Surgery for your pet is a significant decision, and choosing the right veterinary team matters. At Norgate Animal Hospital in North Vancouver, our surgical team performs a wide range of procedures for dogs and cats, from routine spay and neuter to complex orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. We use current anesthetic protocols, continuous patient monitoring, multimodal pain management, and post-operative care planning to support a safe procedure and a smooth recovery. Every surgical patient receives a pre-anesthetic examination, and bloodwork is recommended for all patients to identify any hidden concerns before going under anesthetic.
Spaying, the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus, eliminates the risk of uterine infection and significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors when performed before the first heat cycle. For small and medium-breed dogs, we typically recommend spaying between six and nine months. For large and giant breeds, we often wait until twelve to eighteen months to allow for proper musculoskeletal development. Cats are typically spayed at six to eight months. We will discuss the optimal timing for your pet based on their breed, size, and health status at your consultation.
Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and significantly reduces the risk of prostate disease and hormone-related conditions. In cats, it is one of the most effective ways to reduce roaming, spraying, and fighting behavior. Timing for male dogs is similar to females, with large-breed dogs benefiting from waiting until skeletal maturity before neutering to support joint and musculoskeletal development. We factor in your dog's breed, size, and lifestyle when making timing recommendations. All neutered patients go home with a clear post-operative care plan and appropriate pain management.
Orthopedic conditions are among the most common surgical presentations in dogs, particularly cruciate ligament rupture and medial patellar luxation. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, or TPLO, is a highly effective procedure for cruciate rupture that stabilizes the stifle joint and allows for a return to full function in most patients. MPL repair corrects the patella slipping out of its groove, which is especially common in smaller breeds. We perform thorough orthopedic assessments including imaging prior to surgery and work with you to prepare for the recovery period, which is critical for a successful outcome.
Soft tissue surgery covers a broad range of procedures involving the skin, muscles, internal organs, and other non-bony structures. Common soft tissue procedures we perform include lump removal and biopsy, wound repair and reconstruction, abscess repair, cystotomy for bladder stones or tumors, enterotomy for intestinal foreign bodies or obstructions, gastrostomy, and splenectomy. We discuss the goal of each procedure, the expected recovery, and any follow-up care requirements before proceeding. Wound closure and post-operative recovery support are included in every surgical plan.
When your pet develops a lump or mass, surgical removal combined with histopathology is often the best way to get a definitive answer about what it is and whether further intervention is needed. We perform excisional and incisional biopsies, mass removals, and tumor debulking for both benign and malignant growths. Margins, staging, and whether further care is needed after surgery are discussed based on pathology results. Early removal of suspicious masses before they grow or spread gives the best chance of a successful outcome.
We offer laser surgery as an option for many soft tissue procedures, providing reduced bleeding, less post-operative swelling, and faster healing. Eye surgery including cherry eye repair, entropion correction, eyelid mass removal, and eye removal is performed when needed. Cesarean sections are performed when a natural delivery is not safe for the mother or offspring. Gastric dilatation-volvulus surgery is performed as an urgent intervention to decompress and reposition the stomach and, where appropriate, perform a prophylactic gastropexy to prevent recurrence. If you are unsure whether your pet needs surgery, call us for guidance.
Ready to discuss surgery for your pet in North Vancouver? Call Norgate Animal Hospital at (604) 980-2222 or book a surgical consultation online. Our team will walk you through every step from pre-operative assessment to recovery.
