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SURGERY:  Cutting Edge

Heart rate monitor in hospital theater.

Technological Edge:  Surgery

Woodsdale Animal Hospital is equipped to handle both routine and complex surgical procedures.  Every patient is thoroughly evaluated and their surgery protocol selected based on their individual needs.   Exceptional skill, dedication, and solid pre- and post-operative protocols ensure the best possible outcome for our patients. We also offer CO2 laser surgery, which has many benefits over conventional scalpel surgery.  Laser surgery offers better hemostasis (controlling bleeding) and visibility, less post-operative swelling, and decreased post-operative pain. This means your pet is feeling better after a procedure.​

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What does surgery include:

  • Pre-surgical evaluation- We thoroughly examine your pet and verify that he or she is healthy enough for surgery. We require all pets 7 years of age and older to have blood work; and highly recommend it for all pets. Bloodwork can be run in our lab the morning before a procedure.

  • Careful selection of anesthetics and sedatives—Continuous monitoring and short acting, anxiety easing sedatives are utilized as a complement to our inhalant anesthetics. Medication protocols are tailored to each patient.

  • Pain management- We provide pain relief before, during, and after surgery.

  • Post-operative stays-We offer the option of staying overnight for some surgical patients and may require it for more invasive procedures.

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Surgeries are scheduled and performed Monday through Friday. Drop-off time is between 7:30 to 8 a.m..  Pick-up for outpatient procedures is generally between 4 and 5 p.m. If your pet is showing clear signs of illness (runny nose, fever, etc.) or the blood work reveals problems, we will reschedule or re-evaluate your pet for surgery.

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  • How is Dental Care at Woodsdale Animal Hospital different?
    We strive to provide a relaxed experience for you and your pet. Pets love to curl up on our cushy chairs! Our modern veterinary dental surgery suite appears similar to a dental office that you and your family would visit. We use much of the same equipment including high-speed dental units, digital dental radiography units, and leading edge anesthesia monitoring and delivery equipment.
  • What is the difference between Peridonatal Disease and gingivitis?
    Periodontal (gum) disease is a progressive disease of the supporting tissues surrounding teeth and the main cause of early tooth loss. Periodonal disease starts when bacteria combines with food particles to form plaque on the teeth. Within days, minerals in the saliva bond with the plaque to form tartar, a hard substance that adheres to the teeth. The bacteria then work their way under the gums and cause gingivitis — inflammation of the gums. Once under the gums, the bacteria destroy the supporting tissue around the tooth, leading to tooth loss. This condition is known as periodontitis. Gingivitis and periodontitis make up the changes that are referred to as periodontal disease. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can also travel in the bloodstream to infect the heart, kidneys, and liver.
  • What is the risk of my pet developing paridontal disease?
    By some estimates, 85 percent of all pets have some level of periodontal disease by the time they are 3 years of age.
  • What's involved with a dental cleaning for my cat or dog?
    A dental cleaning may include the following: • Removal of visible plaque and tartar from the teeth • Elimination of plaque and tartar from under the gum • Probing of dental sockets to assess dental disease • Polishing to smooth enamel scratches that may attract bacteria • Dental radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate problems below the gumline • Application of fluoride or a dental sealer • Removal or repair of fractured or infected teeth • Dental charting so progression of dental disease can be monitored over time • Inspection of the lips, tongue, and entire mouth for growths, wounds, or other problems
  • What can I do at home to keep my dog or cat's mouth clean?
    Once a dental cleaning has been performed, you can take a number of steps at home to keep your pet’s teeth clean. Your veterinarian may recommend a plaque prevention product — a substance that you apply to your pet’s teeth and gums on a weekly basis. The product adheres to the teeth surface to create a barrier that prevents plaque from forming. Just as in people, daily brushing can help remove food particles from between your pet’s teeth. You can use a child’s toothbrush or purchase a finger brush from your veterinarian. Certain diets and treats can also help keep plaque and tartar to a minimum. The diets tend to have larger kibbles to provide abrasive action against the tooth surface when chewed. Or they may contain ingredients that help prevent tartar mineralization.
  • What are the risks with anasthesia?
    Although anesthesia will always have risks, it’s safer now than ever and continues to improve so that the risks are very low and are far outweighed by the benefits. Most pets can go home on the day of the procedure, although they might seem a little groggy for the rest of the day.
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