Member

Posts: 120
From:West Chester, PA.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-13-2003 08:41 AM         

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My 2 kittens (male and female sibilings) are going in Monday to get spayed and neutered. The spay/neuter isn't costing me anything because I adopted them from our local SPCA. (which is great , because I am broke)....

I have heard that they should get blood work done before the surgey? The blood work isnt included and it will cost me at least $80.00. I REALLY cant afford the $$$ (I lost my job a month ago), but if anything WERE to happen, I couldnt live with myself.

I was wondering if it is typical to get the blood work done, or do most people for-go the blood work?? Thanks!

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Member

Posts: 81
From:Fairfield, CT
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 11-13-2003 08:48 AM         

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This is the first I heard of blood work before spaying/neutering. I've had two cats spayed and my kitten is getting spayed next Thursday. The vets have never mentioned blood work to me, unless it's just something they automatically do before the surgery. Are you saying they have blood work done days before the surgery and when the results come back then you make the appointment or is is something done immediately prior to the surgery?

I'm curious now as to everyone else's experiences.....

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Member

Posts: 120
From:West Chester, PA.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-13-2003 09:05 AM         

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Thanks. Actually, my vet had mentioned it. I was just calling them to see what was included, and they had mentioned the blood work. They do the work RIGHT before the surgey, it just takes a few mintues to run the test.....I asked what was the blood work for, and they told me to check how their liver is (??) it has something to do with how the kittens will handle the anetheisa. (sorry about the spelling).

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Member

Posts: 996
From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 11-13-2003 10:10 AM         

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I have never had blood work done before a cat has been spayed/neutered.

What you should have done if it hasn't been already is a Feline Leukemia test. Although I'm guessing that the SPCA would have done that before adopting them out. When I would take my kitties in to get fixed I would have them run that test then do some vaccinations if they needed them.

I do recommend some sort of painkillers for the little girl. At least short term pain killers. The males are usually fine without them, its not a very extensive surgery for them. The painkillers are usually under 10.00.

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Member

Posts: 123
From:Vancouver, WA USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 11-13-2003 12:06 PM         

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When my kitten got neutored I wanted to be as careful as possible so I checked the box for yes to the blood-work on all the paperwork. Then when I did talk to the vet she told me that it isn't really needed for a cat that is healthy and they don't usually recomend it for young cats unless there are other symptoms that the cat might be ill. But that its recomended for cats over a certain age (I think 5 or 6 years, but don't remember for sure).

So, in short I'd say that its not needed.

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Member

Posts: 260
From:MO, USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-13-2003 12:33 PM         

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Blood work is just something that is extra precautionary. $80.00 sounds like they want to do a whole preanesthesia work up.
Sometimes it will help predict how well the cat will do while under anesthesia and if there are any other pre existing conditions. I believe it is more neccessary for older cats and dogs, although its nice to have for the just in cases.
I wouldnt worry about the blood work, If you do want to do it I would just suggest an EKG and a CBC. It should only run bt 30-40 dollars per cat.
However I do recommend doing blood work yearly or every other year once the cat is 6 or 7.

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Member

Posts: 120
From:West Chester, PA.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-13-2003 03:33 PM         

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Thanks for the input. My vet charges 40.00 per kitten for the blood work.......They are both 5 months old, and right now they are both heathly. They were already tested for the Feline Leukemia and both already got their 2nd round of vaccinations.

The male was sick 3 1/2 weeks ago, because he had an allergic reaction to his vaccinations, but I already checked with my vet and she told me to wait 2-3 weeks before he has the surgery...so according to my vet, he is good to have the surgery. He has NO signs of being ill at all.

If it is not 'common' to get the blood work done, then I wont get it done.... thanks again everyone

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Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 11-13-2003 08:04 PM         

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I've never had blood work done prior to spay/neuter for any of mine either except for my dog, Sebastian and that was only because he was older and had seizures on ocassion.

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Member

Posts: 120
From:West Chester, PA.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-19-2003 08:20 AM         

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Just an update. My kitties had their surgery on Monday. Everything went fine. When I got to the vet's office, I did a complete 360, and decided to get the blood work done (I just had a feeling), and thank GOD I did. Turns out the little girl had an elevated liver level and they had to use a different anthesia on her. Talk about going with your gut feeling.

They said it could be a 'fluke', but I have to take her back in 3 weeks for another test.

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Member

Posts: 260
From:MO, USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-19-2003 10:26 AM         

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oh my goodness! thank goodness you did do the preanesthesia work up!

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