At Union Veterinary Associates, we are able to perform a wide array of surgical procedures.  Before surgery is even considered, our staff will fully discuss with you all treatment options for your pet along with the risks and benefits of each of these choices.  We believe it is very important for you to fully understand the benefits and potential risks of surgery and make an informed decision about your pet’s care. Our doctors and technicians work meticulously to provide superior care for your pet. This starts with a preanesthetic examination and bloodwork to make sure that your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and surgery.  If a concern is noted in either of these examinations, you will be contacted and updated with respect to any alterations in your pet's anesthetic and surgical plan.  Once it is determined that it is safe to proceed with your pet's procedure, continuous supportive care and monitoring is provided throughout your pet's surgery and post-anesthetic recovery.  During the procedure, a technician continuously monitors your pet's heart rate and rhythm, respiration and blood pressure.  They also observe vital statistics like mucous membrane color and depth of anesthesia.  After the procedure is completed, your pet is monitored until their body temperature has returned to normal and they have fully recovered from anesthesia. Your pet will only be discharged from the hospital once their body temperature has returned to a normal level, they are ambulatory, and pain is believed to be under control.  When you pick your animal up after surgery, a doctor or technician will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions both verbally and in writing.  You will be allowed ample opportunity to ask questions or voice concerns before leaving the hospital.  We also advise you to schedule all follow up appointments that will be necessary for your pet before you leave. During the post-operative recovery time at home, if you have any concerns at all, we welcome your call.  Most concerns can be easily rectified if they are addressed early. No question is ever too trivial and our staff is always eager to help!

Common reasons for a pet to have surgery: 

• Spay and neuter
• Skin tumor removal or skin biopsy
• Dental procedures
• Trauma: laceration repair, abscess repair, fractures
• Abdominal surgery: biopsy collection, foreign body removal, tumor removal, exploratory surgery
• Bladder surgery:  stone removal, urinary tract obstruction
• Eyelid surgery

What does surgery involve?

Surgery for pets is very similar to surgery for humans. We do our best to mitigate any complications that may occur, but unfortunately, there is always some risk associated with anesthesia and surgery.  Some animals have adverse reactions to anesthetic medications. Some of these reactions can even be fatal.  There are also complications that can arise during the postoperative period which include prolonged bleeding, delayed anesthetic recovery, infection, and poor healing of the surgical site.  Our goal is to eliminate these complications by maintaining strict anesthetic and surgical protocols.  We also make sure that you are informed of any complications we believe may arise during the recovery period so you will be aware and observant.  By treating each and every pet as if they were our own while they are in the hospital, we hope to achieve a successful outcome for all animals  on whom we are trusted to perform anesthesia and surgery.

It is our belief that it takes a team to provide exceptional care for animals.  We are all on that team together!  If you have any questions or concerns regarding anesthesia and surgery for your pet, please don't hesitate to call.