As seen through "Riley's" Eyes:

I came to the hospital this morning with my Dad expecting the usual fuss, petting and liver treats. But today was different.

First the Doctor, along with help from her Technician (Veterinary Nurse) gave me a physical examination. They took my temperature, (humans are interested in my bum too!) respiration and heart rate. The Doctor gave me an injection with a sedative to make me sleepy. That wasn’t usual. When I was sleepy, I didn’t mind the IV catheter they put into my leg. Fluids dripped slowly so I could be hydrated and so that my kidney’s would stay healthy. I felt happy. When they gave me another medication through the catheter, I went right to sleep.

They told me later that I had an endotracheal tube inserted into my trachea so that the Doctor and the Technician could give me anesthetic and control my breathing during surgery. I had a Doppler monitor hooked up to another leg so that my blood pressure could be monitored throughout surgery.

My parents had the options of permanent identification for me – either a tattoo in my ear or a microchip under the skin.

While I was asleep the Doctor turned me on my back and checked my hips. This is called an Ortolani test. It checks the hip joint for laxity. If she gets a positive result she can follow up with hip x-rays while I am asleep. But I was fine.

My belly was clipped and washed in preparation for surgery.

While Dr. Crook did the surgery, the Technician continually monitored my heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and IV fluids to ensure my safety under anesthetic. She also made sure I was warm by putting warmed beanbags on my sides.

(larger)

The surgery involved removing my testicles through an incision pre-scrotally. All my sutures are absorbable, so all you see on the skin is that little red line.

After surgery, the Technician stayed with me until I was awake enough to have my endotracheal tube removed from my throat. She also kept me warm with a comfy bed.

When I could walk, my Dad took me home. So that was my big day. Even though I wasn’t really sure of what was going on, everyone was very patient and poured lots of attention on me. Next time in I’ll ask for those liver treats!