Surgery Services
We provide many surgical services ranging from routine to advanced procedures.
Spay (ovariohysterectomy)
Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) refers to the surgical procedure performed on female dogs and cats to render them infertile. It involves the surgical removal of both the ovaries and the uterus.
There are many benefits to spaying your female companion. First, you will contribute to the prevention of the dog and cat overpopulation. Second, spaying will eliminate the heat cycles that attract males to your house from far away and, in cats, will eliminate the vocal behaviour associated with the heats. Third, you will help prevent diseases in your pet such as life threatening uterine infections, eliminate the risk of ovarian or uterine cancer and reduce the risk of mammary tumors if the procedure is done prior to the first heat cycle.
Caring for a litter or dealing with health issues related to unspayed pets can be expensive. Spaying is generally a one-time cost that can save money in the long run. Overall, spaying is a responsible choice that benefits both you and your pet.
Neuter (castration, orchidectomy)
Neutering (castration, orchidectomy) refers to the surgical procedure performed on male dogs and cats to render them infertile. Neutering involves the surgical removal of both testicles.
There are many benefits to neutering your male companion. First, you will contribute to the prevention of dog and cat overpopulation. Second, neutering will eliminate undesirable behaviors such as urine marking or aggression. Third, you will help prevent diseases in your pet such as prostate disease and testicular cancer.
Like spaying, neutering is a one-time expense that can save money in the long term by preventing the costs associated with caring for a litter or treating health issues.
Cystotomy
A cystotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision into the urinary bladder. At the Nation Veterinary Hospital, it is typically performed to remove bladder stones that can cause urinary blockages, irritation or infections.
A cystotomy is also performed to address various medical conditions, such as to excise tumors or abnormal growths in the bladder, collect tissue samples for diagnostic purposes or repair if the bladder is injured or has developed a defect.
Mass removal
A mass removal, or tumor excision, is a surgical procedure that involves several steps:
1. Preoperative Assessment: The veterinarian will perform a thorough examination and may run diagnostic tests (like fine needle aspiration/biopsy or imaging) to determine the mass’s nature and the overall health of the pet.
2. Anesthesia: The pet is placed under general anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
3. Surgical Preparation: The area around the mass is shaved and cleaned to minimize the risk of infection.
4. Removal of the Mass: The veterinarian makes an incision carefully dissecting the surrounding tissues to access it. The mass is excised along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure that all abnormal cells are removed. This is crucial, especially if the mass is cancerous. The incision is closed using sutures.
7. Postoperative Care: Postoperative instructions may include pain management, wound care, activity restrictions and suture removal
8. Histopathology: If the mass is sent for biopsy, results will determine if further treatment is necessary.
Recovery time varies depending on the size and location of the mass, as well as the individual pet’s health. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor healing and check for any signs of recurrence.
Dental extractions
Dental extractions in pets involve a series of steps to safely remove a tooth that is damaged, decayed, or diseased. Dental extractions in pets require general anesthesia and is often performed following a dental cleaning to reduce the risk of infection.
A thorough oral examination and dental X-rays under general anesthesia help to assess the condition of the tooth and surrounding structures and determine the best approach for extraction.
Tooth removal in pets often require an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and surrounding bone. Specialized instruments are used to loosen the tooth from its socket and carefully remove it. This may involve sectioning the tooth if it has multiple roots such as in molars. After the tooth is removed, the socket may be cleaned to remove any debris or infection.
If an incision was made, the gum tissue will be sutured with dissolvable suture material to promote healing.
Postoperative care include pain management, dietary modifications, and wound care.
A follow-up appointment is scheduled to check the healing process and ensure there are no complications.
Dental extractions are generally safe, but like any surgical procedure, they carry some risks. Monitoring your pet closely during recovery is essential to ensure they heal properly.
Specialty Surgery and Anesthesia (referral)
Because we want to ensure that our patients receive the best possible outcome, we occasionally refer them to specialists (board-certified veterinary surgeons or anesthesiologists) to perform complex surgeries when advanced equipment, training or monitoring will be beneficial
Surgery and anesthesia protocols vary greatly among veterinary hospitals.
If you are shopping around for a competitive price on surgical procedures, be sure to question the type of anesthetic used, the monitoring equipment and the procedures followed. Although the risk of an anesthetic death in a normal healthy pet is very rare, monitoring devices and protocols allow a faster response to an anesthetic emergency. Faster responses can save lives.
