Small Animal Surgeries

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Dog Castration
Castration, also known as neutering, is the surgical removal of the testicles. This surgery is performed to eliminate sexual activities. Castration usually, but not always, reduces a dog’s tendency to roam and fight. The general level of aggression may also be reduced but does NOT replace obedience training by the owner. Castration also reduces the likelihood of hormone dependant diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and perianal hernias. Our recommended age for castration is 6 months of age (just before sexual maturity).

Dog Spay
Ovariohysterectomy, also known as spaying, is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. This surgery eliminates the dog’s heat cycles, pregnancies and the life-threatening uterine infection called pyometra. When spayed before the first heat cycle, her risk of developing mammary cancer is greatly reduced. There is no medical reason why a dog should have one litter. Our recommended age for spaying is 6 months of age (just before her first heat cycle).

Cat Castration
Castration, also known as neutering, is the surgical removal of the testicles. This surgery is performed to eliminate sexual activities and render the cat sterile. Fighting and night prowling, common in the intact male cat, are largely reduced. However, castrated cats may still want to go outside and hunt. The strong urine odor of intact male cats is reduced, as is the tendency to spray. Our recommended age for castration is 6 months of age (just before sexual maturity).

Cat Spay
Ovariohysterectomy, also known as spaying, is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. This surgery eliminates the cat’s heat cycles, pregnancies and the life-threatening uterine infection called pyometra. When spayed before the first heat cycle, her risk of developing mammary cancer is greatly reduced. There is no medical reason why a cat should have one litter. Our recommended age for spaying is 6 months of age (just before her first heat cycle).

Cat Declawing
The declawing procedure consists of surgically removing the nail and nail bed. The incisions are usually closed with tissue glue, bandages are placed, and the cat is hospitalized for at least one night. The cat is then sent home with pain medication and a brief change in litter. Recovery from this surgery is more rapid the younger the cat and the less the cat weighs. To perform this procedure at our clinic, kittens need to weigh at least 4 pounds. A declawed cat should remain indoors since claws are its primary means of defense.

Dental Cleaning
Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats. About 85% of dogs and cats have some form of it and are vulnerable to the pain, bad breath, and tooth loss that could follow. Chronic infections can spread to the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys, where they can do even more damage. By performing annual dental cleanings, we are able to remove the plaque and tartar buildup, clean under the gum line, remove any loose or diseased tooth, and polish teeth. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so pre-op exams and bloodwork are preformed. Brushing teeth daily in between dental cleanings is the best way to reduce the amount of plaque and tartar buildup.