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Surgery
Are you feeling uneasy about your pet’s upcoming surgery?
Bringing a family member in for surgery can be nerve-racking. At Aldershot Animal Hospital, we know exactly what you’re going through because we’re pet owners too. Rest assured that we’ll do whatever it takes to make your loved one’s procedure as stress-free as possible.
Pre-Surgical Care
Our surgical care begins with in-depth preoperative screening, which helps to reduce the risk of complications for your pet. We’ll also develop a safe, effective plan to keep your pet comfortable and pain-free – before, during and following surgery.
Surgery
Whether routine or advanced, your pet’s procedure will be our highest priority. From the moment you arrive, we’ll be there to ease your mind and help keep your loved one calm and relaxed.
Once safely sedated, our team will complete the surgery as efficiently and effectively as possible. As the doctor works, our dedicated support staff will be there at all times, assisting with surgery and closely monitoring your pet’s wellbeing.
After Care
Following surgery, we’ll gently relocate your pet to our recovery area, where our staff will offer comfort and reassurance.
When you arrive for pickup, we will go over our aftercare instructions, including a plan for pain management.
Surgery doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety, especially if you’ve got the experienced, compassionate team at Aldershot Animal Hospital in your corner. Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can help with all of your companion’s surgical care needs.
Aldershot Animal Hospital FAQs
We recommend surgery only when the expected benefits outweigh the risks for your pet. That decision is based on your pet’s exam, comfort level, and diagnostics such as bloodwork and imaging (X-rays/ultrasound) when needed, plus what is likely to happen if we don’t operate. We’ll review alternatives (medical treatment, monitoring, or referral) and explain why surgery is recommended for your pet’s specific situation.
What you can expect: a clear explanation of options, likely outcomes with/without surgery, and a plan tailored to your pet.
Veterinary anesthesia is generally very safe, and we reduce risk by customizing the plan to your pet and monitoring closely throughout anesthesia and recovery. Typical safety steps include a pre-anesthetic exam and bloodwork, individualized medication selection/dosing, and continuous monitoring (heart rate/rhythm, oxygen levels, blood pressure, temperature, and CO₂ when available). A trained team member monitors your pet during the procedure and recovery.
Important: No anesthesia is zero-risk, but careful screening and monitoring significantly reduce complications.
We’ll give you exact instructions for your pet, but most surgical visits include:
- Fasting: No food after a set time the night before surgery (water guidance can vary—follow your written instructions).
- Medications: Some meds should be given and others paused—only do what your care team advises.
- Drop-off: Expect a morning drop-off, paperwork, and an update once your pet is waking up comfortably.
- Bring: A list of medications/supplements (or the bottles), plus any recent records if requested.
Tip: If your pet gets anxious or carsick, mention it—there may be ways to make the day easier.
Surgical costs depend on the procedure, your pet’s size/age/health, and what diagnostics are needed. A typical surgical estimate often includes:
- Pre-op exam and recommended testing (commonly bloodwork)
- Anesthesia, IV catheter/fluids, and monitoring
- The procedure and surgical supplies
- Pain control during and after surgery
- Day care/hospital monitoring and an e-collar if needed
We provide an itemized estimate ahead of time and discuss options if anything unexpected is found.
Pets go home the same day after surgery, once they are awake, stable, and comfortable—we do not provide overnight hospitalization. Your pet will go home with pain relief (and sometimes antibiotics depending on the case) plus clear at-home instructions. Recovery usually involves restricted activity for about 10–14 days (longer for some procedures) and using an e-collar/surgical suit to prevent licking.
You’ll monitor the incision daily—mild bruising/swelling can be normal, but contact us if you see worsening redness, discharge, bad odor, gaping, or your pet seems unusually tired, painful, or unwell.
Follow-up: We schedule rechecks to ensure everything is healing properly, and sutures/staples (if present) may need removal.
Aldershot Animal Hospital
VISIT US
320 Plains Road East
Burlington, ON, L7T 2C8
Also serving Aldershot, ON and surrounding areas.
CONTACT US
Phone:
905-632-2211
WORKING HOURS
Monday 8am-6pm
Wednesday 8am-6pm
Thursday 8am-6pm
Friday 8am-6pm