At Headon Forest Animal Hospital, we understand how difficult it can be to bring in your cat or dog for surgery. Even the most routine procedures can be nerve-wracking. We want you to feel confident that when you bring your animal companion to us for surgery, they will be in excellent hands. We offer a wide range of veterinary surgical services, from routine spay and neuters to more complex procedures.
How is my cat or dog kept safe during surgery?
All surgical patients must have pre-surgical blood screening to evaluate organ function. Patients undergoing general anesthesia are always placed on intravenous fluids to ensure adequate blood pressure, hydration, and accurate administration of drugs. Each surgery is performed by our highly skilled veterinarians using the most modern techniques and equipment. We use only the safest anesthetic protocols and products, and our knowledgeable and compassionate RVTs are always on hand to carefully monitor each surgical patient – before, during, and after surgery.
The safety and comfort of your cat or dog are always our top priority. Our surgical suite is fully equipped with respiratory and oxygen saturation monitors, a heart monitor, a blood pressure monitor, and a warming blanket.
What surgeries do you offer at your hospital?
At Headon Forest Animal Hospital, we offer the following procedures:
- Gastropexy: Performed to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), known as bloat. Large breed and deep-chested dogs often have GDV, which causes the stomach to dilate with gas/fluids and then twist itself where the gas can’t escape. GDV can cause blood supply disruption, blood pressure problems and necrosis of the gastrointestinal tract and spleen. The condition is fatal without treatment.
- Dental surgery: We offer tooth extractions with anesthesia.
- Spays and Neuters: Surgeries that sterilize female and male cats or dogs.
- Soft tissue surgeries: Mass removal
- Cystotomy and Cryptorchid surgery
How can I care for my cat or dog after surgery?
Following any surgical procedure, we’ll work with you to explain post-surgical care, answer any questions or concerns you may have, and develop and implement an appropriate pain management plan for your loyal companion. All our surgeries receive pain medication before, during and after the procedure. The goal is to help your dog or cat recover as comfortably as possible and get them back on their feet quickly. Here are some ways you should cater to your cherished companion during recovery:
- Manage their pain by providing their medication as prescribed.
- Ensure they are well-fed and rested. Restrict their movement.
- Prevent them from scratching, licking, or biting the incision site with either a medical pet shirt or a plastic cone (E-collar).
- Keep their bandages dry - getting them wet can lead to an infection.
- Don’t skip their follow-up appointment. This allows our team to monitor their progress and remove bandages or stitches if necessary.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s recovery, please don't hesitate to call us at 905-332-4014.