Restoring & Maintaining Pet Health
Generations of pet parents have counted on our veterinarians to provide a wide range of elective and non-elective surgical procedures. These procedures help maintain and restore the good health of their furry family members.
Our team understands that the prospect of your beloved companion needing surgery can be distressing. Rest assured that we only recommend surgery when we feel it is in the best interests of your dog or cat.
We strive to ensure that you fully understand why we are recommending that your pet have surgery and that you feel confident, informed, and comfortable making the decision to go ahead with the procedure.
Common Surgical Procedures
At Chinook Pet Clinic, we perform elective and non-elective surgeries to help repair injuries sustained through trauma and treat disease. We also perform elective surgeries aimed at reducing the homeless animal population and maintaining optimal pet health.
Visit our Lethbridge veterinarians to learn more about the following elective and non-elective surgeries:
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Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgery is an umbrella term that covers a range of ear, nose, and throat procedures, as well as mass removals and the treatment of flesh wounds. Almost all surgical procedures not covered under the heading of orthopedic surgery may be considered soft tissue surgery.
This category also includes procedures for hepatic, urogenital, oncological, cardiothoracic, gastrointestinal, and skin disorders.
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Spaying & Neutering
Spaying and neutering are very common surgical procedures performed to sterilize dogs and cats, prevent disease, and provide our four-legged patients with an extended life expectancy.
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Mass Removal
Masses can form on or just under the skin or inside a body cavity. While in some cases masses are removed for aesthetic purposes, other masses can be serious or even life-threatening and must be removed to help preserve or restore good health.
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Foreign Body Removal
Our curious fur babies often swallow items they shouldn't, from toys to carpets, clothing, and more. These non-food items can become stuck inside a cat's or dog's body, pose a very serious threat to their health and longevity, and must be removed.
Other times, cats and dogs can have accidents that can leave them injured due to a foreign body. Our veterinarians can perform foreign body surgery to remove the object and help the healing process begin.
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Wound Repair
Wounds occur when living tissue has been cut, broken, burnt, torn, or otherwise damaged. It is vital that these wounds be cleaned, disinfected, and appropriately cared for by a qualified veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid infection and other complications.
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Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgeries are procedures aimed at correcting injuries and conditions of the bones, ligaments, joints, tendons, and other skeletal structures. Common veterinary orthopedic surgeries include TPLO to repair cruciate injuries and FHO to restore hip mobility.
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Dental Surgery
Veterinary dental surgeries are performed to relieve pain and restore good oral health to dogs and cats. These surgeries can range from tooth extractions and gum disease treatment to jaw fracture repairs.
The Surgery Process
Prior to surgery, we will complete a thorough pre-surgical assessment. This includes a physical examination of your pet as well as blood tests to determine if they face any risk of anesthesia-related complications.
Throughout your dog or cat's procedure, a dedicated nurse will administer anesthesia and continuously monitor your companion using electronic patient monitoring equipment. Pain management will also be provided.
Post-operative monitoring and pain management are our priorities following surgery. Your veterinarian will provide you with thorough instructions for at-home care, including how and when to administer any required medications.
Sterilization Protocols
Surgical protocols at our clinic include dedicated surgical suites, which are kept completely sterile to prevent infection and cross-contamination.
Our staff wears sterile attire at all times when they are in the surgical suite, and we carefully clean, sterilize, and wrap our surgical instruments and equipment prior to every surgery.