Surgical procedures

What surgical procedures are most commonly performed on cats and dogs?

Common surgeries for cats and dogs include spays and neuters, hernia repairs, dental cleanings and extractions, removing bladder stones, repairing aural hematoma, cleaning and closing wounds, removing swallowed objects, taking off lumps or growths, and doing biopsies to help diagnose different health issues.

Do you perform surgeries at TVS animal hospital?

Yes we do! We have a modern surgical suite that allows us to perform many routine procedures, including spays, neuters, and soft tissue surgeries like mass removals, wound repairs, and dental surgery.

Will my pet need a checkup before their surgery?

Yes. Before surgery, our vets need to see your pet for a quick checkup. We will do a full physical exam and some bloodwork to make sure your pet is healthy and ready for anesthesia.

What happens on the day of my pet's surgery?

Before surgery, we will see your pet for a pre operative appointment to talk through the procedure, check their overall health, and run some bloodwork to make sure anesthesia is safe for them.

The night before surgery, your pet should not eat after midnight, but they can still have water until the morning. Be sure everyone at home knows so there are no accidental treats.

On surgery day, you will bring your pet in the morning and leave them with us while we complete the procedure and monitor their recovery. We will send you updates and let you know as soon as your pet is ready to go home.

Will my pet need to be under anesthesia for the procedure?

Yes. Every surgery requires anesthesia so your pet stays safe and comfortable without feeling any pain. Before the procedure, we will see your pet for a pre operative visit to make sure anesthesia is appropriate for them. During surgery, we use modern monitoring equipment to watch over your pet the entire time. If we ever have concerns about anesthesia, your vet will talk with you about other options.

Will my pet feel any pain during surgery?

With anesthesia, your pet will not feel any pain during surgery. We also give pain relief injections and use local anesthetic when needed. After the procedure, we will send you home with medication to help keep your pet comfortable while they heal.

Can my pet eat before their surgery?

No. For safety reasons, your pet should not eat before surgery. When pets are under anesthesia, their reflexes slow down, so if they have food in their stomach, they could vomit, which can affect their breathing.

To keep your pet safe, they will need to fast overnight. Do not give food after midnight, but water is still fine until the morning. Let everyone in your home know so there are no accidental treats or breakfasts.

How long will my pet’s surgery take?

Surgery time varies depending on what your pet needs. Some procedures take only a few minutes, while others may take a couple of hours. Most of the time, you will bring your pet in during the morning and pick them up later that day. If the surgery is more complex, your pet may need extra monitoring or even an overnight stay. Your TVS vet will explain the timing and recovery process before the procedure starts.

What do I need to do to take care of my pet after their surgery?

Your pet’s recovery depends on the type of surgery they had, but most pets bounce back quite quickly. It is normal for them to be a little sleepy, anxious, or fussy after anesthesia. Even if they want to play, it is best to keep them calm. Dogs should only have short walks for bathroom breaks. Your vet will tell you exactly how long your pet’s recovery should take.

Try to keep your pet in a quiet area where they cannot jump or run. If your dog stays in a crate, make sure the bedding is clean and dry. For cats, keep a clean litter box close by and take away any toys that encourage too much activity. Chew toys and food puzzles can help keep them occupied in a safe way. We may also prescribe medication to help your pet relax during recovery.

If needed, we will send your pet home with pain medication and an E-collar (Elizabethan collar) to stop them from licking or irritating their incision.

After surgery, we will schedule a post operative check within ten to fourteen days to make sure they are healing well and to remove stitches if needed.

How much time will my pet need to fully recover?

Recovery time varies based on your pet’s procedure, age, and general health. For most soft tissue surgeries, including spays and neuters, pets usually need about ten to fourteen days to fully heal. Your vet will go over what to expect during the pre operative visit.

Is there anything my pet should not do while they are recovering?

Your pet may need to skip a few activities while they heal. It is usually best to avoid play, jumping, and exercise until they are fully recovered. Try to keep them away from anything that might strain their incision. Chew toys and food puzzles are great ways to keep them entertained without too much movement.

How much should I expect to pay for my pet’s surgery?

The cost of surgery depends on a few things, including the type of procedure and your pet’s sex, weight, and overall health. We believe in being completely transparent, so you will always know the total cost before we start. If you ever have questions about pricing, reach out to us anytime.

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