Surgery
Cedar Park

We are equipped and trained to provide a wide range of surgical needs for our patients. We are excited to be able to offer several surgical options with a CO2 laser for less pain and bleeding. Elective procedures we offer range from routine dental cleanings, lumpectomies, laceration repairs, to cat or dog spay and cat or dog neuter in Cedar Park. We can also provide certain orthopedic surgeries on a case by case basis.

Elective Surgery

We do all types of elective surgery.

• Spays

• Neuters

Soft Tissue Surgery

We offer many types of soft tissue surgeries.  Many of these are done now with the Laser.

• Skin tumor removal

• Eye lid repair

• Laceration Repair

• Abdominal Explorations

Orthopedic Surgery

We have to ability to do many orthopedic procedures in our practice.  Some complicated procedures we refer to orthopedic surgeons or have them come to our facility to perform the surgery.  Some of the procedures we do:

• Internal Bone Fracture Fixation

• External Bone Fracture Fixation

• Femoral Head Ostectomy

• Cranial Cruciate Repair

Laser Surgery

Many of our elective and non-elective procedures are now done utilizing laser.  All canine neuters, soft palate resections and many soft tissue procedures are done with the laser as well.  Many skin cancers can be removed quickly using this method.  We feel that the laser offers the patient less surgical bleeding, and much less post-op pain and swelling.  This leads to a happier pet with a quicker recovery time.  Ask our staff if your pet’s surgery can be improved with laser surgery.

Surgery Monitoring

We use state of the art monitoring equipment for your pet during surgery.

Imaging

Imaging can help our veterinarians evaluate musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary systems. We offer both digital radiography as well as non-invasive ultrasound imaging to painlessly examine internal structures that would otherwise be impossible to evaluate. We also contract with a local radiology group for consultation on radiographs and support with complicated ultrasound studies to provide your pet with the best diagnostic capability.

Radiology

Radiology – or X-rays – help our veterinarians evaluate muscular-skeletal, cardiovascular (cardiopulmonary), gastrointestinal, reproductive and urinary systems.  We have recently added digital x-ray to our practice.  This allows us to have higher quality images and much more rapidly.  It also affords us the ability to send images to our local radiologist for 2nd opinions with the click of a button.

Ultrasound

This non-invasive, state-of-the-art technology uses sound waves to painlessly examine specific internal organs, primarily the heart and abdominal organs.  Pregnancy exams are also available.

My Pet Needs Surgery. What do I Need to Know?

No pet parent wants to hear that their fur baby needs surgery. Even if it’s just a routine procedure, such as a cat or dog spay or a cat or dog neuter in Cedar Park, the thought of surgery can be very scary for the people and pets involved.

To make your pet’s surgery the least stressful for you and them, here are some important guidelines.

How to Prepare for Your Pet’s Surgery

Your pet’s surgical journey will begin with a consultation. Your pet may need one of the following surgical services:

• Spaying or neutering

• Removal of foreign objects from the digestive tract

• Orthopedic injuries

• Soft tissue repair 

• Removal of tumors or other masses

Here are some things you may need to discuss with prior to your pet having surgery:

Become Fully Informed

Before your appointment, write down all the questions you have so you don’t forget to ask. Our staff will gladly answer any questions you have. Being well-informed will help you provide the best care possible for your fur baby.

Make sure we knows of anything about your pet that could be important.

• Does the pet have a history of allergies, heart murmur, or other health issues that could make surgery more dangerous? 

• Have they had surgery before?

• Has your pet been eating and drinking normally? Are they having normal bowel movements and urinating without problems?  This information will help the us diagnose the problem and determine how safe surgery will be for your pet.

• Are there any options besides surgery? 

• If not, how long will the surgery take? 

• How long will they have to stay in the hospital? 

• How quickly will my furry friend be back to normal?

If it’s determined that surgery is the best option then you need to prepare yourself and your furbaby.

Getting Your Pet Ready for Surgery

We will provide you with pre-operation instructions if needed. Make sure you fully understand them before coming in. Put them in a place that you can readily access them. Make sure everyone in the family knows to follow the instructions.

For planned surgeries such as a dog neuter in Cedar Park, schedule the procedure so you or someone else will be able to closely watch the pet for a few days afterward.

Follow the pre-operation instructions exactly. 

Please note that Cedar Park Animal Clinic has a surgery cancellation policy in place. To avoid cancellation fees, all cancellations or reschedules must be done 72 hours before your scheduled appt.

The Day Before

• If the instructions say do not feed or provide water after a certain time, the pet must not have anything to eat or drink, no matter how much they beg. And they will!

• Make sure your pet cannot sneak in a snack or a drink when you are not looking. The pet’s stomach must be empty when they are put under anesthesia or complications could occur. You may have to confine the pet the night before.

• No food after midnight for your pet. Water is ok throughout the night but must be removed first thing in the morning.

Day of the Surgery

• If your pet is currently taking any medication, ask if you should give their normal dose or not on surgery day.

• Be sure to arrive with your pet at the appointed time on surgery day. 

• If your pet is hard to catch, confine him or her the night before, so you are not trying to coax them out of an impossible-to-reach hiding place when it’s time to leave. 

• Animals are very perceptive when it comes to their human’s emotions. The calmer you are, the calmer your pet will be.

Drop off time for surgery is 8-8:30 am. Please allow 10-15 min for check in and provide the front desk staff with multiple ways to reach you and let them know how you prefer to be contacted. Our staff will provide updates about your pet when available. Pick up time is typically between 4p-6:00p but can change based on the type of surgery.

Recovery times will vary according to the overall health of your fur baby, how complicated the surgery was, and other factors, such as possible reactions to medications, the length of time under anesthesia, etc.

Taking Care of Your Pet After Surgery

Following the surgery, your pet will be brought to a recovery area where they will be closely monitored as they come out of the anesthesia. Our trained staff members all have keen eyes and will see if there’s a problem.

Back at Home

When it’s time to bring your pet home, make sure you understand all you have to do for post-operative care. Some things to consider include:

• Will the pet need to be confined? If yes, for how long? The animal may start to feel better and want to play a little too hard, too soon. It’s hard but you have to make sure your pet does not do too much, too soon.

• If medication has to be given, do you understand how to, and are you capable of giving it? Some pets can be very difficult to medicate. Can the medication be mixed with food?

• Will you have to return with your pet to have sutures or staples removed? 

• Will the pet need to wear the cone of shame to prevent them from licking the incision?

• What are the signs of complications you should be watching for?

• Can you take your pet’s temperature? Do you know what a normal temperature is?

Getting Your Pet Back on Their Feet

Surgery may not be easy on your pet, or you, but when it’s needed, you can be confident that your pet is getting the best care possible and we want the best outcome as much as you do.

Remember, don’t hesitate to call if you think there is a problem or you don’t understand something. 

If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation for your pet, please give us a call.