Surgical Services for Dogs and Cats in Burnaby, BC
Surgical procedures at Deer Lake Animal Hospital are performed by our licensed veterinary team using modern anesthetic protocols, continuous patient monitoring, and comprehensive pain management before, during, and after every procedure. We take time before any surgery to review your pet’s health history, discuss the procedure and what to expect, and answer your questions. Pre-anesthetic blood work is available to identify any underlying concerns before your pet goes under anesthesia. Our clinic is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Call (604) 563-6170 to schedule a surgical consultation.
Spay for Female Dogs and Cats
Spaying removes the ovaries and uterus and eliminates the risk of uterine infection (pyometra), one of the most serious reproductive emergencies in female pets. It also significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors, particularly when performed before the first heat cycle. Spaying eliminates heat cycles and associated behavioral changes. Timing recommendations depend on your pet’s breed, expected adult size, and individual health.
Neuter for Male Dogs and Cats
Neutering removes the testicles and eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and significantly reduces the risk of prostate disease. It reduces or eliminates roaming, urine marking, and certain forms of aggression in male dogs and cats. As with spaying, timing recommendations vary by breed size. For large and giant breed dogs, delayed neutering supports proper joint and musculoskeletal development.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgery addresses conditions affecting the internal organs, skin, and other non-bony structures. Procedures we perform include mass removals, hernia repairs, bladder surgery, gastrointestinal surgery for obstructions or foreign material, and reconstructive procedures. Each soft tissue surgery is tailored to the specific condition and your pet’s overall health.
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic procedures address injuries and conditions affecting the bones, joints, and musculoskeletal system. We perform fracture stabilization, cruciate ligament repair, patellar luxation correction, and joint stabilization procedures. Orthopedic surgery requires precise pre-operative planning including radiographs and, in some cases, specialist consultation.
Tumor Surgery
Surgical removal of tumors, also known as masses or growths, is often the most effective approach to managing them, particularly when performed early and with adequate surgical margins. We perform tumor removal for subcutaneous masses, internal organ tumors, splenic masses, and oral masses, among others. Prior to tumor removal, we may recommend fine needle aspiration or biopsy to assess the nature of the mass.
Exploratory Surgery
Exploratory laparotomy allows direct visualization of the abdominal organs when clinical signs and diagnostic testing have not provided a definitive answer. During an exploratory procedure, we systematically examine the abdominal contents, obtain biopsies as needed, and address any abnormalities found. This procedure is both diagnostic and therapeutic.
Cesarean Section
Cesarean sections are performed when natural delivery is not progressing safely, when a litter is too large for natural delivery, or when the breeding history or anatomy suggests high risk. We monitor patients closely during labor and act promptly when intervention is needed. Our team works efficiently during a C-section to minimize anesthesia time for the mother while ensuring the safe delivery and resuscitation of all offspring.
Eye Surgery
Ophthalmic surgical procedures restore comfort and, where possible, preserve vision for pets with eye conditions. Procedures we perform include cherry eye repair, eyelid corrections such as entropion and ectropion repair, corneal procedures, and enucleation when necessary to relieve chronic pain or address a non-salvageable eye.
Splenectomy
Splenectomy, the surgical removal of the spleen, is performed for splenic masses, splenic torsion, trauma, or certain immune-mediated conditions. Dogs with large or ruptured splenic masses often require rapid surgical intervention. We perform this procedure with careful attention to blood pressure support and intraoperative monitoring.
Cystotomy
Cystotomy involves opening the urinary bladder to remove stones, address polyps, or obtain biopsy samples. Bladder stones cause recurrent urinary tract infections, discomfort, and potentially life-threatening obstruction. Surgical removal is recommended when stones are too large to pass or cannot be dissolved through dietary management.
Enterotomy
Enterotomy involves opening a section of the intestinal tract to remove a foreign object or address a localized obstruction. This procedure is required when a pet has ingested an object that cannot pass on its own and is causing an intestinal blockage. Early intervention is important, as prolonged obstruction can lead to tissue damage and life-threatening complications.
Gastrotomy
Gastrotomy involves opening the stomach to retrieve a foreign object that cannot be safely passed or removed by other means. Pets who have swallowed large objects, toys, or other non-food items may require this procedure when the object poses a risk of obstruction or injury. Most pets recover well from gastrotomy when the procedure is performed before significant secondary complications develop.
Dental Surgery
Dental surgical procedures including tooth extractions, root canals, jaw fracture repairs, and removal of oral masses are performed under general anesthesia with full dental radiography. For a complete overview of our dental surgical services, please visit our Dental Care page.
FAQs
Schedule a surgical consultation with the team at Deer Lake Animal Hospital in Burnaby. We will walk you through every step and make sure you and your pet feel prepared. Call (604) 563-6170 or book online. We are open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..