Pet Surgery
At My Animal Veterinary Clinic in Toronto, we offer elective surgeries designed to maintain and improve your pet’s health. With extensive surgical experience, our veterinary team provides careful, professional care and guidance at every stage of the procedure and recovery.
What Is Elective Surgery?
Elective surgeries are procedures that are planned in advance rather than performed in an emergency. They typically improve your pet’s quality of life, health, or comfort.
Common examples include:
- Spay and Neuter
- Dental extractions to maintain oral health
- Soft tissue surgeries, such as the removal of masses or growths
- Orthopedic procedures for joint or ligament issues (available through our Specialty Services)
- Eyelid surgeries, including cherry eye correction, entropion correction, and removal of eyelid margin growths
- Aural hematoma treatment to correct ear swelling and prevent discomfort
Elective does not mean unnecessary—these procedures are carefully considered to benefit your pet’s overall health and well-being. If you’re curious about a specific surgery, schedule an appointment, and we’ll review your pet’s condition and discuss available treatment options.
Why Choose Us for Your Pet’s Surgery
- Extensive surgical experience: Our veterinary team brings years of experience in both elective and emergency surgeries.
- Comprehensive surgical care: From routine procedures to complex cases, we bring knowledge, precision, and care to every surgery. For procedures requiring advanced surgical expertise, we may be able to bring the surgeon into our clinic (see Veterinary Specialty Care for more details).
- Family-friendly approach: We guide you and your pet through every step, making the experience as stress-free as possible.
- Modern facilities: Equipped for safe anesthesia, continuous patient monitoring, and smooth recovery.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
- Pre-surgery check-in: Our team will confirm the procedure details and finalize consent paperwork before admitting your pet. Your pet will undergo a pre-anesthetic assessment to confirm readiness for anesthesia. If your pet is receiving medications, be sure to let us know when they were last given.
- Comfort-focused care: We use modern anesthetic protocols, multi-modal pain management and a gentle, warm-air system to keep your pet safe and comfortable.
- Clear communication: We’ll walk you through the procedure, keep you updated during the day, and review recovery and home care instructions.
What to Expect Following Surgery
- Monitoring and recovery: Pets are closely observed as they wake from anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and warm.
- Pain management: We provide take-home medications and guidance to keep your pet comfortable during their recovery.
- Home care instructions: You’ll receive detailed instructions for activity restrictions, introducing food, surgical site care, and follow-up appointments.
- Complimentary post-op recheck: A follow-up assessment ensures your pet has healed appropriately and can safely resume normal activities.
Recovery: Typical Post-Op Concerns
- Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness around the incision is expected.
- Lethargy or decreased appetite may occur for 24–48 hours.
- Vomiting or unusual behaviour can indicate a complication—contact us immediately.
When to seek veterinary attention:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive bleeding, oozing, or swelling at the incision site
- Signs of pain that do not subside with medication
- Difficulty breathing, collapse, or other sudden changes
If you’re concerned, we’re concerned—please err on the side of caution and bring your pet in. We are available during business hours and can arrange a same-day or next-day appointment for reassessment; all post-operative recheck exams are provided as a courtesy for your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Pre-Operative Exam?
Yes. All pets undergo a pre-operative exam, which may include:
- A physical assessment
- Blood work and possibly additional screening tests (similar to those humans receive before anesthesia)
- Discussion of any health conditions, medications, or concerns
Following the consultation, we will share an estimate for the proposed plan of care.
Once you approve the care plan, we can promptly schedule your pet’s surgery.
This helps ensure your pet is ready for surgery, reduces risk, and gives us time to answer your questions so you can make an informed decision.