Sondel Family Veterinary Clinic

FAQs

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.

We Proudly Serve the Pets of Madison, WI and Beyond

We will strive to the best of our ability to have a friendly and caring environment in which we can create an atmosphere of trust between our staff and clients.

Post & Pre-Op FAQ

My pet is scheduled to have surgery, what do I need to know ahead of time?

Patients scheduled for a surgical procedure are asked to be dropped off when we open Monday through Wednesday at 8:00AM and Thursdays at 11:00AM. It is important that patients scheduled for surgical procedures are not fed anything starting at 10:00PM the night prior to surgery. Water is completely fine at any point in time. If your pet normally gets medications in the morning, please call the clinic they are scheduled to have surgery at (East (608) 497-1394 or West (608) 497-1392) to inquire if they should be given or not. When you drop your pet off the morning of surgery, you will check-in with a client care specialist before the doctor performing the procedure checks your pet in personally. The client care specialist will set up a discharge time for your pet with you that will be no later than 4:30PM Monday through Wednesday, and no later than 6:00PM on Thursday.

My pet is scheduled to have a dental procedure tomorrow, what do I need to know ahead of time?

Patients undergoing dental procedures, including routine cleanings, will be fully anesthetized and pre-operative care is like that of a surgery. Patients scheduled for a dental procedure are asked to be dropped off when we open Monday through Wednesday at 8:00AM and Thursdays at 11:00AM. It is important that patients scheduled for dental procedures are not fed anything starting at 10:00PM the night prior to surgery. Water is completely fine at any point in time. If your pet normally gets medications in the morning, please call the clinic they are scheduled to have surgery at (East (608) 497-1394 or West (608) 497-1392) to inquire if they should be given or not. When you drop your pet off the morning of the procedure, you will check-in with a client care specialist before the doctor performing the procedure checks your pet in personally. The client care specialist will set up a discharge time for your pet with you that will be no later than 4:30PM Monday through Wednesday, and no later than 6:00PM on Thursday.

My pet is scheduled to have an abdominal ultrasound, what do I need to know ahead of time?

Patients having an abdominal ultrasound will need to arrive on an empty stomach to allow for optimal imaging. Please do not feed your pet after 10PM the night prior to their scheduled ultrasound. Water is completely fine at any point in time. If your pet normally gets medications in the morning, please call the clinic they are scheduled to have the ultrasound at (East (608) 497-1394 or West (608) 497-1392) to inquire if they should be given or not. When you drop your pet off the morning of the ultrasound, you will check-in with a client care specialist. When your pet’s ultrasound is complete, the doctor will call you to schedule a discharge time no later than 4:30PM Monday through Wednesday or no later than 6:00PM Thursday.

My pet is scheduled to have a CT, what do I need to know ahead of time?

Patients must be sedated while a CT scan is being performed. Please do not feed your pet after 10PM the night prior to their scheduled CT scan. Water is completely fine at any point in time. If your pet normally gets medications in the morning, please call the west clinic they at (608) 497-1392 to inquire if they should be given or not. When you drop your pet off the morning of the CT scan, you will check-in with a client care specialist and schedule a discharge time no later than 4:30PM Monday through Wednesday, 6:00PM Thursday, or 3PM Friday.

When should my pet have their sutures removed?

10 to 14 days after the procedure. Please call the clinic to schedule an appointment.

How long should my pet wear a cone?

In most cases, a pet should wear their Elizabethan collar (also referred to as an e-collar or “cone” collar) for a minimum of 2-weeks post-operatively. E-collars should be worn whenever you are unable to actively watch your pet to prevent them from disturbing their incision. Bacteria from the mouth, as well as abrasions from licking, can be detrimental to the healing process.

How can I access my pet’s x-rays, ultrasound, or CT images?

If your pet had x-rays or a CT scan at Sondel Family Veterinary Clinic, they are accessible on our website using the Radiograph Access portal and the patient ID of your last name, comma, space, and the patient’s first name as it appears in their patient file. If you are unsure how it appears in their patient file, you can check your invoice. If your pet had an ultrasound at our EAST clinic, their ultrasound images will be accessible following the directions above. If your pet had an ultrasound at our WEST clinic, please call the clinic at (608) 497-1392, and a link to view the ultrasound will be emailed to you. If you are having trouble accessing the ultrasound via the link emailed to you, please make sure you are using Chrome as your internet browsing on a desktop computer and laptop.

Wellness Exam FAQ

What does it mean if my pet is scheduled for a “tech appointment”?

