Common surgical procedures for cats and dogs
Our experienced doctors perform all kinds of surgeries. This list covers just a few of the most common surgeries for cats and dogs:
Elective procedures, such as spays and neuters
Hernia repairs
Dental surgery, including teeth cleanings and surgical extractions
Bladder stone removal
Aural hematoma repair
Wound repairs
Foreign body removal, when your pet has swallowed something inedible
Mass removals, including tumors and other growths
Biopsies
Specialist surgical procedures
AAt Small Door, we can arrange for a board-certified surgical specialist to perform more complex procedures, such as orthopedic or advanced soft tissue surgeries, right here in our clinic, eliminating referral wait times and making the process as simple and stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
Having surgery in a familiar environment can help ease anxiety for both pets and their families. In addition, we partner with a network of top specialists, including cardiologists and board-certified anesthesiologists, who can join our team on request.
For pets needing extra anesthetic support, we’re proud to offer Safe Pet Anesthesia as an optional service. Their team of veterinary anesthesiologists and anesthesia-specialized technicians work with us in real time to develop customized anesthesia plans and provide expert guidance during your pet’s procedure. This added service offers an extra layer of safety and care, particularly valuable for pets with health concerns or higher surgical risk.
What to expect
Before your cat or dog has surgery, we’ll see them for a pre-operative appointment to discuss the procedure and check your pet’s health. This will include a physical exam plus some bloodwork to make sure your pet is healthy for surgery.
The night before your pet’s surgery, you’ll need to withhold food from midnight onwards, but you can keep providing water. Make sure everyone in your household is aware, so no-one accidentally gives them breakfast!
You’ll drop your pet off with us in the morning and leave them at the hospital until the procedure is complete and they’ve recovered from the anesthesia. We’ll send you regular updates and photos or videos of your pet throughout the day to let you know how they’re doing. You’ll then be able to pick them up later on the same day, unless there are any complications.
Post-surgery care
Your pet’s recovery time and any specific care requirements will depend on the type of surgery. Most pets recover relatively quickly from the anesthesia. A little wooziness and some post-anesthesia anxiety or fussiness is normal. Some pets may want to play again the same day, but they should be kept calm to help them recover. This means restricting play and exercise; dogs should only take short walks for potty breaks. Our doctors will advise on the exact timeframe for your pet depending on their procedure.
It’s useful to restrict your pet to a quiet room or area where they cannot run or jump. Crating can be helpful for dogs, and make sure your pet’s bedding is clean and dry to prevent the risk of infection. Cats should have a clean litter tray nearby, and you should remove any toys that encourage boisterous play. Chew toys and food puzzle toys can be helpful.
We’ll send your pet home with pain medication to keep them comfortable, and an E-collar (an Elizabethan collar) to prevent them from licking, chewing, or irritating the surgery site.
For any procedures requiring anesthesia, we’ll schedule a complimentary post-op exam around 10-14 days afterwards so we can check your pet is healing well and remove their stitches if needed.