Anesthesia and monitoring protocols
General anesthesia results in a loss of consciousness and sensation to the body. The general anesthetic procedure involves several steps beginning with the administration of a sedative, followed by an intravenous injection of an anesthetic that renders the animal unconscious. Then, a breathing tube is placed into the trachea. An anesthetic gas is then delivered in combination with oxygen to the animal via the breathing tube to maintain the state of unconsciousness.
Anesthetic monitoring is a critical part of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of anesthesia during a surgical procedure. We monitor every procedure, regardless of whether it is routine or more advanced.
Here is what it typically involves:
1. Preoperative Assessment: Before anesthesia is administered, the veterinary team evaluates the pet’s health, including reviewing medical history and conducting a physical exam to identify any risks and to determine the best sedation or anesthetic protocol.
2. Monitoring Equipment: During the procedure, various monitoring devices are used to track vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature and oxygen levels
3. Depth of Anesthesia: The pet’s level of consciousness is assessed through physical responses, such as reflexes and muscle tone, to ensure the anesthesia is at the appropriate depth.
5. Fluid Therapy: Intravenous fluids are administered to maintain hydration and support blood pressure, and the flow rate is monitored.
6. Response to Changes: The monitoring team is trained to recognize signs of distress or adverse reactions. They can adjust anesthetic levels or provide additional medications if necessary.
7. Postoperative Monitoring: After the procedure, the pet is closely observed as they recover from anesthesia, ensuring vital signs are stable and they are comfortable.
Anesthetic monitoring is a collaborative effort involving veterinarians and veterinary technicians, all focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of the pet throughout the surgical process.
Pain Management
Pain management plays an important role in surgical recovery.
Managing pain helps keep pets comfortable and reduces their distress, allowing them to recover more effectively. Effective pain control can facilitate faster healing. When pets are in less pain, they are more likely to eat, move around, and engage in normal behaviors that support recovery.
Pets in pain may exhibit changes in behavior, such as aggression, withdrawal, or reluctance to interact. Managing pain helps maintain their usual demeanor and social interactions.
Uncontrolled pain can lead to complications, such as increased stress, prolonged recovery time, and even the development of chronic pain conditions.
Overall, effective pain management is essential for ensuring that pets receive the best possible care and support throughout their treatment and recovery.
Pre-operative blood testing and medications.
A Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is done prior to administering a sedative or general anesthesia to ensure that our patients receive the best possible outcome. This blood test verifies that all the organ systems are healthy and able to metabolize the sedatives and anesthetics needed to perform the procedure.
We will also prescribe medications to administer the evening and morning prior to the surgery so that your pet’s stay with us is as comfortable and stress free as possible. Depending on the procedure, the medications can include anti-anxiety/sedatives, antiemetics and/or antacids.
Surgery Day at the Nation Veterinary Hospital
Our veterinary team will take precautions to ensure that your pet receives a safe anesthetic. We perform a physical exam, review pre-anesthetic testing, monitor your pet during surgery, and provide pain medication during recovery.
When your pet is admitted for surgery, several key steps typically take place to ensure their safety and prepare them for the procedure:
1. Check-In Process: You will complete any necessary paperwork, including consent forms and medical history. The veterinary staff may ask about your pet’s recent health, medications, and any concerns you may have and ensure all instructions have been followed.
2. Preoperative Assessment: The veterinarian will conduct a physical examination to assess your pet’s overall health. This includes checking vital signs and reviewing blood work results and medical records to identify any risks.
3. Anesthetic Plan: The veterinary team will discuss the anesthesia plan, the type of anesthetics to be used and the monitoring procedures that will be in place.
4. Preparation: Your pet will be given a quiet, comfortable space to rest before surgery. They will receive a pre-anesthetic medication to help calm them and minimize anxiety.
5. Anesthetic Administration: Once it is time for surgery, your pet will be taken to the induction area. They will receive anesthetic drugs, usually starting with an injection to induce unconsciousness, followed by inhalation anesthesia for maintenance.
6. Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, your pet will be closely monitored for vital signs, oxygen levels, and anesthetic depth to ensure their safety.
7. Recovery: After the surgery is complete, your pet will be moved to a recovery area where they will be monitored as they wake up from anesthesia. The veterinary staff will ensure they are comfortable and stable.
8. Postoperative Instructions: Once your pet is fully awake, you will receive instructions for postoperative care, including medication, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
Throughout this process, the veterinary team will prioritize your pet’s safety and comfort, keeping you informed and addressing any concerns you may have.