Surgery

What types of surgical services do you provide for dogs?

The doctors at South Burnaby Veterinary Hospital perform elective surgeries (dentistry, spays, neuters, lump removal), emergency surgery (exploratory, abscess, etc.) and some orthopaedic surgeries as well. If surgery is necessary, we’ll make your pet as comfortable as possible. We’ll be with you at every step to ensure that you and your pet have a positive outcome.

If a more specialized procedure is required, our hospital works closely with referral hospitals as well as mobile specialists. Often, we can arrange for a procedure to be done right here in our facility, helping to make you and your pet feel comfortable in the hands of our team who know you.

What is the process of events when my dog comes in for surgery?

We go over the estimate for the procedure with you and ensure that you are clear on the procedure being performed that day. Then, we hospitalize the patient and our technicians perform an intake assessment. They then begin the process of performing diagnostics on the blood. We do this to evaluate whether the kidneys and/or liver are functioning properly before giving sedation.

Once the blood work is confirmed as being within normal parameters, the veterinarian performs their presurgical assessment. The dog then receives an initial dose of sedation that is meant to relieve any anxiety or pain that they could be feeling, while allowing us to place a catheter safely. This gives us venous access for fluid therapy, as well as quick access in the event of an emergency. We then provide an induction agent and intubate the patient. The dog is then moved into the room, and the surgery is performed.

Finally, we recover the patient and offer them food, water and cuddles once they have woken up. We’ll give you a call to let you know how the surgery went and let you know when you can pick them up.