From: mverman@msus1.msus.edu
Newsgroups: rec.pets.cats
Subject: Re: Neutering question
Date: 22 Nov 92 17:56:04 -0600
Distribution: usa
Organization: Minnesota State University System

(Richard Hart) writes:
> 
>>>Is is normal for the vet to keep the cat overnight after
>>>neuter surgery? This is a male cat. I don't remember this
>>>being the practice last time I had a boy cat (years ago).
>>>

>>>
>>>Net wisdom?
> 
>>Your vet has learned much from watching cats over
>>the years.
> 
>>He's learned to fluff up his invoices.
> 
>>Steve
>  
> Steve, I hope you don't take this attitude the next time your cat is really in
> need of being under observation for something at the vet.  Hemingway
> stayed at the Humane Society for two extra days after neutering (the age
...reason) at no cost to me because they were not satisfied with the way
> that he came out of the anesthesia.  
> 
> I can't say it's a *normal* practice, but I unless your vet does this
> every time something major occurs in your cat's health care, even when it
> doesn't seem necessary, I certainly wouldn't consider it a simple fluffing
> of the paycheck.
> 
Stover  

Hullo.
Both my female and male kitten were kept overnight after neutering.  This is
the standard procedure at the hospital/pet store/kennel we used, which has a
reduced fee spay, neuter and vaccination programme.  They were very kind about
arrangements, provided a (mandatory but free) presurgery check up and 
consultation with the operating vet each time, called me post-surgery of their 
own initiative, and removed the stitches from the female without charging for 
the follow-up visit.

This was all done at a fee substantially less than our usual vet, who was
unavailable at the time.  He charges $20.00 to $40.00 more for neutering,
and does not routinely keep males overnight.

Being a first-time cat owner, and cherishing the first kitten especially, I was
glad to have the veterinary hospital monitor him overnight--particularly
because the vet was new to us, too..  

Fees vary widely here in metro Minneapolis, as elsewhere.  In our case,
additional services did not result in a higher bill.  Because a cat was kept
overnight, that alone does not mean the owner paid too much, nor does it mean 
the vet pads his bills (a cynical and unfounded suggestion).  Comparison 
shopping by phone in advance is the best way to get the most for your money, 
and reassure yourself about usual and reasonable fees.  Different types of
facilities have different staffing, overhead and orientations that contribute 
to their different fee structures.  For example, because our regular vet offers
a multiple cat discount for vaccinations and the hospital/kennel does not, the 
annual vaccination fee for one cat is more at the vet's, but for our three cats
it's about the same at both places.  

Of course, considerations other than $ may enter into your decision.  In our
case, the hospital has staffing turnover:  The vets are young and sharp, but 
tend to move on.  Our vet is here to stay.  Our vet is very close, which reduces
car ride angst.  I trust this vet.  We had a great beginning:  

For the initial visit  my husband and I both went with the little white 
van pattern fellow.  We were new to cat ownership; responsible and protective. 
The vet answered all our questions and educated us about foods, toileting, 
behaviour management.  All very earnest, yet relaxed and unhurried.  The whole 
while, Applaton the kitten sat purring, perched atop the vet's comfy, white 
head!

...ShuEnjoy your Thanksgiving holidays, all

... Shu