Surgical Services for Pets

Routine and advanced procedures with general anesthesia to improve your loyal companion’s health.

Island Veterinary Hospital is equipped with quality surgical equipment and an experienced staff to ensure your cat or dog’s safety. Surgery is an invasive operation so our veterinarians will use the utmost care and take all the necessary precautions. We regularly perform dental, soft tissue and some orthopedic procedures. If your cherished companion’s condition requires more advanced care, we have partnered with other surgeons to get them high-caliber care. To learn more about our surgical procedures, please reach out to us at 604-273-3158.

I am worried about my cat or dog having anesthesia. How safe is surgery?

Using anesthesia ensures that our surgeons can safely perform the operation and keep your cat or dog comfortable. We know there can be risks to using general anesthesia which is why we take additional steps to ensure everything goes well. One of the most important steps before surgery is to have a pre-anesthetic blood test. The patient's blood can reveal illness and organ problems that could pose a risk. If we detect a problem, our team will recommend additional testing such as X-ray or ultrasound. If your loyal companion is deemed healthy for surgery, our team will use modern equipment to monitor their vital signs. A registered veterinary technician (RVT) will pay close attention to the patient’s heartbeat, blood pressure, body temperature and their respiration rate during the surgery. If the readings indicate a spike or fall in these levels, the RVT will notify the veterinarian. 

How long will it take for my cat or dog to recover from surgery?

Recovery time will vary based on the type of surgery and aftercare. Recovery time can range from 14 days to a few months. Your loyal companion will recover much faster if they have adequate rest and pain medication after surgery. Here are some tips on how to care for your feline or canine post-op:

  1. Keep the surgical wound dry and clean. To prevent your cat or dog from licking or scratching the incision, you can use a recovery suit or an E-collar.
  2. Encourage them to eat and keep up their strength.
  3. Ensure their bed is comfortable.
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