Some appointments require only a quick injection, vaccine, nail trim, anal glands, etc. These we tend to schedule with our extremely talented and capable technicians. What this means is that your pet won’t be seeing a veterinarian for this visit, but if the technician has any questions about what they find, a veterinarian is on premises. If you have additional questions unrelated to your technician appointment, you may need to make another visit when the veterinarian is available.

Why are some vaccines yearly and others every 3 years?

Our vaccine protocol is based on the AVMA recommendations, which are also based on what the vaccine is meant to prevent. As a rule of thumb, if the vaccine is protecting against a virus (I.e. distemper or rabies) then the protection can last a bit longer after the initial boosters. If the vaccine is meant to protect against a bacterium (lyme, lepto, bordatella) the protection won’t last as long and needs to be boostered more frequently, or yearly. This is slightly different in cats, as they are more prone to something called “Feline Injection Site Sarcoma” (or FISS for short) that can be aggravated by the ingredients in a vaccine that allows them to be effective longer, which is why we do yearly vaccines in cats. While this complication is extremely rare, it is very aggressive and potentially fatal if it were to happen, so our doctors have elected to give the vaccine form that does not include the “long lasting” additive.

My pet doesn’t do well at the vet, is there anything I can do to prepare them?

Absolutely! We want to make every visit as easy and stress free as possible for you and your pet. For cats, we always recommend having the carrier in a common area prior to the appointment day. Cats are attached to homes/places, so if your carrier is normally kept in a basement, garage, outside, or at another residence, how it smells could escalate your cat’s anxiety even before coming. With some cats as well, medication is also required prior to the appointment to further lower their anxiety. Please let us know if your pet has a history of needing this medication or if it’s something you’d like to try based on previous experience as we’re always happy to send some home to make the experience more pleasant for everyone.

For dogs, if they have had a previous stressful experience, please let us know. We’re happy to send home medication to try and see if we can make it a better visit! Also, you’re always welcome to stop by to say hello and have a stress-free visit! They don’t always have to have something potentially scary happen every time they come. We are in this profession because we love animals and are always happy to help “socialize” them.

What’s the difference between core vaccines and lifestyle vaccines?

Core vaccines are vaccines that are either required by law or that could affect a pet at any life stage or circumstance. For both dogs and cats, these include the rabies vaccine and the distemper vaccine. Sondel Family Veterinary Clinic’s distemper vaccine protects against 4 different common viruses – canine distemper, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, and parvovirus (“4-way”). The lifestyle vaccines that we offer for dogs are leptospirosis, lyme, bordetella (kennel cough), and influenza (H3N2/H3N8). For cats, our distemper vaccines cover 4 common feline viruses (feline rhinotracheitis, calici, panleukopenia, and chlamydia psittaci). The only feline lifestyle vaccines we offer is the FeLV/FIV (Feline Leukemia virus and Feline Immunodeficiency virus) combo vaccine.

What is leptospirosis? Does my dog need the lepto vaccine?

Leptospirosis is a bacterium that is spread via wild animal urine and can be found in any water source (pond, bird bath, lake, puddle etc.). It can cause liver failure, kidney failure, difficulty breathing, and death. If your dog swims, likes to lick gross things outside, drinks out of anything outside, it is highly recommended.

What is lyme disease? Does my dog need the lyme vaccine?

Lyme disease is a bacterium that is spread via the deer tick and can cause limping/limb soreness and limping, swollen lymph nodes, joint swelling, fatigue, fevers and loss of appetite. In addition, serious kidney complications have been associated with lyme disease in dogs. If your dog goes hunting, to dog parks, or runs around in areas with tall grass, it is highly recommended.

What is Bordetella? Does my dog need the Bordetella vaccine?

Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacterial agent responsible for kennel cough in dogs. It causes inflammation of your dog’s upper respiratory system and this inflammation leads to coughing and illness that can expose your dog to secondary infections. It is highly contagious between dogs that are sharing saliva in water bowls, on toys, and by playing. If your dog is boarded, goes to dog parks, groomed, goes to dog shows, or is frequently around other non-family dogs, it is highly recommended (and most facilities require it).

What is canine influenza? Does my dog need the canine influenza vaccine?

Canine Influenza in dogs can cause a cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy, eye discharge, a reduced appetite, and some dogs may show no signs of illness. In severe cases, pneumonia and sometimes death may also happen. While not common in our area, at times cases do pop up. Because of this, some local kennels also have it as a requirement.

