At Etowah Veterinary Hospital, we understand that surgery can be a stressful experience for both pets and their owners. That’s why we prioritize safety, comfort, and clear communication throughout every surgical procedure. Whether it’s a routine spaying or neutering, soft tissue surgery, or more complex procedures, our skilled team uses the latest technology and anesthesia monitoring to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet. We are committed to providing expert care, addressing your concerns, and helping your pet recover quickly and comfortably. Explore our surgical services below to learn more about how we can assist in your pet’s healthcare needs.
Spaying
Spaying is a surgical procedure performed to remove the ovaries and uterus of female dogs and cats, making them unable to reproduce. There are many benefits to spaying your female dog or cat. Spaying before the first heat cycle in dogs greatly reduces the likelihood of mammary tumors to less than 0.5%. If a dog is allowed to go through two heat cycles, approximately one in four will develop mammary tumors. Additionally, spaying prevents diseases such as pyometra (infection of the uterus), ovarian and uterine cancer, as well as the sometimes messy heat cycle. There is new data available about the recommended timeframe to spay female dogs based on different breeds. That is a conversation we would love to have with you at your appointment so we can make the recommendation that is best for that individual dog and their family.
Spaying involves surgical removal of both ovaries and the uterus. It can be performed under a number of anesthetics and monitoring devices. If you are shopping around for a competitive price on this procedure, be sure to question what type of anesthesia and monitoring equipment are used. We monitor all vital parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oxygenation, blood pressure, and temperature. Although the risk of an anesthetic death in a normal healthy pet is very rare, our monitoring devices and procedures allow us to respond to an anesthetic emergency faster. Faster responses can save lives. Please call or visit our hospital to learn more about our spaying procedures.
Neutering
Neutering refers to the surgical procedure performed on male dogs and cats to remove both testicles, making them unable to reproduce. There are many benefits to neutering your male companion. First, you will contribute to the prevention of the dog and cat overpopulation. Second, neutering can decrease male aggressiveness and undesirable urination behavior. Third, and most important for the health of your male pet, you will help prevent diseases of the prostate, perianal tumors, testicular cancer, and certain types of hernias.
Neutering involves surgical removal of both testicles. It can be performed under a number of anesthetics and monitoring devices. If you are shopping around for a competitive price on this procedure, be sure to question what type of anesthesia and monitoring equipment are used. We monitor all vital parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oxygenation, blood pressure, and temperature. Although the risk of an anesthetic death in a normal healthy pet is very rare, our monitoring devices and procedures allow us to respond to an anesthetic emergency faster. Faster responses can save lives. Please call or visit our hospital to learn more about our neutering procedures.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgery includes surgeries not associated with bone. Examples of soft tissue surgeries and their benefits are included below. Probably the most common soft tissue surgery performed at our hospital is the removal of masses or ‘lumps’ on animals. Most of these masses or ‘lumps’, once removed and tested, are benign (non-harmful); however, occasionally they are more serious. Early removal and accurate diagnosis of a ‘lump’ is necessary to improve the outcome in your pet if the mass is cancerous.
Lacerations are also common in pets and suturing will reduce the chance of infection, improve healing time and reduce scarring. Other common soft tissue surgeries we perform are gastropexy, umbilical hernia repair, intestinal surgery, and wound management.
For some types of soft tissue surgery, we may recommend the use of our carbon dioxide laser. The laser, when used, takes the place of a traditional, steel surgical blade. One of the major benefits of using the laser is its excellent control of bleeding while cutting.
Contact Us
For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (770) 926-8888 or access our contact from below.