Surgery

How much should I expect to pay?

The cost of surgery depends on your pet’s procedure, size, and overall health. We’ll always walk you through the full cost in advance, so there are no surprises. If you have any questions about pricing, we are happy to help.

Will my pet need another visit after the procedure?

For procedures that use anesthesia, we’ll set up a  follow-up visit about 10 to 14 days later. This gives us a chance to make sure your pet is healing well and to remove any stitches if needed.

What should my pet avoid while they heal?

Every pet needs some downtime after surgery. Hold off on the zoomies, the leaps, and the tug-of-war until your pet is fully healed. Keep anything away from the incision site, and swap wild play for brain games. Chew toys and food puzzles are perfect ways to keep them busy while they rest.

How long will my pet need to rest after surgery?

Recovery time varies for each pet, depending on their age, health, and the type of procedure. Most soft tissue surgeries, like spays and neuters, take about 10 to 14 days for full healing. Our vets will go over everything you need to know about recovery before your pet’s surgery.

What can I do to help my pet recover after surgery?

Your pet’s recovery time depends on their procedure, age, and health, but most bounce back quickly. Some sleepiness or fussiness after anesthesia is completely normal. Even if they seem eager to play, it is best to keep things calm and gentle. Dogs should go on short, leashed walks just to take care of business.

Give your pet a quiet space to rest where they cannot run or jump. If your dog is using a crate, keep it clean and dry. Cats should have easy access to a litter box and fewer toys that encourage wild play. Chew toys and puzzle feeders are great ways to keep them relaxed and entertained. If needed, we may prescribe medication to help them stay calm.

We will also send home any pain relief your pet needs, along with an E-collar to stop them from licking or chewing their incision.

About 10 to 14 days after anesthesia, we will see your pet for a free follow-up exam to make sure they are healing well and to remove stitches if needed.

About how long will my pet be in surgery?

Surgery time varies depending on what your pet needs, but most take between a few minutes and a few hours. For routine procedures, you’ll usually drop your pet off in the morning and pick them up later that day. If the surgery is more complicated, they may need to stay with us a little longer or overnight. Our vets will always let you know what to expect ahead of time.

Should my pet eat or drink before their procedure?

No, it is best not to feed your pet before surgery. Just like with people, eating beforehand can cause problems while under anesthesia. If your pet has food or water in their stomach, they could vomit, which may affect their breathing.

To keep your pet safe, we ask that you stop feeding them after midnight the night before surgery, but they can still have water until morning. Let everyone at home know so your pet does not sneak in an early breakfast.

How do you keep my pet comfortable during surgery?

Your pet will be completely comfortable during surgery thanks to anesthesia. We also use pain relief and local numbing medication when needed. After the procedure, we will send you home with pain medication to keep your pet relaxed and feeling good as they heal.

Does my pet need anesthesia for the surgery?

Yes, anesthesia is needed for all surgeries to make sure your pet stays completely safe and comfortable. Before the procedure, we’ll have a pre-surgery appointment to confirm your pet is ready and healthy for anesthesia. During surgery, we use modern monitoring equipment to keep a close eye on your pet the entire time. If your vet has any concerns about anesthesia, they’ll talk with you about possible alternatives.

What happens when I drop my pet off for their procedure?

Before your pet’s surgery, we’ll schedule a pre-surgery visit to go over the procedure, do a quick physical exam, and run some bloodwork to make sure your pet is healthy for anesthesia.

The night before surgery, please stop feeding your pet after midnight. Water is fine until the morning, but make sure everyone at home knows so no one slips them a snack.

You’ll bring your pet in during the morning, and they’ll stay with us until they’ve finished their surgery and recovered from anesthesia. We’ll keep you updated throughout the day and let you know exactly when it’s time to pick them up.

Which surgeries are most common for my pet?

Common surgeries for cats and dogs include:

• Spays and neuters
• Hernia repairs
• Dental care, such as cleanings and extractions
• Removing bladder stones
• Fixing aural hematomas (ear swelling)
• Treating and closing wounds
• Removing swallowed objects that shouldn’t be there
• Taking off lumps, bumps, and growths
• Doing biopsies to find out what’s causing illness or abnormal growths

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