Surgical services at Midtown Veterinary Hospital in Victoria cover a wide range of procedures for dogs and cats, from routine spays and neuters to complex soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. Every surgical patient receives a pre-operative assessment, close monitoring throughout the procedure, and dedicated recovery care. Our team takes surgical safety seriously, and we will discuss your pet’s procedure, what to expect before and after, and any follow-up care required. Open Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 PM to 8 PM at 691 Burnside Rd E.
Spaying, the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in female dogs and cats, is one of the most common procedures we perform and one of the most important decisions a pet owner can make. Spaying prevents unwanted pregnancies, eliminates the risk of pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection, and significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors when performed before or shortly after the first heat cycle. We recommend discussing timing with your veterinarian, as optimal age varies by species, breed, and size. Small and medium breed dogs are typically spayed around 6 months, while large and giant breeds may benefit from waiting until growth is more complete.
Neutering, the surgical removal of the testes in male dogs and cats, reduces the risk of testicular cancer, lowers the likelihood of prostate problems, and can reduce behaviors including roaming, marking, and some forms of aggression. For cats, neutering is recommended before sexual maturity to prevent spraying and unwanted litters. Timing recommendations for dogs vary by breed and size. Our veterinarians will discuss the right timing for your individual pet. All surgical patients receive appropriate pre-operative bloodwork assessment as indicated, anesthetic monitoring throughout, and clear post-operative care instructions for recovery at home.
Soft tissue surgeries address conditions involving organs, skin, muscle, and connective tissue. Procedures we perform include mass removals from the skin and subcutaneous tissue, wound repair and laceration closure, gastrointestinal surgeries for obstructions or disease, bladder and urinary tract procedures, and removal of affected lymph nodes or tissues for biopsy. Many soft tissue surgeries are elective procedures planned in advance, while others are performed in response to urgent presentations. Our team will discuss the procedure, the expected recovery timeline, and any restrictions on activity or diet following your pet's surgery.
Orthopedic surgery addresses conditions involving bones, joints, and supporting structures. We perform fracture repair, joint surgery, and procedures for conditions including cruciate ligament injuries, one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs. Orthopedic cases require careful pre-surgical planning including radiographs to assess the injury and select the appropriate technique. Recovery from orthopedic procedures typically involves a structured rehabilitation period with activity restrictions, and we will guide you through the recovery process in detail. For highly complex orthopedic cases, we maintain relationships with specialist surgeons and will discuss referral options when appropriate.
When a mass is found on or inside your pet, surgical removal is often the most effective way to resolve the concern and obtain a histopathology result confirming what the mass is. Many lumps and bumps removed from dogs and cats are benign, and early removal prevents them from growing large enough to complicate the procedure. For masses that may involve deeper tissue, we use pre-surgical imaging to plan the approach. All removed masses are submitted for histopathology analysis. We will discuss the findings with you and advise on any further steps based on the result.
Eye conditions that require surgery include cherry eye, where the gland of the third eyelid prolapses and requires repositioning, entropion, a condition where the eyelid rolls inward causing the lashes to contact the eye surface, eyelid mass removal, and in severe cases of disease or trauma, eye removal. Eye surgeries are performed with close attention to preserving comfort and function. Conditions affecting vision or causing eye pain should be evaluated promptly, as some eye conditions worsen rapidly. Our team will perform a full ophthalmic assessment and discuss the surgical approach appropriate for your pet's specific condition.
When a dog or cat is unable to deliver naturally due to obstruction, fetal positioning, uterine inertia, or other complications, a cesarean section may be needed to safely deliver the offspring and protect the mother's wellbeing. We monitor the signs of dystocia carefully and act promptly when intervention is indicated. Cesarean sections at Midtown Veterinary Hospital are performed with close monitoring of both the mother and each newborn. Breeders who anticipate a planned cesarean based on prior history or breed predisposition are welcome to contact us in advance to discuss timing and preparation.
We perform a range of advanced abdominal surgeries including gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) correction, enterotomy and gastrotomy for foreign body removal, cystotomy for bladder stone removal, splenectomy for splenic masses or rupture, and exploratory laparotomy when the cause of a pet's illness requires direct visual assessment of the abdominal organs. GDV is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention. Enterotomy and gastrotomy are performed when a pet has swallowed an object that cannot pass safely. We will discuss any of these procedures in detail before proceeding and ensure you understand the post-operative care requirements.
Dental surgery for dogs and cats includes tooth extractions for fractured, infected, or severely diseased teeth, management of oral masses, and surgical correction of complex dental conditions. Dental surgical procedures are performed under general anesthesia with full monitoring. Dental surgery is listed as a primary service on our Dental Care page, where you can read about the full range of dental services we offer including cleanings, dental X-rays, scaling, and polishing. Surgical cases that arise during a dental procedure are addressed at the same appointment whenever possible to minimize the need for multiple anesthetic events.
For small and medium breeds, we typically recommend spay or neuter around 6 months of age. For large breeds over 45 pounds, many veterinarians recommend waiting until 9 to 15 months to allow for more complete skeletal development. Giant breeds may benefit from waiting even longer. Your veterinarian will advise based on your dog’s breed, size, and health. Call us at (778) 775-8387.
Pre-surgical bloodwork typically includes a complete blood count and a chemistry panel assessing organ function. This helps identify any conditions that could affect anesthetic risk and allows us to adjust the anesthetic plan accordingly. We recommend pre-surgical bloodwork for all patients and consider it essential for pets over 7 years of age or those with known health conditions.
Recovery from cruciate ligament repair typically involves 8 to 12 weeks of strict activity restriction followed by a gradual return to exercise. Most dogs return to near-normal function within 4 to 6 months. Physiotherapy exercises at home and scheduled recheck appointments are part of the recovery plan. We will give you detailed written instructions for each phase of recovery.
Any new or growing lump should be evaluated by a veterinarian. A fine needle aspiration can often provide initial information about the type of cells present. Surgical removal is generally recommended before a mass becomes large enough to complicate the procedure, and sending the removed mass for histopathology gives you a definitive answer about what it is. Early removal is almost always easier than waiting.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply. Signs include a visibly bloated abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, and rapid deterioration. GDV is a surgical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. If your dog shows these signs, come to our clinic immediately during our hours or contact an emergency facility after hours.
To schedule a surgical consultation or book a procedure for your dog or cat at Midtown Veterinary Hospital in Victoria, call us at (778) 775-8387 or book online at https://petportal.vet/midtown-veterinary-hospital/appointment/request. Our team will walk you through every step from pre-surgical preparation to recovery at home. |