What is FeLV/FIV?

FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). While a cat with either virus has the potential of living a healthy, long life, some may be affected more than others. When the FIV virus is active (which may take months or years), it can weaken the cat’s immune system, leaving them at risk for different infections. The virus has also been shown to cause cancers in some infected cats. While FELV is a different virus, it may present like FIV in cats. FELV is the most common cause of cancer in cats, may cause various blood disorders, and may lead to a state of immune deficiency that hinders a cat’s ability to protect itself against other infections. FELV is considered the “nice cat” virus and FIV the “mean cat” virus because of how they are transmitted. FELV can be passed between cats through saliva, tears, nasal secretions, urine, and feces, while FIV is transmitted when an infected cat bites another and is highly unlikely to be passed through casual contact.

How do I collect a fecal sample?

To collect a sample, simply gather a grape-sized amount (approximately 1 tablespoon) of stool in one of our pre-paid fecal collection containers, zip-lock bag, dog poop bag, or a clean/dry receptacle. Store the sample either at room temperature or in the refrigerator – do not let it freeze – for up to 24 hours. If the sample was collected frozen outside, unfortunately it may no longer provide the information we are testing for. The fresher the better! All samples should be labeled with your pet’s name and your last name. If you are collecting a stool sample from a litter box, it is OK for there to be litter mixed in with or on the stool.

How do I collect a urine sample from my dog?

You can collect a urine sample from your dog at home using the “free catch” collection method. This is done by holding a cleaned/dried container underneath them while they urinate. If your dog urinates close to the ground, try using a shallow Tupperware container that you can slide under their back end while they are urinating. Another strategy is to use a soup ladle. The best time to collect a urine sample is first thing in the morning when the urine will be the most concentrated. The lab needs approximately 1 tablespoon of liquid to run a test.

Reproductive FAQ

When should I start progesterone testing my dog before breeding?

We recommend starting to test the progesterone serum levels 5-7 days after you first notice blood coming from your female’s vulva.

How much semen is considered a breeding dose?

Our general rule of thumb is that we’re looking for 200,000,000 viable sperm to consider it a breeding dose. With that being said, we have made litters with a lot less; the doctor may just need to discuss possible changes in the breeding plans.

What are the important progesterone numbers before breeding?

We know that once a bitch crosses 5.0ng/ml in her serum concentration, she is ovulating. If you are planning a natural breeding, side by side, or artificial insemination with chilled semen, we recommend breeding 2 days after ovulation, and then 2 days after that. If you are planning on using frozen semen, we want the bitch’s serum progesterone levels to be slightly higher to ensure the eggs are full matured and optimally receptive to the sperm.

I am using frozen semen for an upcoming breeding, why does SFVC recommend a surgical insemination over a TcI?

We know that when sperm are frozen, it decreases the numbers that were viable prior to freezing, as well as decreases their survival rate. We want to have the sperm put out the least amount of effort to find and inseminate the eggs, so we recommend surgical inseminations when using frozen semen, so the sperm doesn’t have to travel the full length of the vaginal canal, cervix, or uterine horns.

I want to get my male collected and have the semen frozen. Do you do that? How does it work? How much does it cost?

We offer “collect and freeze” appointments on Tuesdays at our West Clinic (1848 Waldorf Blvd) from 10AM-12PM. The appointment involves a doctor manually collecting a sample from the dog, then analyzing it using a microscope and our digital SpermVision software. The doctor will discuss the vitality and motility of the sample with you and pending the quality, how many breeding doses your dog produced. After your appointment, our technician performs the freezing process on the sample where the semen is frozen as pellets, and then placed into vials and stored in containers of liquid nitrogen. After this process is complete the sperm can be stored indefinitely. Two to four weeks after the initial freeze, the technician will perform a “test thaw” on a single pellet of the sample to ensure the sperm survived the freezing process – if there are any concerns with the test thaw, we will contact you personally. The total cost is covered at the time of the appointment and ranges from $500-600, depending on how much semen your dog produces, as the first year of storage is included with the price ($12.72 per vial per year). How much they produce varies depending on the size of the dog, their age, health, if there is a “teaser” present (a bitch in heat), and whether the dog has been collected before. If for whatever reason we are unable to collect a sample or the sample produced is not viable enough to freeze, further options can be discussed at that time and charges may differ.

What’s the difference between a side-by-side AI, TCI, and a surgical insemination?

