Veterinary Surgery

What to Expect from Pet Surgery

We are committed to keeping you fully informed about why we are recommending a surgical procedure, and regarding any post-operative care, your pet will require at home. We practice stringent surgical protocols at our clinic.

Surgical Procedures

At Catawba Animal Clinic, we perform medical and emergency surgeries to help treat diseases and conditions in pets or to repair injuries sustained through trauma.

Our vets routinely perform the following elective and non-elective surgeries:

• Soft Tissue Surgery

  We perform soft tissue surgical procedures for pets suffering from ear, nose, and throat disorders. 

  These procedures are also available for hepatic, oncological, gastrointestinal, urogenital, cardiothoracic, and skin disorders. 

• Spaying & Neutering

  When a cat or dog is spayed or neutered, they are surgically sterilized to prevent disease and unwanted litters from being born. This procedure may also provide them with an extended life expectancy. 

• Ocular / Ophthalmological

  If your pet is experiencing pain, redness, or other symptoms in or around their eyes, they may need ocular surgery.

  Common ocular procedures for cats and dogs include eyelid tumor removal, cataract surgery, ectropion surgery, entropion surgery, exenteration of the orbit, and cherry eye surgery.

  If your cat or dog requires a veterinary surgical specialist to perform the surgery, our veterinarians will refer you to a pet surgeon near Rock Hill and work closely with your animal surgeon to ensure your pet receives the best possible care. 

• Orthopedic Surgery

  Orthopedic surgeries correct injuries and diseases of the bones, ligaments, joints, tendons, and other skeletal structures in your pet. If your dog or cat is suffering from a condition or injury that requires advanced specialized care your vet will refer your dog or cat to a vet surgeon near Rock Hill.

• Dental Surgery

  Our veterinarians provide dental surgeries for dogs and cats. These surgeries can range from tooth extractions to gum disease treatment.

• Gastropexy / Bloat Surgery

  To prevent the stomach from twisting, the stomach will be secured to the body wall. There are several different types of gastropexy, with both minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques and larger surgical incisions (laparotomy).

  Gastropexy can be performed as emergency surgery for dogs suffering from gastric dilatation and volvulus (stomach bloat) or as a preventive measure to keep stomach distention and rotation from occurring.

• Vulvoplasty

  Also referred to as episioplasty, your veterinarian may recommend this surgical procedure to correct a conformational (structural formation) issue known as a recessed vulva.

  If your pet's vulva is recessed, folds of skin and fat hang over it. These skin folds can trap urine, leading to a moist, warm environment hospitable to bacteria. Inflammation or infections may develop.

• Enucleation (Eye Removal)

  Some pets suffer from uncontrollable pain due to eye problems. The most common reasons for eye removal surgery include glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye), severe infection, inflammation, or trauma that cannot be repaired surgically or managed with medication, and neoplasia (cancer inside or around the eye).

• Splenectomy

  The spleen can be partially or entirely removed with a splenectomy. In some non-emergency circumstances, minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques may be performed.

  Most patients who require an emergency splenectomy are suffering from hemorrhage of the spleen.

  Removal of the spleen can also serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic measure.

The Surgery Process

We understand the prospect of bringing your pet in for surgery can be daunting, even frightening. We want to assure you we only recommend surgery when it is in the best interests of your four-legged best friend. 

We will explain the procedure in easy-to-understand terms to ensure you understand why surgery is being recommended, and that you are comfortable making the choice to move ahead. 

If your pet needs advanced care, our vets will refer you to a veterinary surgeon near Rock Hill, and work closely with your vet surgeon to make sure your pet receives the best possible care. 

Surgical protocols at our clinic include:

Pre-surgical assessments. We will confirm the specifics of the procedure, complete a physical examination of the patient, and make sure blood tests have been completed and reviewed by the vet in order to determine if your pet faces any risk of anesthesia-related complications.

Dedicated surgical suites. Surgeries are performed in a dedicated surgical suite. This room is kept completely sterile to prevent infection and cross-contamination.

Surgical attire. Our staff wears disposable caps and masks at all times when they are in the surgical suite. Those involved in the procedure itself will also wear sterile gowns and single-use gloves.

Sterile packs and equipment. We carefully clean, sterilize and wrap our surgical instruments and equipment prior to every surgery.