dog surgeries in lakeland, fl

What You Need to Know About Cat & Dog Surgeries in Lakeland, FL

Cat and dog surgeries are almost as commonplace as human surgeries, and we are just as concerned and careful about keeping our patients safe. At Lakeland Animal Clinic, we have state-of-the-art equipment and protocols in place to make surgery as comfortable as possible for your pet. While risks are an inherent part of every surgical procedure, you can be assured that we have the ability to significantly reduce those risks. If your pet is in need of surgery, give us a call at (863) 688-3338.

cat with bell sitting

Our Safety Procedures

From pre-surgical preparation to post-surgical care, your pet is never alone. A skilled staff member is always at their side to monitor their health and make sure they're safe. You can expect open communication and frequent follow-ups with our team to keep you informed and put you at ease.

tech doing lab work

Lab Work

All pets undergoing surgery at our hospital must have lab work done before being placed under anesthesia. This ensures that they are healthy and experience minimal risk during surgery.

Lab work includes:

  • A chemistry panel with basic parameters for young patients
  • A complete blood count (CBC) and a full chemistry panel for seniors or pets with chronic diseases

We perform all blood work in our hospital on the day of surgery. Following the blood work, patients also receive an IV catheter that provides presurgical pain medication and fluids. Each patient has an anesthetic protocol tailored directly to their needs for best safety.

Continuous Monitoring

A veterinary assistant monitors your pet during their surgery, keeping an eye on EKG, blood pressure, SpO2, and temperature values throughout. We also use warm blankets to keep their temperature stable and healthy. This is important because while sedated, your pet’s body temperature will decrease and without proper warming methods, they can develop hypothermia. In addition, maintaining body temperature can decrease your pet's recovery time.

Pet Surgeries We Perform

Our veterinarians are experienced in performing a variety of routine and case-by-case pet surgery procedures. These include but are not limited to:

  • Spay (OVH)
  • Neuter (castration)
  • Dental cleanings and surgery
  • Most wound repairs
  • Growth removals
  • Bladder stone removals (cystotomy)
  • Foreign body removal
  • Splenectomy
  • Tissue biopsies

What to Expect After Your Pet’s Surgery

Helping your pet have a smooth recovery is paramount. Expect to receive complete instructions for keeping them comfortable and healthy during their recovery period when you arrive to bring them home. We may also send your pet home with additional pain relief medication and antibiotics to help them heal in the following days. If you have questions or need to see us for a checkup, call (863) 688-3338 right away and we will be more than happy to help!