Emergency Surgery for Pets
When your pet experiences a medical emergency requiring surgery, timely care can make all the difference. Our team is trained, knowledgeable, and comfortable performing a wide range of emergency surgeries to help pets recover safely.
If your pet is currently experiencing an emergency, please call us immediately at (647) 494-8876
We are open for emergency surgeries only during business hours:
Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
If your pet requires care outside these hours, please contact your nearest 24-hour emergency clinic.
What Is Emergency Surgery?
Emergency surgeries are unplanned procedures performed to address life-threatening or urgent conditions. These surgeries are necessary to stabilize your pet, relieve pain, and prevent further complications.
Common examples include:
- Foreign body removal of intestinal blockages from swallowed objects
- Urinary obstruction from bladder stones
- Stomach bloat or torsion, referred to as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)
- Wound, laceration or trauma repair
- Tarsorrhaphy for a proptosed eye or enucleation for a severely damaged eye that cannot be preserved
- Emergency soft tissue procedures (e.g., splenectomy)
- Life-threatening infections of the uterus, referred to as pyometra
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
- Immediate assessment: We will promptly evaluate your pet to determine the safest surgical plan.
- Clear communication: We’ll explain the procedure, potential risks, and expected recovery to you and your family.
- Pain management and monitoring: Advanced anesthesia and continuous monitoring during and following surgery help ensure your pet’s safety and comfort throughout surgery.
- Post-operative care instructions: You’ll receive detailed guidance on activity restrictions, reintroducing feeding, surgical site care, and medication management.
- Courtesy follow-up recheck: A necessary post-operative recheck will be scheduled to monitor healing, recovery and advise on when it is safe to resume your pet’s regular activity.
Why Choose Us for Your Pet’s Emergency Surgery
- Experienced veterinary team: Our veterinarians have previously worked in emergency facilities and are comfortable performing a wide range of emergency surgeries and procedures.
- Knowledgeable care: Decades of experience in both elective and emergency procedures allow us to respond confidently to urgent situations.
- Family-friendly approach: We guide you through each step of your pet’s emergency care, providing support, clear communication and coordinated referrals if necessary.
- Modern facilities: Equipped with state-of-the-art surgical suites, safe anesthesia, continuous monitoring, and recovery capabilities to provide the best care for your pet.
We know how overwhelming pet emergencies can be—and we’re here to help you through them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my pet needs emergency
surgery outside business hours?
Contact your nearest 24-hour emergency clinic immediately. Our clinic is only open during business hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm
How quickly can my pet be seen for emergency surgery?
We promptly assess pets upon arrival and prioritize care based on the severity of their condition. After the assessment, we will discuss any necessary surgery so you can make an informed decision about your pet’s care. If your pet’s condition requires care beyond what we can provide, we will guide you and help facilitate a transfer to a referral veterinary facility.
What if my pet still needs care after you close?
If your pet is ready to go home, we will discharge them into your care at closing time. If they require ongoing in-hospital supportive care or monitoring, we will refer you to a 24-hour emergency facility so your pet can continue to receive the necessary care during recovery.
Can older pets or pets with health issues undergo emergency surgery?
Yes. Our team evaluates each case individually, weighing risks and benefits, and provides the safest possible approach for pets of all ages and conditions.
How do I prepare for an emergency surgery appointment?
Bring any current medications that your pet is receiving and any recent medical records that you have. Most importantly, call immediately if your pet has an emergency—time can be critical.