Surgery

Surgery can be a daunting experience for pet owners, so at Latham Animal Hospital, we understand that it’s important to provide the highest quality of surgical care.

Surgery

At Latham Animal Hospital, our veterinarians perform many types of soft tissue surgery including spay/neutering, lacerations/abscesses, tumor removal, abdominal surgery, amputations, eye surgeries, and oral/periodontal surgery.  lump removals, amputations, and bladder stone removal.  More complex surgeries, and those involving bones, are done by Dr. Rebecca Standcliff, a board-certified veterinary surgeon who comes right to our hospital or by other area specialists. We understand how special your pet is, and our commitment is that their safety and comfort always remain a top priority during surgery. 

Spaying/Neutering

Deciding to spay or neuter your pet can be a difficult decision; however, doing so can ultimately have tremendous benefits for both you and your pet! We believe spaying/neutering is an important part of responsible ownership, providing shorter recovery time and eliminating risks associated with litter and overpopulation. Our team of professionals can provide spaying/neutering with our precise surgical process, which utilizes the latest technologies and techniques. We understand that this can be a stressful decision for any pet owner; therefore, we will answer your questions before, during, and after the procedure.

Before Surgery

Pets must be fasted 8-12 hours before their procedure, if possible. We also need to conduct a full examination of your pet, including blood work, to reevaluate their condition and check for underlying problems.

During Surgery

Patients receive painkillers and antibiotics prior to surgery, and we will place an IV catheter to administer fluids and maintain blood pressure and hydration levels. IV catheters also allow us to quickly and safely administer additional medications to your pet as needed.

A licensed veterinary technician will be standing by to monitor your pet’s vitals through the entire procedure, and will also watch over your pet as they awaken in the recovery ward. All recovering patients are given warm blankets to maintain their body temperature and keep them comfortable.

After Surgery
Once your pet has recovered from anesthesia, one of our team members will contact you and arrange a discharge time. We will provide you with post-op care instructions to follow at home, and answer any questions you have about your pet’s surgery and recovery. Feel free to call us any time in the following days if you have additional questions or concerns—we’re always happy to assist you.