Surgical Services

We always recommend spaying or neutering your pets. It not only prevents unwanted pregnancy but can also reduce their risk for diseases later in life.

Spaying is the surgical sterilization of female pets, either by ovariohysterectomy (removal of the uterus and ovaries) or by ovariectomy (removal of only the ovaries). In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancy, spaying will prevent females from going into heat and can reduce the risk of developing mammary tumours. We recommend that most female dogs and cats be spayed around 5-6 months, prior to their first heat. Your veterinarian will discuss with you the various factors determining the appropriate age and procedure type for your animal.

Neutering is the surgical sterilization of male pets by removal of the testicles. In addition to preventing unwanted breeding, it can reduce or eliminate characteristic male behaviours such as marking, fighting and roaming; eliminate the risk of testicular cancer; and reduce the risk of prostate disease.

We recommend that male cats be neutered between 6-8 months of age to avoid spraying. Male dogs should be neutered between 6-12 months of age, depending on their size. Studies have suggested that male dogs, particularly large breeds, may have fewer orthopedic and arthritic conditions later in life if they’re neutered later, such as 10-12 months.

We perform many types of soft tissue surgeries at our clinic. Soft tissue surgeries are those that are not associated with bone. These surgeries can provide many benefits to pets.

Probably the most common soft tissue surgery performed on pets is the removal of masses, or lumps. Most of these masses, once removed and tested, are found to be benign (nonharmful); however, occasionally they are more serious. Early removal and accurate diagnosis of a lump is necessary to improve the outcome in your pet if the mass is cancerous.

If your dog suffers from frequent ear infections, surgical intervention can reduce their occurrence by improving airflow into the ear canal.

Surgery can also help resolve several problems related to the eyes. Tearing in your pet’s eyes can mean an infection is present or may be a sign that the cornea (outer layer of the eye) has been damaged. Surgery may allow the cornea to heal faster with less scarring, improving your pet’s ability to see. In some pets, the eyelashes may actually damage the cornea. Surgical intervention improves comfort in these pets, reduces the chances of corneal scarring, and enhances the pet’s vision in the long term.

Please contact us if you’d like to discuss how soft tissue surgery might be able to help your pet.