Surgery
Thoughtful veterinary surgery starts long before the procedure
Learning that your pet needs surgery can feel overwhelming.
Whether your pet needs a planned procedure or more advanced surgery, understanding what’s being recommended, why it’s necessary, and how your pet will be cared for every step of the way can help you feel more confident about their care.
At Aqueduct Animal Hospital, surgery is never just about the procedure itself.
It’s about thoughtful planning, individualized care, and providing the safest possible experience before, during, and after your pet’s surgery.
It Starts With a Plan
Successful surgery starts long before your pet enters the operating room.
It starts during the initial appointment, where your pet receives a comprehensive physical exam. That’s also when we’ll review their health history, current health, and address your concerns. Together, we’ll discuss the recommended procedure, including its benefits, potential risks, and expected recovery and outcome. We’ll also give you time to ask the questions that will put your mind at ease.
Finally, we’ll recommend or perform pre-anesthetic testing or blood work to ensure your pet is fit for anesthesia and to develop the safest possible surgical plan.
Safety At Every Step
Your pet’s safety is our highest priority.
A Purpose-Built Environment
Our dedicated surgical suite and thoughtfully designed treatment areas allow our team to focus on patient safety, efficiency, and comfort throughout every stage of the process.
Tailored Anesthesia
Your pet’s anesthetic protocol is developed specifically for their health and needs to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Throughout surgery, a dedicated team member continuously monitors their heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, body temperature, breathing, and anesthetic depth, allowing us to respond quickly to even the smallest changes.
Comprehensive Perioperative Support
Safe surgery includes all the moments before, during, and after your pet’s procedure. Intravenous fluids, advanced monitoring equipment, careful pain management, and attentive nursing care work together to keep your pet as safe and comfortable from pre-op to recovery.
Common Procedures
Our veterinarians perform a variety of soft tissue procedures, including:
Spays and neuters
Bladder surgery
Gastrointestinal surgery
Femoral head ostectomy (FHO)
Foreign body removal
Laceration repair
Mass removals
Splenectomy
Select abdominal procedures
Wound management
Beyond Our Scope of Care
If your pet needs a procedure that is beyond our scope of care, we’ll help coordinate referral to a trusted veterinary specialist.
Care Beyond the Surgery Suite
What happens during your pet’s recovery period can influence the success of their surgery. Using targeted pain management, detailed discharge instructions, and attentive follow-up care, we help keep your pet comfortable and you confident in their at-home care.
At your pet’s discharge appointment, we’ll review their medications, activity restrictions, and incision or bandage care instructions. We’ll also explain what to expect during the healing process and schedule your pet’s follow-up appointments.
What to Expect
Before Surgery
We’ll examine your pet, review their medical history, discuss the procedure, and answer your questions. Pre-anesthetic testing may be advised for optimal safety.
During Surgery
Your pet is carefully anesthetized, continuously monitored, and supported with individualized pain management, IV fluids, and attentive nursing care.
After Surgery
We’ll review home care instructions, medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up needs so you feel capable and confident.
Let's Talk About What's Best for Your Pet
Every pet and every procedure is different. We’ll help you understand your options, develop a thoughtful plan, and support your pet through every step of surgery and recovery.