Surgery

Cat & Dog Surgeries in St. Paul, MN

Our hospital located in Cathedral Hill offers the latest in surgical capabilities, from state-of-the-art technology to extensive anesthesia and monitoring protocols. When surgery is recommended for your pet, we take the time to explain our safety protocols and why your pet needs surgery, and answer any other questions you have. Cat and dog surgeries offer your pet a chance at a higher quality of life following the procedure. We’re always careful to weigh all the risks and benefits with you to make sure we’re making the best decision for your pet.

Our Surgical Services

In addition to traditional scalpel surgery, our skilled veterinarians are trained in other, more advanced techniques that help to more effectively treat certain conditions, as well as lessen recovery time.

Our surgical techniques include:

Many of our procedures require a traditional scalpel including spay and neuter, foreign body removal, abdominal surgeries, exploratory surgeries, bladder surgeries, and more. We use appropriate pain medication and safety protocols to limit your pet’s discomfort and optimize their safety.

This process involves using a heated electrode to safely remove damaged or unneeded tissue while also sealing blood vessels, which helps reduce or prevent bleeding during surgery or following an injury to the tissue.

Cryosurgery is a noninvasive alternative to traditional cat and dog surgeries. This technique involves using nitrous oxide to "freeze" skin tags, small tumors, cysts, and other skin-related conditions, including cancers, that can be treated on the surface. Treatments usually need to be repeated for up to 4 weeks in order for the tissue to completely freeze. The frozen tissue then either falls off or dissolves, making sutures unnecessary. In addition, cryosurgery does not cause any discomfort, and patients usually do not require any sedation or anesthesia for the procedure. This is especially beneficial for elderly pets or pets that are highly sensitive to anesthesia.

Surgies We Perform

Our doctors at St. Paul Pet Hospital can perform many different surgeries, including:

  • Dental prophylaxis
  • Dental extractions
  • Canine and feline spay
  • Canine and feline neuter
  • Orthopedic surgeries (TPLO, FHO, Luxating Patella repair, bone fracture repair)
  • Mass removal / biopsy
  • Stenotic nares surgery
  • Perineal urethrostomy
  • Enucleation
  • Splenectomy
  • Foreign body / abdominal exploratory
  • Amputations
  • Cystotomy

How We Increase Safety in Surgery

To provide the best care for your pet and to increase their safety, our facility offers:

  • Experienced, fully trained veterinarians and technical staff

  • A highly trained surgical technician who is dedicated to continuously monitoring your pet’s health during their procedure

  • Heated tables to keep pets warm and comfortable during surgery

  • Extensive sterilization protocols

  • Advanced anesthetic monitoring of ECG, blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, and respiration

  • Pre-anesthetic blood testing to check organ function and blood chemistry

  • Experienced, fully trained veterinarians and technical staff

  • A highly trained surgical technician who is dedicated to continuously monitoring your pet’s health during their procedure

  • Heated tables to keep pets warm and comfortable during surgery

  • Extensive sterilization protocols

  • Advanced anesthetic monitoring of ECG, blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, and respiration

  • Pre-anesthetic blood testing to check organ function and blood chemistry

In addition to our own veterinary team, we also have access to specialists who can perform more complex soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. They can also provide more advanced diagnostic imaging including abdominal ultrasound and ECG.

happy black dog standing

What to know Before Your Pet's Surgery

In order to make your pet’s surgery a smooth and uneventful one, follow these steps for preparation:

  • Please withhold your pet's food after 10 pm the day prior to their surgery.
  • Surgical patients are admitted between 7 am and 7:30 am.
  • Sign all surgery consent forms before you leave.
  • Any surgeries involving general anesthesia must be preceded with pre-surgical blood work to ensure that your pet is healthy.
  • Provide important contact information for our team so we can reach you at any time during the day to notify you about your pet.

Throughout the day of your pet’s surgery, please feel free to contact us to inquire about your pet's status. Likewise, we will contact you by the end of the day to let you know how your pet is doing.

Tips for Helping Your Pet Recover at Home

To help your pet make a smooth and full recovery, here are some tips:

  • Always follow the instructions your veterinarian has given you!
  • Check your pet's incision daily to see that it is healing correctly (no redness, inflammation, or discharge).
  • Make sure that your pet is eating and drinking normally. If they are not, call us immediately.
  • Keep your pet's bandages clean, their incision area dry, and administer their medication as instructed.
  • Schedule a follow-up appointment so we can check your pet's progress and address any concerns you have.

Should you have any concerns during your pet’s recovery, please contact us and we’ll be happy to offer you guidance, reassurance, and advice.