Vet's receipt to the county along with the certificate and you will be reimbersed. Listed below is the Anestesia Protocol for French Bulldogs:

Never Give French Bulldogs: Ace promazine Pentobarbital aka Pentathol, (injectable anesthesia). Metofane, (inhalant gas) or Halothane, (gas anesthesia).

Use With Caution: Dormitor, (reversible anesthesia/sedative).

Acceptable Choices for French Bulldogs: Ketamine, (usually used in combo with valium as an injectable anesthesia/sedative). Valium, (used with Ketamine) or Torbutrol, (analgesia).

Optimum Choices: Propofol, (injectable) with either of the following 2 gas anesthetics as a maintenance: Isoflurane, (aka IsoFlo) or Sevoflurane, (aka SevoFlo).

Extra's for C-Sections: {This is in addition to the Optimum anesthetic protocol listed above}. Atropine given at induction Place the mom-to-be on IV fluids Oxytocin injections, (usually one after all the pups are out and she begins sewing up the uterus and the second about 20-30 minutes later) antibiotic injection post-op.

Intubation vs. Masking/Coning Down: "EVERY" brachycephalic dog that goes under anesthesia should have an endotracheal tube, (ET) placed in their trachea! Always! We need to protect that airway at all times. The tube should be left in until they are VERY awake and about to chew it out. I use the intravenous propofol to induce anesthesia, (which puts them under) this gives me a few minutes to place the ET tube. Then they are connected to either the "sevo" or "isso" they are always tubed.

Be Careful when masking a Frenchie down: Masking them down can sometimes be harder on brachycephalic dogs because they struggle to hold their breath, (So they don't inhale the strange smelling gas) which can irritate the airways and deplete their oxygen levels, (Which you do not want before surgery). Using injectable and then tubing them gives them an optimum oxygen supply which is ideal for Frenchies.

I hope this will help you.

Answer 2

Usually, the difference in cost is related to the the clinic and the quality of the supplies. Ask some friends for suggestions about different clinics... you might even ask you own vet about ways to reduce costs... It never hurts to ask your Vet (or you doctor) about reducing cost).

Things to consider:
1. The type of anesthetic. Vets currently use a very high quality, people-quality anesthetic, that is expensive. However, the previous gneration of anesthetic was safe for most young, healthy dogs, and less expensive.

2. A badly done spay may affect urination - ask about this.

3. A very small dog requires a bit more care during surgery. Dogs with breathing troubles also require a bit more care. But these are easy to discuss issues that the Vet can explain.

4. If there are complications, then you want a very experienced Vet. I imagine that your Vet has more than 10 years experience.

5. Pain meds after surgery are not cheap, but they help recovery tremendously.

If you have a good rapport with your Vet, then he will take the best care of your dog. I suggest that you ask for a personal, 15 min. meeting to ask him about cost options. He may even have a friend that he trusts, that can do the surgery for less.

Answer 3

Those agencies use vets, also, they just are subsidizing people who can't afford their own vet. Since those vets are kept busier than your average privte vet, they simply can NOT give the same level of care. Frenchie's like most bulldogs are rather unusual, physiologically, and really need to be handled by someone with bulldog experience. Odds are not good that the next-available vet at PETA or SPCA will have that kind of experience, so if you can - at all - afford the operation, take her to you regular vet. Talk with him and explain your financial situation; he might give you a price break on this particular operation, because he knows how important it is.

Answer 4

Honestly, I would want my vet to care for my dog. Your vet has your dog's complete medical records on file as well.

If you think your vet is expensive, ask to set up a payment plan. Or you can get your medical records and get a new vet that is less expensive.

Frenchies have breathing issues anyway and you want a vet that is going to pay special attention to her while she is there.

Developing a good, long term relationship with a vet is the best thing you can do for your dog.

Answer 5

SPCA and PETA don't do spaying. Only a vet can.

You can ask your local SPCA if they know of a program that offers assistance with the cost of an operation. You might have to prove financial hardship to qualify.

Answer 6

Although I LOVE Frenchies and would love to see a million of them running around.....I am glad you are going to spay your dog.

In my opinion, you get what you pay for. I would suggest you going to your Vet to get this done. If there is a problem they would be the most capable of dealing with it.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Love Frenchies!

If she were mine I would take her to a good Vet.Due to her face being flat anesthesia is a major concern.Good move spaying her.If only all people would spay and neuter there would not be as many homeless animals.

Answer 8

Friends of Animals offers a lower cost spaying certificate that you can take to your regular vet. Check it out: http://www.friendsofanimals.org/programs/spay-neuter/index.html. Good luck!

Answer 9

I know in Chicago they offer low-cost spaying at the Anti-Cruelty Society, and they have actual vets doing volunteer work do it.

Answer 10

vet is better.
adopted a dog from shelter. she had heart worm
my private doctor told me.
the free places give the pets marginal care at best.