Not all Spays and Neuters are equal

We understand cost is frequently a factor in your pet’s care.  We want you to understand some of what goes into the cost for our surgical procedures.  We want to do everything we can to minimize every pet’s stress and discomfort. 

Here is a list of questions you should ask:

1)      What kind of anesthesia will my pet receive? 

Are they receiving a pre-operative examination for individual anesthesia assessment, sedatives, and pain medication before, during and after surgery?  Are they intubated to receive oxygen during surgery?

2)      Will my pet receive intravenous fluids while under anesthesia? 

IV fluids help sustain blood pressure, reduce kidney stress, and prevent dehydration.  The IV catheter also allows immediate access in the case of an emergency.

3)      Will my pet be monitored by a Certified Veterinary Technician? 

Licensed or Certified technicians are our equivalent to nurses in human hospitals.  They attend an accredited college and pass an examination before the State of Wisconsin will issue them a license to practice.  They are required to complete annual Continuing Education courses to maintain their license.

4)      Will specialized equipment be used to monitor my pet while under anesthesia? 

Along with a certified technician, we use a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen levels in the blood, ECG to monitor heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure and temperature monitors during anesthesia.

5)      How will my pet’s temperature be maintained during anesthesia? 

Cold patients recover slower, and have more complications after surgery.  We use warm air blankets designed for dogs & cats to maintain body temperature and reduce the risk of burns.  Human electric heating pads, hot water bottles, or microwave heated pads can result in serious burns.

6)      Where will the surgery be performed? 

Sterility is extremely important during surgery.  Our surgery suite is used for only one purpose to reduce the risk of post operative infection.

7)      Will separate surgical instruments, sutures and drapes be used for each patient? 

Just like human surgery, veterinary standards require using a separate sterile autoclaved instrument pack for each patient.

8)      Will my pet receive post-operative pain medication? 

Pain medication should be standard rather than an option.  

Heartguard and Frontline promotions from Merial

Make sure you check our prices before buying your preventives on-line. 

Merial is offering great rebates and free product offers now.  Make sure you ask the staff about the new product guarantee from Merial. 

Heartguard:  Buy 12 doses, get a $10 rebate in the mail from Merial.  We now have $15 rebates available with purchase of 12 doses!

Frontline:  Buy 6 doses and get an additional 2 doses free.  Buy 3 doses and get an additional dose free.

Microchip Offer

We are extending our microchip special offer.  The cost to implant a HomeAgain microchip is reduced to $25.00, with an additional $17.00 for registration.  The proceeds from all microchips implanted will go to Susan G Komen for the Cure.   

Congratulations go out to Joan for keeping her spirits up while going through Chemo!

You inspire us all.   

2011 Susan G Komen for the Cure 3-Day -- Its a wrap!!

We want to thank everybody for your donations.  Of course, we'll be back for 2012.

In August I (Ken) worked on the volunteer Route Safety crew in Chicago.  We had really nice weather for Chicago in August.  A little rain on Sunday morning to keep the walkers cool, but the sun came out for a hot finish at Soldier Field.  Chicago walkers and crew managed to raise just under $5 million dollars for the weekend.

In November we walked in San Diego, CA with our Hydrating Fossils team mates.  Tammy and I were both walking wounded, but managed to compete the 60 miles.  San Diego residents really go above and beyond in supporting the walkers.  They were performing live music on the streets, people wearing costumes galore, and handing out fresh baked cookies, cold drinks, everything imaginable.  Since it was not our best performance, we decided to go back and show the San Diego route who the boss is in 2012.  We'll get the fund raising information updated as soon as possible. 

Hey, why don't you join us for 2012.  The 3-Day can always use more walkers.  If long distance walking is not your thing, check out the crew and volunteer spots.  For more information about walking, volunteering, or donating, go to www.the3day.org.        

Meet Dasty, and his fellow officer Todd Johnson of the Milwaukee Police Department.  With the assistance of the Wisconsin Vest a Dog organization, Blackhawk Veterinary Hospital donated money to purchase a bullet and stab proof vest for Dasty.   Officer Johnson and Dasty came to Janesville to meet with the hospital staff after receiving his vest.  We were also part of an article in Fetch magazine about Vest a Dog and Dasty.