Surgery

Our pets use their mouths for multiple aspects of their lives, including defence, playing, eating, and more, because of this they are exposed to materials and bacteria that can lead to dental disease. Preventing dental disease aids in a having a healthy, happy pet, and is done with daily brushing, and yearly dentals and checkups.

What is done in a dental cleaning?

A cleaning is a procedure in which the patient is under full anesthetic and a veterinary technician will scale the teeth to remove tartar and plaque buildup. The mouth is then checked for root exposures and loose teeth. After this, the teeth are polished. If your pet requires an extraction this will be done by the veterinarian.

How do I know my pet has dental problems?

Dental problems, like other issues, are usually hidden from us as they are painful. Signs include:

• Mouth sensitivity
• Bad breath
• Pawing at face
• Decreased playfulness and activity
• Missing teeth, or loose teeth
• Lack of appetite, weight loss, and difficulty eating

Are there breed susceptibilities?

Yes, Persians, or French Bulldog breeds can be more susceptible as their jaws are not as developed, and they teeth may be overcrowded and misaligned.

What is tooth resorption?

Tooth resorption is an ailment that many pets will be exposed to in their lifetime, it is the breakdown of tooth enamel, and is painful when not treated properly. It is typically seen along the gum line, and may look like a hole in the tooth. There is unfortunately, no known cause.

Spaying and neutering your pet is one of the most beneficial surgeries to have done, and it is commonly performed by our staff.

What is a spay or neuter?

This surgery involves the removals of reproductive organs and is done to reduce the risk of reproducing and other health issues. It either involves removing both ovaries and the uterus, or the testicles.

Why should I have this surgery done for my pet?

Spaying and neutering is the most cost-effective decision for long term care, provides multiple long term health benefits, control over population, and more. A pet that is not altered has increased risks for mammary cancer, uterine infections, urinary disease, and prostate disease.

How is this done?

For these surgeries, your pet will be anesthetized and intubated, and have their heart rate and oxygen levels monitored throughout by a veterinary technician.

Feline neuters are a quick procedure, in which a small incision is made along the scrotal sack and both testicles are moved. It does not require sutures as it is minimally invasive and cats heal quickly. After surgery, your pet will be monitored to ensure a smooth wake up.

Feline spays are a roughly 25-minute surgery, in which an abdominal incision is made to remove both ovaries and the uterus. Dissolvable sutures will be used to close the incisions, so that your cat does not need to come back.

Canine neuters are performed with full anesthesia and monitoring, and use dissolvable sutures for the scrotal sack.

Canine spays are about an hour long, remove both ovaries and the uterus, and have sutures that may need to be removed, which will be booked in after the surgery.

We often try to perform all of our surgeries in the morning so that your pet has the rest of the day to recover with us and be monitored. When your pet comes home, don’t be alarmed if they spend the rest of the evening sleeping, this is normal as they are back in a comfortable environment after surgery.