What we refer to as a “side by side” is when we collect a male, analyze the semen, and then inseminate into the bitch using a Mavic catheter. This is also the method we use when using chilled semen. With a TCI, we insert a speculum into the bitch, feed a catheter through the cervical opening and inseminate the fresh or chilled semen into the uterine horns. We recommend this procedure if the female has had issues being bred previously, the semen quality is poor despite being fresh, or the breeder would prefer it over the standard insemination. With a surgical insemination, the bitch is completely put under anesthesia, an abdominal incision is made, the uterine horns are exteriorized, and after evaluation, the semen is inseminated sterilely directly into the uterine horns. Because the bitch is put under anesthesia, we recommend this only if the semen is frozen as the process of freezing semen can be traumatic to the cells, so it can dramatically decrease the sample’s numbers. With this procedure, we put the sample exactly where it needs to go when the eggs are most receptive to the semen.

I want to breed my dog. My breeding mentor recommends a TCI - why is that more expensive?

While we do perform TCI’s, in most cases they may not be necessary. Generally, a TCI is only recommended if the semen quality is poor – whether he didn’t produce enough sperm to constitute a breeding dose or the percent motile is low. If the female has had issues getting pregnant previously, some breeders prefer a TCI over a standard AI, and that’s OK as well.

I’ve been running progesterone tests at my local vet - do I have to run one at your clinic before breeding?

Yes. We require a progesterone test to be run at our clinic on our machine prior to any breeding. We want to give the best care possible with the best possible outcomes, and to do so we need to make suggestions based on numbers we are confident about.

Parasiticide FAQ

What are the differences between the flea and tick products you carry?

Sondel Family Veterinary Clinic carries six different types of flea and tick prevention for dogs, and two different flea and tick preventatives for cats. Which of these we recommend for you and your pet will vary depending on your lifestyle and your pet’s individual needs. Below are the products we carry in-house and most frequently recommend for our patients, in alphabetical order:

FrontLine Gold for cats: monthly topical that kills fleas and ticks.
FrontLine Gold for dogs: monthly topical that kills fleas and ticks. Safe for use in pregnant and lactating dogs.
Nexgard for dogs: monthly chewable tablet that kills fleas and ticks before they can transfer diseases.
Revolution Plus for cats: monthly topical that kills fleas and ticks, prevents heartworm disease, treats, and controls ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms.
Seresto for dogs: collar providing up to 8-months of flea, tick, and lice repellent. Kills fleas and ticks.
Simparica for dogs: monthly chewable tablet that kills fleas and ticks before they can transfer diseases.
Simparica Trio for dogs: monthly chewable tablet that kills fleas and ticks before they can transfer diseases and prevents heartworm disease, roundworm and hookworm infestations.
Seresto for dogs: collar providing up to 8-months of flea, tick, and lice repellent. Kills fleas and ticks.
Vectra 3D for dogs: monthly topical that repels and kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, mites, and biting & sand flies.

What are the differences between the heart worm prevention that you carry?

Sondel Family Veterinary Clinic offers 3 different types of heartworm prevention for dogs. Which of these we recommend for your dog depends on your lifestyle and their individual needs. The products we carry in-house and most frequently recommend are:

Heartgard Plus: monthly chewable tablet that prevents heartworm disease, hookworm, and roundworm infestations.
ProHeart 12: yearly injection that prevents heartworm disease and treats hookworm infestations. Safe for pregnant and lactating dogs, and ivermectin-sensitive collies.
Simparica Trio: monthly chewable tablet that prevents heartworm disease, kills fleas and ticks before they can transfer diseases and prevents hookworm and roundworm infestations.

I give my dog heartworm prevention year-round – why do they still need an annual heartworm test?

There are a few reasons. First a foremost, if there was any chance your pet was infected by heartworm via a breakthrough in prevention, and you test yearly as well as got the prevention through your vet, the manufacturer will cover the $2K+ in treatment. While most people just refer to it as a “heartworm test”, we’re in fact testing for 3 common tick borne diseases as well. Lyme, ehrlichia, and anaplasmosis are 3 of the most prevalent diseases contracted by ticks in our area. If left untreated, the infection may cause your dog to become very sick, and in some extreme cases, pass away, which is why we want to stay on top of any potential exposures.

Pre-Planning and Pet Aftercare

How do I know when it’s time?

