Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery


Our doctors perform select orthopedic procedures to address bone, joint, and ligament concerns, helping restore comfort and mobility.

Dr. Enga has a special emphasis with: 

• Fracture Repair
• Luxating Patellas 

Anesthesia and Patient Safety

Your pet’s safety is our top priority. While all anesthetic procedures carry some degree of risk, we take extensive measures to minimize it. Before surgery, pre-surgical laboratory testing is required to evaluate your pet’s overall health and ensure they are a good candidate for anesthesia. During the procedure, your pet is continuously monitored by our trained staff using advanced equipment that tracks heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature. We also tailor each anesthetic protocol to your pet’s size, species, and medical history to ensure the safest and smoothest experience possible.

 

For many surgeries, we are able to use absorbable sutures below the skin which dissolve on their own, but for others, such as tumor removals, skin stitches are required. Skin sutures will usually be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery. With both types, the incision will need to be monitored closely for swelling or discharge. Depending on the type of procedure, your pet's activity level should be limited for a week or two. It's extremely important to prevent your pet from licking excessively or chewing at the incision and avoid bathing them for the first 10 days after surgery.

Just like people, animals experience pain—though they may show it differently. Managing your pet’s comfort before, during, and after surgery is an essential part of our care plan.

For Dogs:


We commonly prescribe oral anti-inflammatory medication for several days after surgery to help control pain and reduce inflammation. Modern formulations are gentle on the stomach and may even be given the morning of surgery. For some procedures, a narcotic pain patch may also be recommended; cost depends on your dog’s size and needs.  

For Cats:


Pain management in cats requires special care, as many common human medications (like aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol) are unsafe for them. Before surgery, your cat receives an injectable pain medication to help reduce discomfort. After the procedure, our team carefully assesses your cat and administers additional medication as needed.

For All Pets:


If any pet shows signs of pain during recovery, additional injectable or oral pain relief will be provided to ensure maximum comfort.

Our goal is to make every surgical experience as safe, smooth, and stress-free as possible—for both you and your pet. 

 

While your pet is under anesthesia we can perform other minor procedures, such as dentistry, ear cleaning, or implanting an identification microchip. Please inquire prior to the day of surgery if you would like an estimate for any extra services, especially if the person dropping the pet off is not the primary decision maker for the pet's care.

 

On the day of the surgery, please arrive 5-10 minutes early to complete paperwork and make decisions about blood testing and other options. Plan to spend about 10 minutes going over your pet's home care needs when you pick your pet up.

 

We will call you the night before your surgery appointment to confirm the drop-off time and answer any questions you have. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions about your pet's health or upcoming surgery.

Additional resources 

Post-Operative Care for Pets