Surgery
Surgical Procedures for Your Pet
At Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital, we offer a wide range of veterinary surgical services designed to treat all types of pet health conditions and injuries. From routine surgeries, such as spaying and neutering, to emergency surgical services, our board-certified surgeons provide the highest level of quality care and treatment. We also provide extensive follow-up care and can address a variety of post-operative concerns, such as pain management, infection prevention, and more.
To learn more about our Leland, NC pet surgery services, please call (910) 777-2107 or contact us online. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Types of Surgical Services We Offer
Our highly skilled staff performs a variety of veterinary surgeries, from the relatively simple to the more complex. No matter your pet’s health needs, we provide exceptional treatment at every stage of the process.
Our team often performs the following types of pet surgeries:
- Spaying and neutering (sterilization)
- Dental surgeries, surgeries, including extractions
- Removal of benign skin growths
- Removal of cancerous growths, such as masses and tumors
- Treatment of skin abscesses
- Laceration repair
- Bone fracture repair
- Removal of intestinal obstructions
- Bladder stone and urethral surgeries
- Surgeries to address internal bleeding
Whether your pet needs an urgent surgical procedure, or you are looking to schedule elective surgery for your dog or cat, we can help. We encourage you to reach out to our team to learn more about our services and how we can help.
What You Need to Know Before Your Pet’s Surgery
We understand that having your beloved dog or cat undergo surgery can be a significant source of stress, but you can rest assured knowing that our board-certified veterinary surgeons are committed to providing the highest quality care. There are a few things you should know before your pet undergoes surgery, both for your own peace of mind and so that you can effectively care for and advocate for your pet before and after the procedure.
Here are some things all pet owners should know before their pets undergo surgery:
- Most pet surgeries are considered “low risk:” Improvements in modern veterinary medicine have made pet surgeries safer than ever. In fact, most pet surgeries are deemed “low risk.” At Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital, we make sure your pet is in optimal health before recommending surgery. However, even if your pet needs urgent surgical care, you can rest easy knowing that they will be carefully monitored before, during, and after the procedure.
- Your pet will likely require pre-op testing: This is done to ensure your pet’s safety, as well as to assess their current health before undergoing any surgical procedure. Most often, pre-op testing involves checking your pet’s liver and kidneys for conditions that could affect anesthetic metabolization and checking to see if your pet is anemic, which may lead to higher risks involving blood loss. A full health assessment allows us to identify or rule out any potential concerns before they undergo surgery.
- Pre-op care often begins at home: Before surgery, your veterinarian may ask you to give your dog or cat prescription medications to manage stress and control pain. You can also help reduce your pet’s stress levels (and your own!) by spraying special pheromones for dogs and cats (ask your veterinarian first), playing soothing music, and gently petting or massaging your pet. In some cases, your vet will have special pre-op instructions, such as avoiding feeding your dog or cat 12 to 24 hours before surgery — be sure to follow all your vet’s instructions.
- Surgery for cats is different than surgery for dogs: Cats have special needs when it comes to sedation. Your vet will follow updated anesthesia guidelines from the American Association of Feline Practitioners and will be able to explain how anesthesia and sedation work for cats. You should always feel comfortable asking questions and requesting more information regarding your pet’s surgical procedure.
- Your pet may feel nauseous or seem “off” after surgery: Just like for humans, surgery is a big deal for your pet. Anesthesia can lead to nausea and vomiting in both dogs and cats. Your vet can recommend ways to ease nausea in your pet, including prescribing anti-nausea medications. Your pet will also likely appear extra tired, sleepy, or “off” after surgery; this is usually normal, but you know your pet best! If something seems wrong, call your vet.
- Know which medications and supplements are okay after surgery: If your dog or cat takes any medications or supplements, including herbal supplements, be sure to tell your veterinarian. Some can increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery, while others may interfere with medications prescribed or used by your vet. Give your vet a list of every medication and supplement your dog or cat takes before the procedure.
Your veterinarian will provide you with a list of ways to ease your pet’s pain and enhance their comfort after a surgical procedure. At-home care may include icing the incision, temporarily changing their diet (e.g., switching from kibble to soft food after a dental extraction), and providing a warm, soft place for them to sleep and recover. You should always monitor your dog or cat after surgery and call your veterinarian if your pet’s pain seems to be increasing or poorly controlled, if there are any signs of an infection, or if you notice anything else out of the ordinary.
Our Commitment to Our Patients
We understand that having your beloved dog or cat undergo surgery can be a significant source of stress, but you can rest assured knowing that we are committed to providing the highest quality care. There are a few things you should know before your pet undergoes surgery, both for your own peace of mind and so that you can effectively care for and advocate for your pet before and after the procedure.
Contact us today to learn more about pet surgery in Leland, NC and how we can help. Call (910) 777-2107 or reach us online using our secure contact form.
Pet Surgery FAQ
How long does pet surgery usually take?
Every surgical procedure is different, meaning the amount of time a given procedure may take differs depending on the type of surgery being performed, as well as the overall health of your pet. Generally speaking, more complex surgeries take longer, but this is not always the case. In most cases, your pet will be under anesthesia for at least one hour, but the exact amount of time they will be sedated depends on many factors.
Will my pet have to stay at the clinic after their surgery?
We want to monitor your pet immediately after surgery to make sure that they are doing well. This often means a stay at our clinic — sometimes for several hours, and sometimes overnight. We will let you know before surgery what we expect when it comes to post-op monitoring, but also know that this might change. In some cases, we may want to monitor your pet for longer than originally expected to ensure that they are set up for the best possible recovery.
How long will my pet’s recovery after surgery take?
Every pet is unique. The exact amount of time it will take for your pet to fully recover after surgery depends on their overall health, their age, the type of surgery performed, and other factors. Some pets recover from simple, routine surgeries, such as spaying and neutering, in a matter of days. Others may need longer. For more complex procedures, the recovery time could be longer. Major surgeries may result in recovery periods of several weeks or even months, and even routine soft tissue surgeries have an average recovery period of two weeks. Your veterinarian can provide you with specific information on what to expect with your pet’s recovery, as well as how you can make their recovery more comfortable.
What makes Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital the right choice for my pet’s surgery?
We take pride in offering high-quality veterinary care and always placing the needs of our patients first. When you choose Brunswick Forest Veterinary Hospital for your pet’s veterinary surgery, you can trust that they will be carefully monitored before, during, and after the procedure. You can also rest assured that our team will provide you with the information you need to feel comfortable about your pet’s surgery. We are always available to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have, and we provide high-level surgical care with advanced technology, techniques, and treatments.