Beyond Spaying and Neutering: Additional Surgical Procedures

At Whittington Veterinary Clinic, we offer a full range of surgical services to address medical conditions, injuries, and preventive care needs—always with your dog’s safety and comfort as our top priorities.

Surgical Procedures We Offer for Dogs:

Other issues may arise that require surgical care. If a procedure is beyond what we can provide in-clinic, we’ll refer you to a trusted veterinary surgical specialist to ensure your pet receives the best possible care.

What to Know Before Your Dog Has Surgery

Preparing for your dog’s surgery can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Before surgery, it’s important to understand the procedure, what recovery will look like, and what will be expected of you at home. You may need to set aside time to care for your dog and prepare a calm, quiet space for recovery—ideally away from other pets or young children.

Why We Recommend Pre-Surgical Bloodwork

We recommend pre-surgical lab work for nearly all patients. These tests help us determine whether your dog is healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery. They also allow us to tailor the anesthetic protocol to your pet’s needs and minimize any risks.

What We Look for in Bloodwork:

  • Platelet Count – To ensure proper blood clotting, especially important before surgery
  • Kidney & Liver Function – To check how well these organs are working and how your dog will handle medications or anesthesia
  • Blood Sugar Levels – To screen for diabetes or low blood sugar
  • Electrolytes – To assess hydration and detect imbalances that could affect the heart or muscle
  • Thyroid Function – To evaluate metabolism and energy levels
  • Pancreatic Enzymes – To check for signs of pancreatitis or digestive issues
  • Red & White Blood Cells (CBC) – To detect infections, anemia, or immune concerns

These results help us catch early signs of illness, track chronic conditions, and guide safe treatment plans tailored to your dog.

Monitoring Your Dog Under Anesthesia

We know the idea of anesthesia can cause anxiety—but your pet’s safety is our top priority. During surgery, your dog is continuously monitored by a trained veterinary nurse. Vital signs are tracked closely to ensure your dog remains stable throughout the procedure. To learn more about anesthesia in dogs: Click Here

Recovery Time

Healing time depends on the type of surgery:

  • Routine surgeries (spays, neuters, wound repairs): 10–14 days
  • Oral procedures: 7–14 days
  • Major or orthopedic surgeries: 6–12 weeks or more

We’ll give you specific guidance based on your dog’s procedure.

Helping Your Dog Recover at Home

Following your discharge instructions is essential. These include:

  • Medication instructions
  • Activity restrictions
  • Diet and feeding guidelines
  • Use of an e-collar (cone) if needed
  • Follow-up appointment recommendations
  • Creating a calm space for your dog to rest—away from stairs, noise, and activity—can make a big difference in how smoothly they recover.

All surgeries are performed with thorough preoperative evaluation, advanced monitoring, pain management, and attentive aftercare.