High Quality, Low Cost Spay & Neuter Surgery
Author: Emi Kooyman | Founder
We would like to make you aware of important considerations regarding anesthesia for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) breed to ensure you can make an informed decision about proceeding with surgery at Spay Neuter Vets.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are predisposed to heart conditions that may put them at greater risk under anesthesia. Additionally, they are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a shortened airway, which can further increase complications. Anesthesia for patients with these conditions is complex and requires specialized monitoring and intervention.
We strongly recommend that your pet undergo a cardiology workup, including an echocardiogram and/or auscultation by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, prior to surgery to rule out any pre-existing heart conditions. If your pet has already been cleared by a cardiologist, please provide us with the medical records for review before your appointment.
Due to the increased risks, surgery for CKCS patients is ideally performed in a facility equipped with more robust monitoring equipment, (including EKG) a wider range of anesthetic drugs, and a dedicated team prepared to handle emergencies. Unfortunately, our clinic is not equipped to provide the optimal care needed for patients with heart or airway conditions should complications arise.
However, we understand that specialty hospitals may have higher costs or longer wait times, and some pet owners may still choose to proceed with surgery at our clinic. If you wish to do so, we require you to:
Acknowledge the increased anesthetic risks associated with this breed.
Sign a waiver indicating your understanding of these risks.
Please be aware that depending on the severity of a heart murmur (if present), we may still decline the procedure after the pre-operative exam.
For brachycephalic breeds, including CKCS, we require the use of Cerenia (an anti-nausea injection) to reduce the risk of vomiting and aspiration post-surgery. The cost of this medication is weight-based.
Next Steps:
Please review the following resources for more information:
If you have any questions, we are happy to discuss them with you. Text us at 678.834.0777.
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