Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions/answers that we are frequently asked. If you have additional questions that aren't covered here, please feel free to give us a call at the Old Lyme Veterinary Hospital.

1. What are the Hospital hours?

   Our hospital is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm and on Saturdays we are open from 8:00am until noon. The hospital is closed on Sunday and major holidays.

2. Do I need to have an appointment?

    Yes, patients are seen by appointment.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

     Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express, Debit Cards and Citi Health Card.

4. Can I make payments?

    Payment is required at the time of service. For circumstances needing credit arrangements, we offer the Citi Health Card. This card which is provided thru Citibank offers no interest payment plans and budget payment plans with no down payment, no prepayment penalties and no annual fee. Applications by phone or online are available to you 24 hours, 7 days a week. To apply by phone call toll-free 1/866-843-2330 or online at www.healthcard.citicards.com.

5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?

   Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 6 months of age. Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.

6.  What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?

   This is a blood test that is run here in the clinic prior to surgery. It tests the organ functions, blood counts and clotting function of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.

7. How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?

   Procedures involving sutures require them to be removed in 10 - 14 days following the surgery.

8.  Is it a good idea to let my pet have at least one litter?

    No, there is no advantage to letting your pet have one litter. However there are plenty of advantages to having you pet spayed or neutered. These advantages include decreasing the chances of breast tumors later in life, decreasing the chance of cystic ovaries and uterine infections later in life, decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, decreasing the incidence of prostate cancer later in life, helping prevent spraying and marking, and also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.