For various reasons, most pets face surgery at some point. It may be nothing more than neutering or spaying or it could be a life-threatening situation. Regardless of the condition, our objective is simple but all-important: giving you and your pet more quality time together. That’s where quality surgical services come in, and that’s why our Surgery department offers comprehensive surgical services. At its basic level, surgery involves the treatment of disease by operation or the manipulation of tissue. The goal is a mutual one: a healthier, happier pet and happier pet family.

Be assured that we do everything possible to make the entire experience as easy on both of you as possible. That’s one reason surgery involves anesthesia and pain management. Whether it’s local anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or general anesthesia, the goal remains the same: pain-free surgery. Still, when needed, pet surgery is stressful to pet’s families. Please see “What To Expect” if your pet needs surgery at SC Veterinary Specialists prior to your appointment.

Our surgical facilities are highly advanced, and sophisticated patient monitoring capabilities allow us to track your pet’s condition throughout surgery. Trained technicians monitor pets under anesthesia; they monitor anesthesia levels and vital signs. Our monitoring capabilities let us closely assess your pet’s response to anesthesia/surgery, enabling us to prevent problems before they endanger your pet family member.

Surgical Procedures Below is a partial list of our surgery services. Abdominal Procedures Aural Procedures Endocrine Procedures Herniorrhaphy Procedures Integumentary Procedures Musculoskeletal Procedures Neurologic Procedures Ocular Adnexal Procedures Ovariohistorectomy (Spay) Thoracic Procedures Upper Respiratory Procedures Urogenital Procedure

Rest assured that while your pet is in our care, we’re as close as a call to make your pet’s surgery and recovery go as smooth as possible for all.

Surgery, What To Expect
We do all we can to make the surgery experience more comfortable for you and your pet. Your doctor will discuss your pet’s condition with you and whether surgery or additional preparation is needed. If you’re prepared to move ahead, we’ll admit your pet to the hospital. You’ll be asked to sign a permission form, which includes estimated costs, barring complications. Please see our Hospital Payment Policy.

Leaving Your Pet
Your pet’s surgery will be scheduled the day of admission after doctors complete their rounds or the next day based on pre-operative work-ups. In rare instances, life-or-death emergencies reschedule healthy pets’ elective surgery. We don’t consider emergencies “walk-ins.” Everyone needs an appointment, even if it’s an “emergency” appointment. What matters is giving every patient the attention it needs. By the way, tuck your pet in before you leave—it’s reassuring to all!

After Surgery
Your pet enters recovery following surgery. Your doctor will then update you on surgery and its aftermath. During your pet’s hospitalization, our referral coordinator or your doctor will call in updates between 8:30 and 10:00 a.m.