Help - advice needed for horse's surgery (work is being difficult with time off)

[shadesofbay3]

Hi all - my horse is having all of her incisors (12) extracted on Thursday, and work is being a major as****e about giving me the day off on Thursday… they aren’t able to let me know until Wednesday if they can give me the day off

I can find out tomorrow whether or not I can drop her off on Wednesday and pick her up on Friday, so that takes care of getting her there. But my issue is, I want to be at the clinic for the procedure; not sure why. I know I will get a call after the surgery. My husband has offered to take time off to be there and talk to the vet (I guess they come out and talk to you like they do for humans in surgery?) But is it necessary for me to be there? If your horse has had surgery were you there? Is it worth me rescheduling for a day that I can physically be at the clinic to talk to the vet after he is done with my girl? I already have all my follow up questions ready, so when he calls I can step away from what I am doing and talk to him, but I guess what I’m asking is, is there an advantage to actually being at the clinic the day of the procedure

[cayuse]

My mini had sinus surgery in December, it required general anesthesia and a few days stay at the clinic. I was not there for the surgery. The surgeon called me twice before the surgery, once to let me know they were doing tests and once to let me know surgery was starting and then he called immediately after. And someone called me a few hours post-op with an update. On the flip side, I was there when my mare had eye surgery. I was comfortable both ways. If I’m totally honest, I worried less with the mini’s surgery as I kept myself busy at home with other stuff. Jingles for your horse!

[wsmoak]

In your situation I would prefer to drop the horse off the night before so the clinic staff can monitor and do whatever prep they need to do, then get phone updates as appropriate (if they find something and need a decision, etc.) and staying the night afterwards is great as well in case something pops up.

Only you can decide though! If the little voice in your head is telling you that you need to be there, then re-arrange things so you can be.

[shadesofbay3]

Thanks so much everyone- In this case I am planning to do the Wednesday drop off and Friday pick up… obviously have to wait to tomorrow to talk to clinic to see if that will be okay with them, but I’d rather her get settled in there and let them do whatever they need to. She’s older too, so that would help her get acclimated, and like you said, if they need to run tests, etc.

Not sure why I feel I need to be “there”, can’t help with much, but knowing that other people haven’t been on site makes me feel less like I’m not a neglectful momma!

[RedHorses]

I’ve only done it once and I took my horse over the afternoon before and picked him up the day after.

[endlessclimb]

I’ve sat in the waiting room, and would not recommend it. I’d strongly suggest dropping off and picking up later.

[SweetMutt]

I’ve sent mine off for a bone chip removal surgery and didn’t go with him. Similar to you, just couldn’t make the time off work. The clinic seemed completely used to this setup and was great with communication. I don’t think there would have been any benefit to me being physically present, though as I recall I had also hoped/assumed I would be before I got to the actual scheduling of it, and I think it was probably better that I had other things going on besides hanging out and worrying.

[MsM]

I think dropping off is more common than an owner staying on site in many of these situations. You can get as much information remotely as you can by being there. Arranging for the horse to stay longer than they expect might be the only difficulty.
If your husband is willing to be there and it will make you feel better you could do that. But it is more an emotional choice than a practical one.
I was fortunate that my work let me use"family illness" time when one of my animals had a major medical issue.Probably helped that they knew I had no human kids to take time off for.

[hoopoe]

my horse went through surgery and the vet called after. Being physically present is not of much value. If something arises in complication it is easier to call you than to leave a surgical suite. Horses in anesthesia recovery are a risk to all, managing surgical areas are best left to those who are expert.

I am sure managing the drop off and pick up for working owners is a common and familiar situation. Your vets office may even have space for rig parking so your journey can be a bit easier.

[Djones]

Drop off and pick up is the norm. They aren’t going to let you in there to hold her hoof

Sitting around swatting flies and being bored out of your gourd just eats up your PTO for no good reason.

[173north]

I’d drop her off and pick her up and find a way to keep yourself busy on Thursday, whether that’s at work or doing something else. Sitting at the clinic (or at home!) twiddling your thumbs is not helpful to you or her. Trust that she is in good hands and try not to worry too much.

[S1969]

@Djones

Drop off and pick up is the norm. They aren’t going to let you in there to hold her hoof

Sitting around swatting flies and being bored out of your gourd just eats up your PTO for no good reason.

Exactly. I’m sure the clinic would rather you not be there if they had their choice. It’s also very common for procedures and surgeries (veterinary and human) to be delayed or take longer for no reason connected to the patient (but to the OR schedule, other emergencies, or just random things), so being there and waiting just makes it more stressful in the event of a delay. Presumably the clinic will let you know when she is on her way in, and when they are done. And - when you can come see her.

[ladybugsbw]

Depending on how difficult the teeth are to remove, it could take a very long time. I had 6 (I think) removed from a mare and it was a very long procedure. I kept myself busy at home and they called with updates! Good luck with the surgery!

[TheBigEasy]

Just want to add- your husband is a saint for even offering.
It’s so nice when they step up to help - needed/wanted or not!

[trubandloki]

Jingles for a successful surgery today!

[cookie-monster]

I wouldn’t worry about it if you can’t be there. It could take a long time and they will give you an update and explain what went on. There’s really nothing that you being there will help. If something comes up, they’ll call you. You’ll get aftercare info and you can always call with questions afterward. Don’t worry.
Can I ask why your horse is having 12 incisors removed?

[trubandloki]

@shadesofbay3, how is your horse doing?