Pet Surgery

HOW DOES SEDATION WORK FOR A PET SURGERY?

We use general anesthesia for our procedures, and we also provide education to induce sleepiness and reduce pain. During the procedure, we monitor your pet’s heart rate and oxygen level throughout the entire process to ensure that your furry friend is in good condition. The goal of our spay and neuter vets is to keep your pet as comfortable as possible before, during, and after the surgery. We are your fear-free vet in Boca Raton.

HOW SOON CAN A PET BE NEUTERED?

Ideally, a neutering procedure can be performed on a healthy cat or dog at eight weeks of age, so long as the animal is in a healthy condition and weighs over two pounds. Our team will keep your dog or cat wrapped in a heating blanket during the procedure, although the surgery for male cats is so quick that we won’t put the cat on a heating blanket until after the neuter surgery.

HOW LONG DOES RECOVERY TAKE?

Most cats recover fairly quickly thanks to reversible anesthetic shots. They will usually wake up within ten to twenty minutes after the anesthesia wears off and are able to walk around. Dogs, on the other hand, awake after fifteen to thirty minutes after the procedure.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPAY SURGERY?

Female animals receive spay surgery through an incision just below the belly button. We then remove the reproductive tract, ovaries, and uterus. Once the procedure is complete, we use stitches to seal the incision. These are specialized stitches that dissolve and are absorbed by the skin over time.

Spaying a female cat takes about 15 to 30 minutes. However, the length of the surgery depends on age and if the cat is in heat. A female dog spaying, on the other hand, can take anywhere from twenty to ninety minutes. Sometimes, it lasts even longer, depending on age, size, and where she is in her heat cycle. If a female pet is in heat, her reproductive tracts are more fragile and hold more blood, so surgery can be more delicate and take longer.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NEUTER SURGERY?

Male dogs undergo neuter surgery through an incision at the base of the penis, close to the scrotum. From this incision, we remove both of the testicles. At the end of the procedure, we seal the incision with subdermal stitches (under the skin). Over time, these stitches dissolve into the skin. Another option is to close the skin with glue or staples. The entire procedure can take from five to twenty minutes.

Male cats, on the other hand, will receive an incision in the skin of the scrotum, which we use to remove the testicles. The incision is small and heals on its own, meaning it does not require stitches. The entire procedure can be completed in minutes.

DOES AGE MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PET SURGERY?

Young and healthy animals tend to be more resilient and less likely to suffer complications during surgery. Pets in heat and older pets with other health issues are at greater risk of developing complications and tend to take longer to recover. Even if we do encounter any issues during or after the surgery, our team is equipped and ready to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Does Your Pet Need Surgery in Boca Raton, Florida?

Our compassionate team at Healthy Pets Veterinary Care Boca North works hard to complete every surgical procedure quickly, effectively, and with the lowest level of discomfort for your pet. We can also help develop wellness plans to ensure your furry friend lives long and healthy. If you are looking for a fear-free vet in Delray Beach or Boca Raton, call us today to learn more!