mnp13 wrote:Past a few days old, I think docking should be done under anestetic - however I know of a number of vets who do it up to a month old with out. I was honestly unaware that it was not 'standard procedure' to do it this way.
5 days should be the limit, anything after should be anesthetized. 5 days is even pushing it, 3 days is best. Other vets may do it that way, it's not against the law, but I (and the vets I work for) think that is very wrong. I also think that the way most low cost spay/neuter clinics operate is unethical and dangerous, but hey, it's not illegal!
We've never had to "dig out bone." Vertebre spaces should be determined beforehand. Also, pull the skin back when you do it so that there is plenty of skin to put a little suture in. It's quick, and the pups just cry when they are removed from their sibs, then stop when they are returned.