Vet Surgical Services for Pets
We offer a wide range of surgical procedures for cats and dogs at our San Mateo clinic, using stringent surgical protocols.
During each surgery, a dedicated member of our team will administer anesthesia and continuously monitor your pet using electronic patient monitoring equipment. Pain management will also be provided.
Post-operative monitoring and pain management are our priorities following surgery. Your vet will also provide thorough instructions for at-home care.
What to Expect from Vet Surgery
When your pet needs surgery, we always keep you fully informed about everything including all post-operative care your pet will need at home. We practice stringent surgical protocols at our clinic.
Veterinary Surgical Procedures
At South Hillsdale Animal Hospital, we perform medical and emergency surgeries to help treat diseases and conditions in pets or to repair injuries sustained through trauma.
Our San Mateo vets routinely perform the following elective and non-elective surgeries:
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Spaying & Neutering
When we spay or neuter a cat or dog, we surgically sterilize them to prevent them from mothering or fathering unwanted puppies and kittens and prevent disease and provide them with an extended life expectancy.
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Soft Tissue Surgery
For pets suffering from ear, nose, and throat disorders, we offer soft tissue surgical procedures.
These procedures are also available for hepatic, urogenital, oncological, cardiothoracic, gastrointestinal, and skin disorders. -
Foreign Body
Sometimes, foreign objects are ingested or can get stuck inside a cat's or dog's body.
Whether your pet has eaten an object they shouldn't have or an accident has left them injured, we can perform foreign body surgery to remove it.
In some cases, specialized skills or equipment are needed to perform pet surgery. If that is the case for your animal, your vet will refer you to a cat or dog surgeon near San Mateo and work closely with your veterinary surgeon to ensure that your dog or cat receives the very best care. -
Mass Removal
Cats and dogs can develop masses or tumors within their skin. Masses can also grow inside a body cavity and can be serious or life-threatening.
Mass removal surgery is a fairly common procedure for both cats and dogs. -
Foxtail Removal
Foxtails are plants that are sharp like arrows and can become lodged in your pet's body and even travel through the body. This is a huge hazard for San Mateo pets as these foxtails can dig their way in but are nearly impossible to get back out without veterinary intervention.
At South Hillsdale Animal Hospital, we are able to offer foreign body surgery specifically to remove foxtails from your pet's body.
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Wounds
Wounds occur when living tissue has been cut, broken, burnt, torn, or otherwise damaged.
It's imperative that these wounds be cleaned, disinfected, and appropriately cared for by a qualified veterinarian as soon as possible. -
Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
An abdominal exploratory is a surgery in which an incision is made into the abdomen to examine the internal organs.
Reasons to perform such a surgery are to remove tumors, remove foreign objects from the stomach or intestine and to collect biopsies from internal organs.
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Dental Surgery
Our veterinarians provide dental surgeries for dogs and cats. These surgeries can range from tooth extractions to gum disease treatment and jaw fracture repairs.
The Veterinary Surgery Process
We understand that the prospect of bringing your pet in for surgery can be frightening. Please be assured that we recommend surgery only when it is in the best interests of your furry companion.
We will ensure that you fully understand why we are recommending surgery, and that you are comfortable making the decision to move ahead.
If your pet requires advanced care, our vets will refer you to a veterinary surgeon near San Mateo, and work closely with your vet surgeon to ensure that your pet receives the best possible care.
Vet Surgical protocols at our clinic include:
Pre-surgical assessments. We will confirm the specifics of the procedure, complete a physical examination of the patient, and make sure blood tests have been completed and reviewed by the vet in order to determine if your pet faces any risk of anesthesia-related complications.
Dedicated surgical suites. Surgeries are performed in a dedicated surgical suite. This room is kept completely sterile to prevent infection and cross-contamination.
Surgical attire. Our staff wears disposable caps and masks at all times when they are in the surgical suite. Those involved in the procedure itself will also wear sterile gowns and single-use gloves.
Sterile packs and equipment. We carefully clean, sterilize and wrap our surgical instruments and equipment prior to every surgery.