At some point, your pet may require surgery. Here’s some practical information about surgery.

Hearing that your pet needs surgery can feel rather daunting for pet owners. That’s why it’s so important to find veterinarians like our own here our High Point NC offices who provide compassionate care, are happy to answer any questions you have, and make your pet’s health their number one priority. Here are some of the most common pet surgeries, according to the experts at Total Care and Skeet Club Veterinary Hospitals.

Spaying and neutering

This is the top surgical procedure performed by our veterinarians here in High Point NC. This surgical sterilization will remove the reproductive organs of your pet to prevent your pet from having babies. This procedure is performed on both male and female pets. Spaying removes the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes of a female dog or cat while neutering is used to remove the testes from a male cat or dog. This procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes for male cats to 20 minutes for female cats or dogs.

Dental surgeries

From routine cleanings to tooth extractions, there are many reasons why a pet may need dental surgery. These pet dental procedures are performed under anesthesia to eliminate pain while also making it possible to be able to perform the procedure efficiently. Your veterinarian may recommend surgery if your pet is dealing with:

• A loose tooth
• An extremely misaligned bite (this can affect how they chew)
• Broken teeth
• Advanced gum disease
• Oral tumors
• Fractured jaw

Orthopedic surgeries

It’s also common for pets, particularly larger pets, to deal with bone or joint injuries. Ruptured ACLs in dogs is a common incident that requires immediate treatment. This surgery is truly the best way to be able to stabilize the bones and ligaments to prevent further injury in the leg, as well as prevent weakness and instability. Other types of orthopedic surgeries include procedures to repair osteoarthritis damage, reset dislocation joints, or fix joint fractures.

If you have questions about your pet’s upcoming procedure or if your pet is displaying new or worsening symptoms, it’s important to bring them to our High Point NC veterinarian team right away. Call Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital at (336) 886-2315 or Total Care Veterinary Hospital (336) 841-8877 for an immediate appointment.

Just like people, many pets require surgery at some point during their lives. No matter what type of surgery your pet requires, the veterinarians at Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital and Total Care Veterinary Hospital in High Point, NC, offer quality, compassionate care.

Why do pets need surgery?

Spaying and neutering are among the most common types of surgery for pets. Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) ensures that pets can't reproduce, eliminates the risks of uterine and testicular cancer in males, and lowers the risk of breast cancer in females.

Other than spaying and neutering, tooth extractions, skin abscesses, and benign skin masses are the top three reasons both cats and dogs required surgery. Surgery may also be needed if your dog develops bloat, a potentially deadly condition that causes the stomach to twist and fill with gas.

Other reasons that your pet may need surgery include bladder stone removal, repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), treatment for hip dysplasia, uterine infections in unspayed females, fracture repair, or cancer treatment.

Your pet's veterinarian also offers emergency surgical services should your pet swallow a foreign object, be hit by a car, or suffer injuries from an animal attack.

Is surgery painful?

Your pet will be anesthetized or sedated during surgery to ensure that pain is not an issue. Although pain can be a problem following surgery, your dog, cat, or small animal will receive pain medication to ensure that they remain comfortable throughout the entire stay. After surgery, your pet will spend some time in the veterinary hospital's recovery area before being released.

You'll be provided with comprehensive post-surgical instructions that will help you care for your pet as they recover from surgery. Your pet's High Point veterinarians will also be available to answer questions or concerns that you may have during the recovery period.

Call us today!

Whether your pet requires minor or major surgery, choosing compassionate, highly skilled veterinarians is an essential task. If your pet has a condition or injury that may require surgery, schedule an appointment with the High Point, NC veterinarians by calling (336) 886-2315 for the Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital or (336) 841-8877 for the Total Care Veterinary Hospital.

The care you provide at home is an important factor in your pet's recovery after surgery. Veterinarians Dr. Harvey Goho, Dr. Lydia Goho, and Dr. Shelly Figgatt of Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital and Total Care Veterinary Hospital in High Point, NC, share a few pet surgery after-care tips that you'll want to take a look at if your pet will soon be undergoing surgery.

Offer food and water

Many pets are cleared to eat and drink a few hours after they return home. Decrease the amount of food and water you offer your pet by about half the first time you feed your dog, cat or small animal. It's not unusual for pets to feel a little groggy or nauseated due to the effects of anesthesia. If your pet feels a little lethargic or ill, they may have no interest in eating or drinking initially. It's important to discuss food and water with your pet's veterinarian, as some pets may have feeding restrictions.

Provide medication as directed

If your pet was spayed or neutered, pain medication probably won't be needed at home. If pain medication has been prescribed, follow the schedule provided by the veterinarian to ensure that your pet remains pain-free.

Find a safe place for your pet to recover

Pets need a quiet place to recover following surgery. Although it's a good idea to keep them in a crate or confine them to a small room, pets will still need plenty of attention and reassurance from you during the recovery period.

Use the Elizabethan collar if needed

Most pets dislike wearing Elizabethan collars, also known as "the cone of shame." Although your dog or cat may not be so happy, the collar prevents your pet from licking the wound or biting the stitches. You can remove the cone when your pet eats, but it should be worn at all times otherwise.

Pay attention to danger signs

Before you leave either of our High Point offices, we'll review possible signs of problems, which may include:

• Significant bleeding
• Loss of appetite
• No interest in drinking
• Lethargy after the anesthesia wears off
• Weakness or trouble walking
• Pale gums
• Difficulty breathing
• Shivering
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

If you notice any of these signs, call our office.

Do you have questions or concerns about pet surgery? Schedule an appointment with High Point, NC veterinarians Drs. Harvey and Lydia Goho and Shelley Figgatt by calling (336) 841-8877 for Total Care Veterinary Hospital, and for Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital, call (336) 886-2315.