We employ a full-time surgical staff devoted exclusively to your pet’s surgery needs. Chief of Surgery, Dr. Winchester, Sr., has over three decades of surgical experience providing the skills and expertise necessary to ensure that your pet’s surgical procedure is appropriate and successful.

We perform routine spay, neuter and dental procedures on a regular basis, as well as advanced orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries that may be required to preserve or enhance your pet’s quality of life.

We are very excited about our newly remodeled surgery and inpatient suites, all designed with your pet’s health and smooth recovery as our ultimate goal.

Spaying and Neutering
Many people have questions about spaying or neutering their pets. It's a decision that comes with the responsibility of owning a dog or cat, and we know that it's not a decision you make lightly. We believe that there are several reasons why you should have your pet spayed or neutered. We hope that the following information will be helpful to you in your quest to have a healthy, happy pet.

There are countless reasons to have your female pet spayed. It helps to eliminate the risk of certain cancers, such as ovarian and uterine cancer. It helps prevent fatal uterine infections known as pyometra . If your pet is spayed before the first estrus, or 'heat cycle', the procedure can reduce the chances of breast cancer to less than 1%! And of course one of the most common reasons for spaying is to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Keep your pet healthy by having her spayed. Call us today for full details surrounding this important procedure.

Many people also choose to have their male pet neutered. Neutering helps to prevent certain cancers in your male pet, such as prostate and testicular cancer. It helps prevent prostatitis, diminishes unwanted sexual behaviors, pregnancies, aggression and roaming.

Spaying or neutering your pet does not cause a personality change nor will it make your pet overweight. These are both old wives' tales.

Other Surgical Procedures
If your pet requires another type of surgical procedure, please consult with one of our veterinarians. We commonly perform orthopedic procedures, soft tissue surgery, trauma surgery, cosmetic surgery including ear crops, corrective surgery on eyelids, nasal folds, closed nasal passages, excessive tail folds, dental procedures including cleaning and tooth extractions, exploratory laporatomies, rectal colon and urogenital surgery, caesarian sections, declaws and all types of cancer surgery.

Pre-surgical Instructions

General Information
Your pet is scheduled for surgery. Veterinary surgery is safer today than in the past, and every precaution will be taken before, during, and after surgery. There are, however, a few simple procedures you can carry out at home to minimize problems and prevent unnecessary risks. Follow the instructions carefully.

General Considerations

1. Good nutrition is very important to reduce surgical stress and aid prompt recovery. If you have not already done so, discuss your pet’s diet with the doctor.
2. Surgical stress may decrease your pet’s resistance to infectious diseases; therefore, all vaccinations must be current at the time of surgery. If you are in doubt, check with the doctor before surgery.
3. Parasites (worms) constitute considerable stress to your pet’s health. Their presence at the time of surgery may cause serious problems. If your pet has not been checked for intestinal parasites recently, discuss this with the doctor.
4. If your pet is taking medication or has an existing health problem, inform the doctor before surgery.
5. Certain routine laboratory procedures may be done before surgery to detect pre-existing health problems that might complicate anesthesia or make the surgery more risky.

Specific Precautions

1. Anesthetics are most safely administered on an empty stomach. Do not give your pet any food after 6:00 pm the day before surgery. Water may be given up to admittance to the hospital.
2. Exercise your pet before bringing it to the hospital, making sure it urinates and moves its bowels. Male dogs should be allowed to urinate several times before presentation to the hospital.

What to Expect After Surgery
Following Anesthesia or Sedation, your pet may seem quiet or sluggish. Please do not offer any food or water for at least 2 hours after arriving home. Offering a bowl of ice cubes permits the pet to re-hydrate without drinking a large volume of water.
If you pet is released the same day he had general anesthesia, please keep him quiet, comfortable and inside that evening. His evening meal should be approximately one quarter to one third of the usual amount, but should be fed no sooner than 1 hour after you arrive home. There may be some degree of sedation or restlessness that evening, but this should resolve by the following day.

Be sure to check the surgical site twice daily for any signs of irritation. If there is any evidence of licking, chewing, redness or oozing, please advise us immediately. Your pet may require a special Elizabethan Collar to prevent chewing at the incision. Please call us if self-trauma occurs. Your pet’s health and comfort are important to us.

Surgery Release form