You know your pet, and will recognize specific changes that indicate the right time, such as:

Lack of interest in food or water
Incontinence (accidents in the house) or being unable to eliminate without falling down
No longer greeting you when you come home
No longer patrolling the yard or protecting their territory
Lack of grooming in cats, and some dogs
No longer wagging their tail, or constantly holding it down
Isolation from the family or other household pets, particularly in places they seldom go
Lack of interest in playing
Inability to stand or walk on their own
Attitude changes, such as depression, aggression, or confusion
Not wanting to do the things they enjoy
Having fewer good days than bad

How do I know if my pet is in pain?

Pain signs can vary depending on your pet and their disease process. Please request an appointment or contact a doctor if you suspect your pet is in pain.

How do I schedule an appointment to have my pet humanely euthanized?

You may schedule an appointment for humane euthanasia by calling the clinic of your choice or completing an appointment request form. If you are not sure if euthanasia is the right choice currently but are concerned about your pet’s quality of life, please schedule an appointment with a veterinarian to discuss their quality of life.

Should I bring my children to the appointment?

You are the best person to decide who should be present. Keep in mind that young children, younger than 5 or 6 years old, may not understand the concept that death is permanent and be confused or distraught by their parent’s emotions. If you are concerned that children may distract from your pets’ final moments, we suggest they not be present.

Can I stay with my pet during the euthanasia procedure?

Yes, you are welcome to stay for the procedure if you feel comfortable. Shortly after arrival your pet will be separated from you for a short time to allow the nurses to place an intravenous catheter into their front leg, but then they will be returned to you in the exam room where you may elect to be present for the entire procedure. Some, however, wish to be present for sedation only. It is your personal decision.

What can I expect with a peaceful passing?

To ensure a peaceful passing, Sondel Family Veterinary Clinic uses a two-step process that starts with a heavy sedative. This will cause your pet to feel calm and comfortable before they fall asleep, after which the veterinarian will inject the euthanasia medication, which is an overdose of a barbiturate, into your pet’s vein. This medication affects the brain first, then stops respiration and the heart. After your pet passes, you may take as much time as you need to say your final goodbyes.

How does the euthanasia drug work?

The euthanasia solution stops all brain function, so no signals are being sent to the heart or lungs, which in turn will stop working.

Is humane euthanasia painful for my pet?

No. An anesthesia induction agent is often used to provide sedation prior to the euthanasia solution being administered.

How long does the euthanasia process take?

A euthanasia appointment is scheduled for 30-minutes. Your pet is first fitted with an intravenous catheter, then given an injection of a heavy sedative that will help them to relax or, in some cases, fall asleep. The final injection is fast acting and takes effect in 30 to 60 seconds in most patients. After the procedure, the veterinarian will confirm the absence of a heartbeat and leave the exam room to give you as much alone time with your pet as you need.

What will happen after my pet is euthanized?

Most people choose to have a pet cremated unless they have an option for burial at home. If cremation is elected, Sondel Family Veterinary Clinic will coordinate with Memorial Pet Services to transport your pet to their facility for cremation. If private cremation or a paw print is selected, Sondel Family Veterinary Clinic will coordinate with Memorial Pet Services to have these items returned to Sondel Family Veterinary Clinic, after which our staff will contact you for pick-up.

Can my pet be cremated with their collar on or with their favorite toy, bed, or blanket?

No, any non-organic materials present will be removed at the crematorium prior to the pet being placed in the cremation chamber. Sondel Family Veterinary Clinic will save collars, blankets, etc. left at euthanasia appointments for pets receiving private cremation and/or memorial item(s). If selecting communal cremation and no memorial item(s), you may take your pet’s collar and any other personal belongs after the appointment, or request that they be set aside for you to pick up later.

What is pet cremation? Where are pets cremated?

Just like with human cremation, flame-based pet cremation uses high heat to reduce a body to cremated remains, or what most people call “ashes”.

When a pet is cremated, you can choose to have the cremated remains (ashes) returned to you or not. Sondel Family Veterinary Clinic works exclusively with a trusted pet crematorium in Madison called Memorial Pet Services.

You may elect to have the cremated remains returned to you by selecting private cremation. Private cremation is when only one pet is placed in each crematory chamber. Alternatively, pets are placed into the crematory together and cremated together with a communal cremation.

How do I choose between private and communal cremation?

Consider your own circumstances, religious or spiritual beliefs, or history with previous family pets. You may choose private cremation if you would like to scatter ashes somewhere meaningful to you, want physical remains in an urn where you can see them in your home, or want the option of creating a keepsake which incorporates ashes such as a piece of jewelry. Many pet owners want to remember their loved pets in their mind or through photos instead and elect communal cremation.