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Veterinary Surgical Services in Mission, BC

When your dog or cat needs surgery, you want a team that is experienced, thorough, and communicates clearly with you at every step. At Lougheed Animal Hospital in Mission, BC, our veterinarians perform a range of soft tissue, orthopedic, and reproductive surgical procedures for dogs and cats. We prioritize patient safety, pain management, and a smooth recovery from the first pre-surgical assessment through to your pet returning home. We have been providing surgical services in Mission since 2004. Call (604) 826-7066 to discuss your pet’s surgical needs.

Spaying

Spaying removes the uterus and ovaries of a female dog or cat, preventing heat cycles, unwanted pregnancies, and significantly reducing the lifetime risk of mammary tumors. Spaying also eliminates the risk of pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection that commonly affects intact females. Timing recommendations depend on your pet’s species, breed, and expected adult size. Small and medium-breed dogs are typically spayed at 6 to 9 months. Large and giant-breed dogs may benefit from waiting until 12 to 18 months. We will discuss the right timing for your individual pet at a pre-surgical consultation. Ask about pre-anesthetic bloodwork to further support surgical safety and recovery.

Neutering

Neutering removes the testicles of a male dog or cat, reducing roaming behavior, reducing certain health risks, and preventing unwanted litters. In male dogs, neutering is associated with a reduced risk of testicular cancer and some prostate conditions. Timing recommendations vary by species, breed, and size. Large-breed male dogs benefit from delayed neutering to allow proper musculoskeletal development, while smaller breeds and cats are generally neutered earlier. Our veterinarians will discuss the optimal timing based on your pet’s breed, size, and current health. Microchipping can be added at the same visit to minimize the number of separate appointments needed.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Soft tissue surgery encompasses a broad range of surgical procedures involving the body’s organs, skin, and soft structures, not including bones and joints. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we perform procedures including tumor removals, cystotomies for bladder stones, gastrointestinal surgeries, hernia repairs, and wound closures. Each procedure begins with a pre-surgical evaluation and a conversation about the expected process and recovery. Pain management is built into every soft tissue surgery protocol, and our team will provide you with detailed home care instructions so you know what to expect. Call us to discuss whether soft tissue surgery is appropriate for your pet’s situation.

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery addresses conditions involving the bones, joints, and associated connective tissues. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we perform orthopedic procedures for dogs and cats, including fracture repair and joint-related surgeries. Orthopedic cases often benefit from pre-surgical imaging such as digital X-rays to assess the injury and plan the procedure. Recovery from orthopedic surgery requires careful activity restriction and follow-up monitoring to ensure proper healing. We will walk you through the expected recovery timeline and signs to watch for at home. Complex orthopedic cases requiring specialist-level care can be referred to appropriate facilities in the Vancouver area.

Tumor Surgery

When a growth is identified on your dog or cat, surgical removal is often recommended to prevent further growth, confirm the nature of the mass, or provide relief. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we perform tumor removal procedures for both benign and malignant masses. Removed tissue is sent to a veterinary pathologist for histopathology when appropriate, providing a definitive assessment of the mass type. Results help guide follow-up care recommendations. We discuss the surgical plan with you beforehand, including expected recovery and post-surgical monitoring. Catching and removing masses early generally leads to better outcomes and simpler recovery.

Exploratory Surgery

Exploratory surgery allows our veterinarians to assess and address conditions inside the abdominal or thoracic cavity that cannot be fully evaluated through external examination or imaging alone. It is performed when a pet shows signs of illness that suggest an internal problem but the specific source remains unclear. During an exploratory procedure, our team assesses the organs directly, addresses any identified issues, and takes samples for laboratory analysis if needed. We will discuss the indication for exploratory surgery clearly with you and explain what we expect to find based on your pet’s clinical signs, bloodwork, and imaging results prior to proceeding.

Cesarean Section

A cesarean section, or C-section, may be necessary when a dog or cat is unable to deliver naturally due to obstruction, prolonged labor, fetal distress, or other complications. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we perform C-sections with the goal of protecting the health of both the mother and the offspring. If you have a pregnant pet who is showing signs of difficulty during labor, including prolonged straining without delivery, visible distress, or weakness, contact us immediately. We will assess the situation and advise on the appropriate next steps. C-sections are time-sensitive procedures, and early intervention leads to better outcomes for mother and offspring.

Eye Surgery

Eye surgery in dogs and cats may be required for conditions including entropion, cherry eye, eyelid masses, or foreign body removal. Left unmanaged, eye conditions can cause significant pain and vision loss. At Lougheed Animal Hospital, we perform common ocular surgical procedures and refer complex cases to veterinary ophthalmology specialists when appropriate. If your pet is showing signs of eye discomfort, squinting, excessive tearing, discharge, or visible changes to the eye, book an evaluation as soon as possible. Eye conditions can progress quickly, and early assessment gives your pet the best chance of a comfortable recovery.

Dental Surgery

Dental surgery, including tooth extractions and oral mass removal, is performed at Lougheed Animal Hospital as part of our comprehensive dental care. Dental surgical procedures are detailed on our Dental Care page.

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Pre-surgical diagnostics and bloodwork

Dental cleaning and dental surgical services

Post-surgical pain management

FAQs

What should I do before my pet’s surgery at Lougheed Animal Hospital?
We will give you specific pre-surgical instructions at your consultation, including fasting requirements. Generally, pets should not eat after midnight before a morning surgery. Make sure your pet has access to water unless we advise otherwise. Plan for a quiet recovery space at home with limited activity. We will answer any remaining questions when you arrive for the procedure.
How long does recovery take after spaying or neutering?
Most dogs and cats recover from spay or neuter surgery within 10 to 14 days. Activity restriction is important during this period to allow the incision to heal properly. We will send you home with a detailed recovery guide and schedule a follow-up check. E-collar use is recommended to prevent your pet from licking the incision site.
Is pre-anesthetic bloodwork necessary before surgery?
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is not always required but is strongly recommended, especially for older pets or those with known health conditions. It helps us identify any underlying organ function concerns that could affect how your pet responds to anesthetic and supports a safer, smoother recovery. We offer bloodwork as an add-on to any surgical appointment.
How do I know if a lump on my pet needs to be removed?
Not every lump requires immediate removal, but any new or changing mass should be assessed. We can perform a fine needle aspiration in clinic to sample cells from the mass and get an initial sense of its nature. If the results suggest a more concerning tissue type, or if the mass is large, growing, or causing discomfort, surgical removal and histopathology are typically recommended.

Safe, experienced veterinary surgery is available for your dog or cat at Lougheed Animal Hospital in Mission, BC. Call (604) 826-7066 or book online to schedule a pre-surgical consultation today.