Welcome to the FACE Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic!

Because of time constraints with our check-in process and our desire to give you as much information as possible, we have composed a list of some frequently asked questions and answers. Your attention to the information below will allow our veterinarian to focus on your pet's medical history and physical exam.

Q: What kind of anesthesia is used?

A: All cats and dogs receive an intravenous induction agent prior to surgery and are maintained under general anesthesia during surgery with Isofiourane gas. Each animal is placed on pulse oximetry during surgery.

Q: What about recovery?

A: You will receive Post-Operative instructions at pick up. It is important that you keep your pet indoors and restrict activity for the next 5 to 7 days. Monitor your pet closely this evening and be sure to check the incision every day for any changes in appearance.

Remember, your pet will have had a general anesthetic event today which may cause vomiting. Therefore, we do not recommend food this evening. Your pet should, however, have water and/or ice cubes.

We strongly recommend Elizabethan Collars for all post-operative male dogs and any other pets who are likely to lick or chew at their incision. These are available for $7.00.

Q: Are vaccines required prior to your pet's visit?

A: No. We do not require proof of vaccinations. We do, however, encourage you to get vaccinations for your pet every year. We also advise you that the Rabies vaccination is required for all animals over the age of twelve (12) weeks by the State of Indiana. If you choose to get this this vaccination at the FACE clinic, the cost is $12.00.

Q: What other vaccinations are available?

A: For cats: the 4 in 1 multiple respiratory vaccine protecting against feline Panleukopenia virus, feline Rhinotracheitis, feline Calici virus and Chlamydia. The cost of this vaccine is $12.00. When purchased along with the Rabies vaccine, the package price is $22.00.

The Feline Leukemia vaccine protecting against the contagious lenkemia virus is available for $14.00.

When the Rabies, 4 in 1 and Feline Leukemia vaccine are purchased together, the cost is $31.00.

For dogs: the 5 in 1 vaccine protecting against Distemper, Parvovirus, Corona, Parainfluenza and Hepatitis is available for $12.00. When purchased with the Rabies vaccine, the package price is $22.00.

The Bordetella vaccine is available for $14.00. Many boarding facilities and kennels require this vaccine which provides protection from Kennel Cough.

Q: Should my pet receive these vaccines?

A: Yes, ideally cats and dogs should be vaccinated yearly against these diseases. Kittens and puppies should receive vaccines every 3-4weeks until 16 weeks of age. Outdoor cats and dogs are, of course, more likely to be exposed to these diseases as their contact with other animals is so much greater.

Q: Should I test my cat for feline leukemia and/or feline immunodeficiency viruses?

A: Testing potentially exposed cats is a great idea, especially before vaccinating. Testing cats with unknown history is wise, particularly before introducing them to other cats. The cost for both Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency virus is $22.00.

Q: What about Heartworm testing?

A: Heartworm disease is very common is our area and we both recommend yearly testing and 'year-round' protection using a Heartworm preventative such as Interceptor. The Heartworm test is $20.00 and Heartworm preventative varies based on the weight of your dog.

Q: What is the Surgical Procedure?

A: Male Cats. Your male cat will have an incision made on both sides of the scrotum. The testicles are removed and tied off. There are no sutures; the scrotum will simply heal and decrease in size within 1-2 weeks. The larger (usually older) cats may have a larger amount of swelling making it appear that the testicles are still present ... they are not!

Female Cats. An incision is made on the abdomen from which both ovaries and the uterus are removed. The incision is closed using 2 layers of non-absorbable suture. There is no suture removal necessary. The outside skin is sealed with a layer of surgical glue which will make the incision appear blue/purple. This will disappear shortly and the incision should begin to become less evident by 2 weeks post-operative.

Male Dogs. Both testicles are removed on male dogs using an incision made on the penis shaft. The location of this incision does make licking/chewing possible post-op; we strongly recommend Elizabethan Collars for male dogs. The incision is sutured using 2 layers of non-absorbable suture; no suture removal is necessary. The outside skin is sealed with a layer of surgical glue which will make the incision look blue/purple. This will disappear shortly and the incision should begin to become less evident by 2 weeks post-operative.

Female Dogs. An incision is make on the abdomen from which both ovaries and the uterus are removed. The incision is closed using 2 layers of non-absorbable suture. There is no suture removal necessary. The outside skin is sealed with a layer of surgical glue, which will make the incision appear blue/purple. This will disappear shortly and the incision should begin to become less evident by 2 weeks post-operative.

Please do not clean the incision with hydrogen peroxide or any alcohol-containing liquids. If cleaning is necessary, contact-lens saline or simply blotting the incision with a warm, damp cloth is appropriate. Do not scrub the incision line.