We offer many surgical services ranging from routine to more unique procedures. Our well-trained veterinary team takes every precaution to ensure that your pet receives a safe anesthetic and surgical experience
Traditional Spay
Spaying removes a female animal’s ability to reproduce. Most commonly, an ovariohysterectomy is performed. This procedure involves surgically removing the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy as well as heat cycles and their associated behaviours. Research shows that spaying does have many benefits such as eliminating the risk of pyometra (pus in the uterus) and uterine/ovarian tumours, as well as reducing instances of mammary tumours. Spayed pets may be at an increased risk of developing immune-mediated diseases as well as certain cancers, including lymphoma. Spayed pets also have a higher incidence rate of obesity, and large-breed dogs are at a higher risk of developing joint disease.
The decision to spay will depend on many factors including lifestyle, breed, and health.
Ovary Sparing Spay
A non-traditional or ovary sparing spay removes the female’s ability to reproduce. This procedure removes the uterus, cervix and possibly one ovary. As the female sex organ(s) is left to function, your dog will still have his or her hormones. Benefits of an ovary sparing spay include lower incidences of many cancers and many hormone-related health conditions, less fearfulness and noise phobias and less aggression towards people and other animals. Conversely, as with a traditional spay these animals are at a higher risk of mammary tumours and ovarian cancer. Due to the retained hormones, you may see ongoing sexual behaviours, including heat cycles potentially with a small amount of blood.
Learn More About Spay and Ovary Sparing Spay Here
Traditional Neuter
Neutering removes a male animal’s ability to reproduce. Most commonly, an orchiectomy is performed. This procedure involves removing the animal’s testes to prevent unwanted pregnancies and may eliminate some unfavourable behaviours like territorial marking and roaming. We know that neutering a cat or dog comes with benefits such as preventing testicular tumours and prostatic carcinoma. Conversely, neutered animals are at higher risk than their intact counterparts to develop obesity, joint disease, and certain cancers- including osteosarcomas.
The decision to neuter will depend on many factors including lifestyle, breed, and health.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy also removes a male animal’s ability to reproduce. This procedure removes part of the vas deferens, the cord that carries sperm from the testicles to the outside of the body and the testicles remain in the scrotum. As the male sex organs are left to function, your dog will still have his or her hormones. Benefits of vasectomy include lower incidences of many cancers and many hormone-related health conditions, less fearfulness and noise phobias and less aggression towards people and animals. Conversely, as with traditional neuter these animals are at higher risk of developing certain cancers and prostate conditions. Due to the retained hormones, you may see ongoing sexual behaviours, marking and competition for females in heat.
Learn More About Neuter vs Vasectomy Here
Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgeries are those that are not associated with bone. 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 (non-harmful); however, occasionally they are more serious. Early removal and diagnosis of a lump are fundamental to maintaining your pet’s health. Other soft tissue surgical procedures may be available so please reach out to our surgical team today with any questions.
Dental Cleaning & Surgery
Proper dental examination and cleaning in our animal companions requires full general anesthesia. Once anesthetized, the veterinary team will perform a thorough mouth examination and take dental x-rays to assess the health of each tooth. Diseased teeth will then be removed followed by a thorough cleaning and polishing to remove the existing tartar and plaque. For more information on dental procedures please contact our surgical team.