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Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a complied list of our most frequently asked questions along with their answers.

Please reach out via phone at 336-723-7550 or email us at Office@Centralspay.com if these do not answer your questions or more clarification is needed!

What is the
drop-off and
pick-up procedure for surgery?

For our drop-off, we have all pets checked in the building between 7:30am and 8:30am. There will be signs out front to a text only number, please text in there once arrived.

Please only text once, as texting multiple times will move you to the back of line.

All cats must be in their own secure carriers and all dogs will stay in the car for check in. For transport into the facility, dogs must be on secure leashes. If cats are in shared carriers, cardboard carriers ($10 ea.) will be sent out per additional cat.  There are NO EXPECTIONS for this.

For pick-up, you will also text upon arrival to join the queue. Once you receive a text back, you will come inside the main door for post-op questions, payment, and medication. You will then be directed from there how to pick-up your pet.

What breeds do we have surgical restrictions on?

We have surgical restrictions on all Brachycephalic dog breeds. We are no longer able to accommodate surgery for French Bulldogs or English Bulldogs. Brachycephalic dogs with BOAS are twice as likely to have anesthesia complications as nonbrachycephalic dogs, therefore we will need all Brachycephalic dogs to come in for a pre-surgical check and to sign a high-risk waiver if surgery is approved. 

Examples of Brachycephalic breeds: Pug, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, Pekinese, Brussels Griffon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Why do we have such limited availability?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there is an estimated backlog of 2.7 million spay/neuter surgeries. With more and more veterinary professionals leaving the field, the gap is growing, leaving rural areas impacted the hardest. We apologize if there is no current availably for your pet, we update the website as soon as we get availability, but due to the volume of request they do get filled quickly.

Can vaccines be done at the time of spay/neuter?

Yes! Rabies along with our other vaccinations can be given at the time of surgery. When you request a spay/neuter surgery you will select all other services within that form. Rabies proof is not required to request an appointment due to this. 

What is required for our spay/neuter surgeries?

In order for your pet to have a spay or neuter at our facility they must be:

   - In good health

   - between the ages of 4 months and 6 years 

   - Either have a current rabies vaccine, or receive one here day of surgery.

If your pet fits the criteria above, they should be eligible for surgery at our clinic!

We do not require pre-op bloodwork for all patients, although it is an option if requested

                   (bloodwork must be requested at least one week before date of surgery)

What comes in the price of our spay/neuters?

Our prices posted on our Services and Pricing page for spay and neuter include the procedure itself, along with the mandatory pain medication. This price does not include a recovery cone, fluids, antibiotics, or any vaccines. 

Can a cat/dog be spayed while in heat?

We can spay a female who is in heat, and every surgery day we usually  have multiple pets end up in heat. There are increased risks due to an animal being in heat, one of the most prominent risks is the possibility of there being swelling and additional bleeding due to that. We here like to advocate for everyone to do their own research and make the best decision for their family including the pet.  We do not feel there is a right or wrong answer in this situation as it is different for everyone.  We want the owner to do what feels best for them and what they feel the most comfortable with.  There is no heat charge if you decide to continue with the spay.  

Does my pet need a cone?

We here know not all pets react well with recovery cones (e-collars) post surgery. At our clinic we only offer the hard plastic cones as that is what we see work best in most cases. There are also other options such as soft cones and recovery suits that are available at in-person and online retailers. We do not require you purchase a cone from here, but do recommend everyone have a way to keep their pet from licking or chewing the surgery site if needed. If purchasing from a source outside of us, there is the possibility of sizing being incorrect, we here fit each cone individually to your pets needs. All recovery items should be used for the 10-14 day healing period. 

Is pain medication necessary?

In short, yes. We have mandatory pain medication for each surgery patient.

- Dogs will go home with pills or liquid pain and inflammation control depending on their weight.        Dog medication is generally sent out for a 5 day course unless recommended differently by our veterinarians. 

- Cats will go home with pills or have a slow release injection given depending upon their weight.

       Cat medication will last for a 3 day course unless recommended differently by our veterinarians. The slow release injection will disperse over a 3 day course. 

Does my pet need to come back for staple removal or anything else
post-op?

Unless there is a concern, your pet does not need to come back for a recheck after surgery. For our usual surgeries there is internal suture that will slow dissolve as your pets incision heals, and water soluble glue applied to the exterior. Staples are not done with our routine surgeries unless specifically deemed necessary by our surgeon. 

What are the types of spay/neuters completed here?

We have multiple surgeons here at our clinic, each has their own preferences to how they do their surgical procedures. Listed below is what to expect surgically for your pet.

- Our female spay surgeries for dogs and cats are done abdominally, and it is a complete ovariohysterectomy. These incisions are closed internally with suture and externally with surgical glue. There should not be drainage from this incision.

- Our male cat neuters are all done as scrotal incisions, on the scrotum. The testicles are removed, and the spermatic cord is tied off internally. There is no suture or glue applied to this incision as it is left open to drain.

- Our male dog neuters have two different surgical methods dependent upon surgeon preference. These two methods are called scrotal and pre-scrotal neuters. 

       Scrotal neuters are done in a similar fashion to our cat neuters but it is still closed internally with suture. These neuters are generally left open externally to allow for drainage.

       Pre-scrotal neuters are when the incision is at the base of the penis, above the scrotum. These neuters are closed internally with suture and closed externally with surgical glue. There should not be drainage from this incision.

For all neuters (Dog and Cat) there is not a scrotal ablation done, which means there will still be an empty scrotum sac after the neuter is completed.

These sacs generally shrink with time after healing. 

Why does my pet get a tattoo during their surgery?

After your pet comes home from their spay/neuter you may see a small green 'incision' on their abdomen. This green line is sterilization indicator tattoo, which as it sounds is a universal indication that your pet has been sterilized with reproductive organs removed. The green tattoo is a permanent mark that notifies all future veterinarians and shelter personnel that this patient has already been sterilized. This tattoo is not optional.

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