Surgery

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Improving Lives with Cat & Dog Surgery in Virginia Beach, VA

Many cats and dogs go through surgery at least once in their lifetime. With so many advancements in veterinary medicine, surgeries are now safer than ever, and they can significantly help to improve your pet’s quality of life. At Veterinary Hospital of Virginia Beach, our veterinarians perform expert soft tissue surgeries on cats and dogs, as well as some exotic species, too.

Common Surgeries We Perform

Our veterinarians are skilled at many soft tissue and oncologic surgeries. Some of the most common surgeries we perform include:

  • Spays and neuters
  • Tumor removals
  • Foreign body removals
  • Skin growth removals
  • Wound repairs
  • Basic eye surgeries
  • Exploratory procedures and biopsies
  • Bladder stone removals (cystotomies)

Our Safety Protocols

Your pet is a precious member of the family, and we treat them accordingly. Before every surgery, we’ll perform pre-anesthetic blood work and an exam to ensure your pet is in good health and can handle the anesthesia. Plus, these assessments help us develop a customized anesthetic protocol for your pet. Once your pet is cleared for surgery, we’ll implement even more safety protocols including:

  • Warmed blankets and heated tables to keep your pet comfortable and prevent their body temperature from dropping
  • IV catheter placement that supplies them with fluids that help to hydrate them and maintain their blood pressure
  • Extensive monitoring of your pet’s vitals including respiratory rate, blood-oxygen levels, heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, and more
  • Pain medication administered before, during, and after the procedure in appropriate amounts to minimize your pet’s discomfort

At-Home Recovery Instructions

After your pet’s procedure, your veterinarian will send you home with personalized instructions based on your pet’s needs and their particular procedure. However, there are some common post-op recovery instructions that are important after any procedure:

  • Keep your pet in a pet-safe room or their crate for a few days following surgery to allow them to rest without too much distraction from other pets or people.
  • Outfit your pet in an e-collar or a fitted onesie or T-shirt to protect their sutures and keep them from scratching or biting at them.
  • Prevent your pet from roughhousing, running, or jumping for at least 10 days following surgery.
  • Check the incision site daily for signs of redness, discharge, swelling, odor, or hardness, and please contact us immediately if you have any concerns.