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Originally Posted by robinb  I totally agree with BIB and would never leave any animal unsupervised at night. |
I agree too!! Working in the human medical field, I couldn't fathom leaving a running IV in an animal overnight or post surgical patient with zero supervision. Even with the most benign maintenance fluid, damage can be done if the catheter infiltrates and is left to run all night long. Or an animal could develop complications and no one is there to notice.
I get the point about people in the way during emergent situations, people not capable of handling the situation, or interfering with care; but I think every situation has to be taken on a case by case situation. Working in a Trauma ICU, there has been a lot research on whether or not family should be allowed to visit the patient at any hour or be present for codes (trust me, this has met much resistance). The thought process is, when people are sick; that is when they need their family the most. Why should we hold patients "hostage" and restrict visitations during this critical time. Also, we find if a family is present for a code (and capable of handling it) it brings closure. It lets them know we did everything we could or helps them to make a decision on withdrawing care.
My point is, I think if a dog is considered too sick to go home after a surgery; than I don't understand how it can be rationalized that they are well enough to stay alone in an unfamiliar environment. My dogs are most comfortable with me and at my house. So I would insist on them coming back home before I would ever leave my dog unsupervised.
Also, I wouldn't be afraid to let the owners see the ugliness of situation either, because that may help them decide on how to proceed with their animal's care.
I don't think dogs should be taken in the "back" for minor procedures without the owners. My last vet attempted this, but quickly returned to get me when my dog got nasty about being poked. Once I came back, she was a little peach and let them do whatever they wanted.
I agree not all people are capable of handling situations, following directions with post surgical care, or staying out of the way during the delivery of care. But when talking to people, you can usually get a sense how capable they are of following directions and base your decision from there. I just don't think it should be a hard and fast rule when it comes to this stuff.