General & Advanced Surgery
Before every surgery, our team at Parkville Animal Hospital will conduct a thorough examination, including pre-operative bloodwork and EKG, to ensure your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and the procedure itself.
During the procedure, we will assign a member of the staff to monitor the pet’s vitals for safety. We will ensure that pain medication is used appropriately so your pet will be as comfortable as possible. When possible, we will perform minimally-invasive operations, such as laparoscopy or endoscopy, as these options tend to be better for patients.
After the operation, we will continue to monitor the animal to ensure they are recovering from the anesthesia, and to discuss future pain management.
- Soft Tissue Surgery is simply any surgery not related to bones or joints. It ranges from routine elective procedures such as spay and neuter to more complicated intra-abdominal surgeries.
- Surgical Oncology is the most recommended treatment for localized cancer. This approach aims to completely remove the cancerous mass before it has time to spread to other areas of the body.
- If cysts, tumors, hernias, etc. are discovered, a mass removal would likely be recommended, as masses like these can cause some cancers, and discomfort.
- Ingestion of foreign objects is the most common reason for gastrointestinal procedure. Common signs of abdominal pain include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, weight loss, and loss of appetite.
- Foreign Body Removal is a procedure that comes as treatment for gastrointestinal problems. Foreign objects stuck inside the digestive tract most commonly require this type of procedure.
- A C-section is the use of surgery to deliver babies. A C-section is often necessary when a natural delivery would put the baby or mother at risk.
- A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a fiber-optic instrument is inserted through the abdominal wall to view the organs in the abdomen or to permit a surgical procedure.
Spay/Neuter Procedure
A spay/neuter procedure refers to the removal of an animal’s reproductive organs. Spay is the term for females and neuter is the term for males. The spay/neuter procedure offers health benefits that contribute to an improved quality of life for your pet. The spay/neuter procedure supports better behavior in pets, helps to control the problem of pet overpopulation, and supports local animal rescues and shelters.
The spay/neuter procedure is done under surgical conditions, so general anesthetics, IV fluids, regular monitoring of vitals, blood work, and pain management medications are all utilized. These practices allow for a safe procedure.
For female pets specifically, the procedure will
- Prevent unwanted litters
- End unwanted behaviors such as aggression, and roaming
- Prevent other reproductive issues, such as infection and certain cancers
For male pets specifically, the procedure will
- Prevent unwanted litters
- End unwanted behaviors, especially aggression
- Prevent issues like testicular cancer
In some cases (such as responsible breeding, some medical cases, or older pets), we understand that the spay/neuter procedure may not be the right choice. We encourage you to discuss your pet’s options and care with your veterinarian. We will work with you!
If you have any questions about this procedure, or anything else, we encourage you to ask our team at Parkville Animal Hospital.
Pain Management
The management of acute and chronic pain in patients is the core of veterinary medical care. At Parkville Animal Hospital, we work with you to help prevent and control pain in your pet, all in an effort to give them the best life possible.
The two main categories of pain include acute pain and chronic pain. Each category affects pets in different ways, and determines the pain management approach our experienced clinical team will take.
Acute pain is often brought about as a result of trauma, injury, or post-surgical recovery. Acute pain can be described as sharp and sudden, and can typically be resolved in a few days.
Chronic pain is often brought about as a result of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis. In these cases, the pain may only be able to be managed, not cured. We will work with you to reduce your pet’s pain to an acceptable level, and manage it accordingly with a myriad of potential treatments, such as laser therapy, medication, or even acupuncture.
Pain can take many shapes and forms. Over time, pain can have an effect on not only your pet’s physical functioning, but also their psychological and emotional state. This can delay healing progress and contribute to a decreased quality of life, which is why it’s so important to address and relieve the source of the pain as soon as possible.
When possible, pain is managed preemptively with pain management medications. Typically, these cases involve surgeries, invasive treatments, and some chronic pain conditions. Medication can be tailored to your pet throughout the recovery process.
We also offer laser therapy which reduces pain and inflammation and increases healing time. You can read more about this service here.
If you observe any of the following symptoms at home, please schedule a visit with your veterinarian right away, as they may be signs of chronic pain.
- Crying or whining
- Avoiding handling
- Seeking more affection than usual
- Hiding
- Decreased appetite
- Uncharacteristic aggression
- Decreased grooming
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Shaking
- Trembling
- Lethargy
- Restlessness
- Protecting the affected body part
- Glassy eyes