Veterinary Surgery

What to Expect from Surgery

We always aim to keep you fully informed about why we are recommending surgery for your pet as well as the details of the procedure and the post-operative care you will need to provide for your companion.

Surgical Procedures

Our vets at St. Francis Veterinary Hospital routinely perform the following elective and non-elective surgeries:

• Soft Tissue Surgery

  For pets who are suffering from nose, throat and ear issues, we offer a wide range of soft tissue procedures. 

  These procedures are also available for urogenital, cardiothoracic, oncological, gastrointestinal and skin disorders. 

• C-Sections

  During a C-section, or cesarean section, we surgically remove kittens or puppies from their mothers uterus.

  C-sections are typically performed with the mother is unable to give birth naturally. 

• Ocular

  If your pet is experiencing redness, discomfort, or other symptoms of ocular issues around their eyes, they may need surgery.

  Common ocular procedures for cats and dogs include eyelid tumor removal, cataract surgery, ectropion surgery, entropion surgery, exenteration of the orbit and cherry eye surgery. 

• Orthopedic Surgery

  Orthopedic surgeries are an umbrella term for any surgery which treats ligaments, bones, tendons and joints among other skeletal structures in your pet. 

• Dental Surgery

  Our veterinarians provide dental surgeries for dogs and cats. These surgeries can range from tooth extractions to gum disease treatment and jaw fracture repairs.

• Cosmetic Surgery

  Cosmetic surgeries cover a wide range of voluntary surgeries to help your pet look their best. These include, but aren't limited to, ear cropping, lump removal, tail docking and dewclaw removal.

• Pyometra Surgery

  Pyometra is a common condition in unspayed female dogs as they grow older. This infection of the uterus can be difficult to detect and threaten your pet's life.

  Surgical treatment of pyometra involved the removal of your pet's infect uterus and ovaries, in order to alleviate their illness and prevent it from occurring again in the future.

• Spaying & Neutering

  Wen a dog or cat is spayed or neutered, they are being surgically sterilized while under general anesthetic in order to prevent disease and unwanted pregnancy. 

  Spaying & Neutering FAQs

  Here are some of the most commonly asked questions our clients have about spaying and neutering their pets.

  • At what age should I have my pet altered (spayed/neutered)

    For the majority of dogs and cats, we recommend having them altered between four and six months of age. Pets that are altered at a young age typically have a better rate of recovery than older pets. 

    Spaying a dog or cat before her first heat cycle can greatly reduce her risk for mammary cancer. In addition, this eliminates the risk for uterine and ovarian cancers and pyometra, an infection of the uterus seen in intact females that can be fatal

    Neutering animals young can help prevent aggression, spraying/marking, and the urge to roam. However, if your pet is older than this, it is still a good idea to have the procedure, as it still provides many health benefits in older animals. Ask a technician for more information.

  • I’m not sure if I want to spay my pet. I’m thinking about breeding her. Do you have any advice?

    Breeding an animal can be a complicated and costly affair. Many pets will give birth naturally, but there is also the chance of needing an emergency Caesarian section to safely deliver the litter. This is especially common in smaller dogs and certain breeds like bulldogs.

    A C-section surgery can cost anywhere from $600 to $1600, depending on when and where it is performed. Our doctors will be happy to talk to you about the risks and benefits of breeding.

  • What about my male pet? What are the benefits of getting him neutered?

    Neutering an animal removes the risk for testicular cancer and may help lower the risk for prostate issues later in life. Neutering a dog can also help curb aggression and other behavioral issues such as roaming and marking, if done early.

    Finally, 1 out of every 3 pets will get lost in their lifetime. An intact male can easily sire a litter of puppies if he gets loose, so neutering is essential for population control.

The Surgery Process

We know that the prospect of bringing your pet in for veterinary surgery can be an anxiety-inducing one. But be confident that we only recommend surgery when it is the best option for your pet. 

We will ensure that you fully understand why we are recommending surgery, and that you are comfortable making the decision to move ahead. 

If your pet requires a surgery which is particularly advanced, such as cataract, back surgery, or complex fractures, we will refer you to a veterinary specialist in surgery.

Surgical protocols at our clinic include:

Pre-surgical assessments. We will confirm the specifics of the procedure, complete a physical examination of the patient, and make sure blood tests have been completed and reviewed by the vet in order to determine if your pet faces any risk of anesthesia-related complications.

Dedicated surgical suites. Surgeries are performed in a dedicated surgical suite. This room is kept completely sterile to prevent infection and cross-contamination.

Surgical attire. Our staff wear disposable caps and masks at all times when they are in the surgical suite. Those involved in the procedure itself will also wear sterile gowns and single-use gloves.

Sterile packs and equipment. We carefully clean, sterilize and wrap our surgical instruments and equipment prior to every surgery.