Bones Update- First Surgery

Almost five days ago now, Bones underwent his first of two surgeries; this round included getting neutered, having a mass excised, cleaning his ears, and polishing his pearly-whites.


December 17th, 2007, West Ridge Animal Hospital...

8:20 AM: Presurgical exam and weigh-in. Bones is up to 64.3-- he has gained close to seven pounds already. Glucose is 253. The glucose was elevated because he had not received an insulin injection that morning since he was fasted for surgery. After seeing that the blood glucose was elevated Dr. Ebner gave Bones half of his usual dose of insulin to bring down his sugar level. Otherwise, his physical exam goes well and he is cleared for surgery. Premedication is given.

8:45 AM: Two technicians induce, intubate and prep Bones.

8:55 AM: Bones is neutered. Despite Dr Ebner's struggle with Bones' tough skin, all goes well.




















9:18 AM: Surgery proceeds to removing the mass from Bones' leg. Again, the thick skin makes for delays. Even so, the mass is excised, and the site sutured. Dr Ebner later explains that animals who are not neutered tend to have thicker skin due to the testosterone. They have tough skin to improve their chance of surviving fights in their battles to attain the position of alpha male.














9:51 AM: Bones is moved to the dental table where his teeth are scaled and polished. No teeth need repair; it is a routine dental procedure. While the surgical technician (Jenn) cleans his teeth, another technician (Kelli) clips his nails and Doctor Ebner cleans his ears.



And by 10:44 AM. Bones is awake and recovered, acting as though nothing happened.