Pet Surgery FAQ for Our Troutdale Veterinarian

Any pet owner would be concerned about the prospect of surgery on their best friend, so it's only natural that you might have questions. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about pet surgery at our animal hospital.

How does spay or neuter surgery benefit my dog or cat?

The removal of your pet's reproductive organs also removes the risk of certain reproductive cancers, while greatly lowering your pet's risk for related diseases such as prostate disease or breast cancer. It also removes the urges that can send pets into dangerous territory or get them involved in fights.

What kinds of dental surgery might a pet need?

Dental or oral surgery may be recommended when your pet has sustained a jaw fracture, when a tooth is damaged beyond repair, or when an infected tooth must be removed to preserve neighboring teeth. We may also recommend surgery to remove oral cancer.

When do you perform orthopedic surgery?

Orthopedic surgery corrects problems related to the musculoskeletal system. We can surgically alter knees with ruptured ligaments to improve their function, fuse painfully arthritic joints, modify a hip joint plagued by dysplasia and much more.

Do skin lumps call for surgical removal?

A skin lump on a dog or cat may be either a benign tumor or a malignant cancer. Our general practice is to remove the lump surgically and examine it for signs of malignancy. A cancer diagnosis may prompt us to perform additional surgery.

What kinds of emergency surgery do you offer?

Our pet surgeon can perform such emergency surgeries as fracture repair, sealing wounds and blood vessels, un-twisting digestive organs suffering from bloat, removing dangerous urinary and digestive blockages, and delivering litters via emergency C-section.

How should I prepare my pet for surgery?

Our Gresham and Troutdale veterinarian will advise you as to whether you should refrain from giving any specific medications prior to surgery. We also ask that you withhold any after-dinner snacks so your pet's stomach will be empty for the procedure.

Should I be nervous about the prospect of general anesthesia for my pet?

While any element of surgery can introduce an element of risk, including general anesthesia, your pet is in good hands at our animal hospital. We're very careful to adjust the anesthesia level to your pet's individual tolerance, monitoring the level carefully throughout the surgery.

What should I expect after my pet's surgery?

Following surgery, our pet surgeon will prescribe any necessary drugs, such as antibiotics or painkillers, and coach you on how to keep your pet comfortable and monitor the incision for any signs of trouble. We will also schedule a follow-up appointment at our animal hospital to make sure all is well.

Talk to Our Gresham and Troutdale Veterinarian

Paws & Claws Pet Medical Center is always happy to answer your questions. Call 503-661-1833 to talk to our Gresham and Troutdale veterinarian!