Overnight for spay?

[Berna]

It depends on the vet. They usually go home the same day, however when my kitten was spayed she stayed overnight. The vet does surgeries later in the evening and he lives upstairs. I always prefer to leave them overnight if there is someone to supervise them, so I can avoid all the stress seeing them waking up from the anesthesia. I remember not sleeping at all from Cookie's "singing" after his FHO.

[windycanyon]

Some do, some don't.... depends on the vet. One thing I'd be SURE of though, is that your girl is crated and cannot walk around freely if you do bring her home same day. I've had friends and pup owners almost lose their dogs post op due to not watching them (one ripped stitches out and one girl's stitches internally at the stump weren't done properly and she nearly bled to death).

[ZoeysMommy]

Mine have never stayed but I know some vets do keep them overnight. If someone was there all night it wouldnt bother me. Perhaps they do surgeries later in the day and thats the reason?

[Snowshoe]

You should simply ask why. Are you sure the price you were quoted for the spay includes the overnight? Is the overnight before or after the surgery? You'd think after I know, but I have heard of it being more expedient for the Vet to have the dog there overnight and ready to operate on in the morning.

[windycanyon]

Most vets around here expect doggy to be at their clinic after 12 hrs of fasting by 8am. No overnight necessary if owner is reliable. The overnight is after surgery to keep the dog (who oftentimes is sleeping/ howling off anesthesia) quiet and calm. I have no issue keeping mine over night because I know they are comfortable in a crate or similar containment. And since I've brought them home after c-sections etc, I really would rather NOT listen to the whining, howling etc. It's not pain. It's just drugs but it makes us humans worry. So all in all, if the dog is well adjusted and you trust your vet, I prefer to leave mine...

[Dennis Thomas, DVM]

Most vets (including myself) don't like to keep dogs overnight with routine surgeries. There are too many potential problems that can happen and there is no one there watching them. The pet's caretaker can do this and then go to the emergency clinic in the event of bleeding, etc. This can be a lifesaver. Most anesthetics these days are quickly metabolized and usually the dog is up and around in no time. No need for keeping them overnight. Too much risk. If the vet gets busy and says that they need to do surgery late and keep the dog overnight, re-schedule. My two cents.

[Remy]

That happened to Remy... His appointment had gotten pushed back due to an emergency. His surgery was so late in the afternoon the vet said we couldn't take him home. I was not impressed...but they did have someone in the office to monitor.