Dog Surgery - What to Know If Your Dog is Having Surgery

Free First Visit Offer (657) 756-5683 Understanding why your dog is having surgery, what the procedure entails, and what the recovery time will look like are important questions to discuss with your veterinarian at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care. A light blue heart icon on a white background, symbolizing compassion and care, often associated with veterinarians. A minimalist image featuring a large green curved shape on the right side, reminiscent of a veterinarian symbol, set against a plain white background. A simple, solid blue circle centered on a white background, reminiscent of the calm assurance found in a veterinarian's care. A solid green heart shape sits prominently on a white background, symbolizing the care and compassion of a veterinarian's dedication.
A person holds the paw of a sedated or resting animal, possibly a dog or cat, on an examination table in a veterinary clinic, surrounded by medical equipment and supplies.

Will my dog need lab work done before having surgery?

Yes, we require our patients to have lab work done prior to surgery. This is crucial for determining the safety of the surgery, as well as assessing their overall metabolic stability going into the procedure.

A person holds the paw of a sedated or resting animal, possibly a dog or cat, on an examination table in a veterinary clinic, surrounded by medical equipment and supplies.

Will my dog need lab work done before having surgery?

Yes, we require our patients to have lab work done prior to surgery. This is crucial for determining the safety of the surgery, as well as assessing their overall metabolic stability going into the procedure.

Does my dog need to see a specialist for their surgery?

Whether your dog needs to see a specialist depends on the type of surgery. For certain procedures, such as orthopedic surgery, we will refer them to a specialist. Our experienced veterinarians at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care can help determine if a referral is necessary.

A golden retriever lies on an examination table with its head resting sideways, tongue out, while two people in medical attire attend to it, suggesting a veterinary procedure or surgery.
A golden retriever lies on an examination table with its head resting sideways, tongue out, while two people in medical attire attend to it, suggesting a veterinary procedure or surgery.

Does my dog need to see a specialist for their surgery?

Whether your dog needs to see a specialist depends on the type of surgery. For certain procedures, such as orthopedic surgery, we will refer them to a specialist. Our experienced veterinarians at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care can help determine if a referral is necessary.

What will my veterinarian be looking for in the pre-surgery lab work?

In the pre-surgery lab work, we evaluate various indicators to understand how anesthesia will be processed by your dog’s body. We specifically check organ functionality and platelet count to ensure they are clotting properly, and to identify any significant abnormalities that might raise concerns about their overall health. The results of these tests guide us in assessing anesthetic risk and making any necessary adjustments to the surgical plan.

Who will be monitoring my dog while under anesthesia?

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, your dog will be monitored by a dedicated team of veterinarians and trained veterinary technicians, many of whom are registered veterinary technicians. They have specialized training in anesthesia and will carefully oversee your pet’s anesthetic procedure.

A small black and brown dog lies on its back on an operating table under anesthesia, with a breathing mask over its snout and an IV in its paw, while a person in surgical attire prepares for surgery.
A small black and brown dog lies on its back on an operating table under anesthesia, with a breathing mask over its snout and an IV in its paw, while a person in surgical attire prepares for surgery.

Who will be monitoring my dog while under anesthesia?

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, your dog will be monitored by a dedicated team of veterinarians and trained veterinary technicians, many of whom are registered veterinary technicians. They have specialized training in anesthesia and will carefully oversee your pet’s anesthetic procedure.

A small dog lies on a surgical table under anesthesia with medical tubes attached, partially covered by a sterile drape, while veterinary staff in blue scrubs perform surgery in the background.

How long will my dog need to recover after having surgery?

Recovery time can vary based on the type of surgery performed. Most soft tissue surgeries, including spays, neuters, and wound repairs, require about 10 days for complete healing. Oral surgeries may require 1 to 2 weeks, while more complicated procedures like extensive wound repairs may necessitate around a two-week recovery period.

A small dog lies on a surgical table under anesthesia with medical tubes attached, partially covered by a sterile drape, while veterinary staff in blue scrubs perform surgery in the background.

How long will my dog need to recover after having surgery?

Recovery time can vary based on the type of surgery performed. Most soft tissue surgeries, including spays, neuters, and wound repairs, require about 10 days for complete healing. Oral surgeries may require 1 to 2 weeks, while more complicated procedures like extensive wound repairs may necessitate around a two-week recovery period.

How can I help my dog recover at home after surgery?

One of the critical aspects of recovery is following the discharge instructions provided by your veterinarian. These instructions will include details about medications, diet, and activity levels. Restricting activity is vital for proper healing, as is determining if your dog needs an e-collar or cone, and for how long.

If you have further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (657) 756-5683. You can also reach out via email or through our social media channels, and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Two veterinarians in blue gowns and gloves perform surgery on a small dog under anesthesia, covered with a blue drape. Surgical tools and medical equipment are visible on the table.
Two veterinarians in blue surgical gowns and gloves perform surgery on a small dog lying on an operating table, covered with a sterile drape. Surgical instruments and equipment are visible around the dog.

How can I help my dog recover at home after surgery?

One of the critical aspects of recovery is following the discharge instructions provided by your veterinarian. These instructions will include details about medications, diet, and activity levels. Restricting activity is vital for proper healing, as is determining if your dog needs an e-collar or cone, and for how long.

If you have further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (657) 756-5683. You can also reach out via email or through our social media channels, and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Dog Surgery – FAQs

To prepare your dog for surgery, it’s essential to complete a pre-surgical examination with your veterinarian to anticipate the surgical process. Additionally, ensure that you fast your dog by not giving them food on the morning of their procedure.

Most of our patients are able to return home in the late afternoon or early evening on the day of their surgery. The specific time will be discussed with you when the doctor calls with an update about your dog’s recovery.

All canine patients will receive written discharge instructions, which will be reviewed with you before you leave the hospital. Most dogs will go home with pain medications and possibly antibiotics. It’s essential to adhere to the activity restrictions and use of an e-collar or cone as recommended in the instructions.

The timeline for returning to normal feeding and activity depends on the procedure performed. Most dogs can resume eating the night of their surgery, although the type or volume of food might be adjusted. Many dogs can return to their regular activity level the day after dental procedures, while those who have undergone soft tissue surgeries typically need to wait about a week to ten days.

Yes, depending on the procedure, post-surgery pain medication will be provided. Most surgical patients will go home with pain relief, especially those that have had spays, neuters, wound repairs, and mass removals. Pain management requirements will be discussed with you both before and after the procedure.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us at (657) 756-5683 or via email or social media. We are here to support you and your furry friend during this time.