Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spay?
A spay is the surgical removal of the uterus and both ovaries in the dog and cat.
What is a neuter?
A neuter is the surgical removal of both testicles in the dog and cat.
If one or both testicles are retained, should they still be removed?
This condition is called cryptorchidism. Many refer to the condition incorrectly as a
monorchid.
Yes, both testicles need to be removed no matter where they may be located.
What drugs are used for a spay, neuter, or other general surgical procedure?
Any patient that is admitted to Companion Animal Clinic for anesthesia and a general surgical
procedure of any kind will have a balanced pharmaceutical plan designed specifically for that patient.
Warm IV fluids, anesthetic induction agents, general anesthetic maintenance agents, and pain
relievers will work together to provide a safe and pain controlled surgical experience. In most cases,
many of the same drugs and procedures we use at Companion Animal Clinic are the same drugs and
procedures used on humans.
How are surgical patients monitored during surgery?
Each patient is monitored by Dr. Dove, Dr. Jansons, Dr. Price or Dr. Quisenberry along with the
surgical technician assigned to your pet. EKG, blood pressure, body temperature, and blood oxygen
saturation (SpO2) are monitored during anesthesia. Special equipment is used to maintain body
temperature while asleep during the procedure.
Do different breeds of dog need different plans during general anesthesia?
Yes, different breeds of dogs need different anesthetic protocols. Thin breeds like the
Whippet, Grey Hound, Afghan Hound, or Scottish Deerhound have different requirements than breeds
like Mastiff, Newfoundland, or St. Bernard. Brachycephalic (short nosed) breeds like the English Bull
Dog, the French Bull Dog, or the Pug or Pekinese have special needs because of their anatomy, and, at
times, their difficulty with breathing easily and freely. Other breeds have special needs due to
possible cardiac trouble like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Very small breeds, like the Toy Poodle
or the Yorkshire Terrier or the Chihuahua loose body temperature very quickly. Special equipment to
keep patients warm and the use of warmed IV fluids help maintain proper body temperature.
How do you keep anesthesia as safe as possible?
Qualification for general anesthesia starts with a good interview and consultation with the
owner of the pet. Then, a complete physical examination, health profile and complete blood count is
next. General anesthesia is most safe when the owner and the veterinarian have a clear line of
communication about the medications used and the procedure being performed.
Do you offer caesarian sections?
Yes we offer caesarian sections. With the proper progesterone timing tests and an accurate
whelping date, caesarian sections can be scheduled. A scheduled caesarian section can nearly
guarantee that all puppies and their mother will go home safe and sound.
Do you offer emergency or after hours service?
Yes, we offer emergency and after hours service for our clients that need specialized breeding
services. We also offer planned caesarian sections on weekends and holidays. If you are our client,
and your breeding female (bitch or queen) requires an emergency caesarian section, we will be
available for you. We have available a 24 hour, 7 day a week live answering service. When you call
our answering service, the operator will take your name, phone number, and short history of your
problem. The doctor on call will then call you. If you do need emergency caesarian section, Dr. Dove
or Dr. Jansons will meet you at Companion Animal Clinic in Gainesville Virginia along with one of our
surgical technicians.
Do you allow the owner or breeder to watch the caesarian section?
Yes, our clients may watch the surgery. We also encourage our clients and their family or
assistants to help dry off the puppies / kittens. We also want the owner to be present when the bitch
or queen wakes up to nurse their newborns for the first time.
Do you offer health certificates for international travel or travel in the United States?
Yes we offer health certificates for travel. Dr. Dove and Dr. Jansons can examine your pet and
sign for international travel. Each country has specific regulations we must comply with, and based on
where you are traveling, you may need to start your paper work processing well in advance of your
flight. Call our office for more specific information.
Can you help me with an AKC inspection of my kennel?
We have helped many of our clients comply with AKC regulations and inspections. Call us for
a tailored approach to upgrading your paper work, records, and kennel operations. Our goal is to help
you run a quality kennel operation and score perfectly on any inspection.
Does Dr. Dove have specialized training in canine reproduction?
Yes, Dr. Dove has received the best training the world has to offer. He has completed a three
year training program provided by the European School of Advanced Veterinary Studies in Canine
Reproduction. The program was held at veterinary schools in Nante France, Hanover Germany, and
Milan Italy. Dr. Dove has also received individualized training from Dr. Linde-Forsburg (the foremost
researcher and authority on canine reproduction in the world) in Uppsala, Sweden. With this
advanced training, two United States Schools of Veterinary Medicine requested Dr. Dove to train
members of their faculty in advanced techniques in canine reproduction. Dr. Dove has also trained
many private practice veterinarians and regularly consults with veterinarians the world over on canine
reproduction problems.
Does Dr. Dove understand the problems and challenges of the dog breeder?
Dr. Dove has 38 years of experience in veterinary practice. Dr. Dove also breeds Scottish
Deerhounds, and was the breeder and co-owner (along with his wife, Cecilia) of G.Ch. Foxcliffe’s
Hickory Wind. “Hickory” was Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2011. In
addition to a long line of champion Scottish Deerhounds, Dr. Dove also maintains an AKC certified
canine frozen semen facility. Dr. Dove also consults with numerous kennel facilities that breed
working dogs for tracking, herding, and protection.
How much does a dog spay or neuter cost?
The cost of a spay or neuter for your dog depends on the size of your dog (based on weight),
and sometimes by the dogs age or a special medical consideration. We strive to provide the safest
anesthesia and the most complete monitoring of your pet while using the latest surgical procedures.
Our fees are very reasonable. In many cases, we are substantially cheaper while providing a top
quality service.
Do you provide special Bull Dog related surgery?
Yes, Dr. Dove and Dr. Jansons perform many of the surgeries that Bull Dogs require.
Elongated soft palate, everted ventricles, stenotic nares, juvenile vulva, facial fold infections, ear canal
ablation, ear canal resection, and infected tail and the required caudectomy are commonly scheduled
procedures at Companion Animal Clinic, Gainesville, Virginia.
What general anesthesia do you use?
In most cases, Sevoflurane gas is used to maintain anesthesia.
Do you offer dental care for my dog and cat?
We have the latest dental equipment for the oral health care of your dog and cat. High speed
drill, peizo cleaning, specialized polishing power tools, and floride treatment are part of the routine
care we provide. Our doctors and technicians are trained in all forms of dental and periodontal care.
Do you offer dental care for my rabbit, gerbil, rat, or guiney pig?
Yes, we can take care of overgrown teeth or abscesses for these pets.
Can you trim my birds’ beak, toe nails, and wings?
Birds require special care when their beak overgrows, is off balance, crooked, or is cracked.
Dr. Dove can shape the beak using a dremel like tool to look nearly normal, or in extreme cases, to a
functional and comfortable shape for your bird. Wings and toe nails can be clipped to your needs.
Do you have ultrasound?
Yes, Dr. Dove and Dr. Jansons have the training and skills necessary to use ultrasound
technology for advanced diagnostics. The diagnosis of canine pregnancy and canine pregnancy
monitoring are common uses for this instrument.
Can serum progesterone results be reported quickly?
Blood samples taken by 11 AM M – F will have results available around 5 pm the same day.
Call us for results. Blood taken after 11 AM M – F and before close of business will be available early
the next morning. Call us for results. Samples taken on Saturdays will be reported to you on Sunday
morning by our Sunday technician.