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Surgical care requires skill, precision, and a team that communicates clearly at every step. At Alma Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver, we perform a wide range of surgical procedures for dogs and cats, from routine spay and neuter surgeries to soft tissue, orthopedic, and dental procedures. We serve pet owners in Dunbar, Point Grey, and Dunbar-Southlands, and every surgery at our clinic includes comprehensive anesthesia monitoring and individualized pain management. We take the time to walk you through what to expect before, during, and after your pet’s procedure.
Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in female dogs and cats. It eliminates the risk of uterine infection, reduces the risk of mammary tumors, and prevents unwanted litters. We recommend spaying most small and medium female dogs at 6 months of age. For large and giant breeds, we discuss timing individually to account for the benefits of allowing growth plates to fully develop. Spay surgery at Alma Animal Hospital is performed under full general anesthesia with continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and body temperature throughout the procedure.
Neutering is the surgical removal of the testicles in male dogs and cats. It prevents testicular cancer, reduces the risk of prostate disease, and eliminates behaviors associated with intact male hormones such as roaming and urine marking. We typically recommend neutering small and medium dogs at 6 months of age, with delayed timing for large and giant breeds at 9 to 18 months depending on the individual. As with all surgeries at Alma Animal Hospital, neutering is performed under full general anesthesia with thorough patient monitoring and appropriate post-operative pain management.
Soft tissue surgery covers a broad range of procedures involving the skin, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, reproductive organs, and other internal structures. Common soft tissue procedures we perform include tumor removal, cystotomy for bladder stones, enterotomy and gastrotomy for foreign body removal, splenectomy, and exploratory surgery for unexplained abdominal concerns. We discuss the purpose of each procedure, the expected recovery timeline, and any specific aftercare requirements with you before scheduling. Post-operative comfort is a priority, and we provide clear home care instructions to support your pet’s recovery.
Orthopedic surgery addresses conditions affecting the bones, joints, and supportive structures of the musculoskeletal system. At Alma Animal Hospital, we perform procedures for fractures, joint instability, and other orthopedic conditions appropriate for a primary care veterinary setting. Cases requiring more advanced orthopedic intervention, such as specialized joint reconstruction, are referred to a veterinary orthopedic specialist. We manage the full perioperative care for procedures performed at our clinic, including pre-surgical assessment, anesthesia, surgical care, and post-operative monitoring and follow-up.
Dental surgery includes tooth extractions, oral mass removal, and advanced dental procedures performed under general anesthesia. Dental surgery is often identified during a routine dental cleaning when dental radiographs reveal root disease, tooth resorption, or other conditions not visible to the naked eye. At Alma Animal Hospital, all dental surgical procedures are performed with full anesthesia monitoring and appropriate analgesia. We discuss findings and recommended procedures with you before proceeding and provide detailed aftercare instructions. Refer to our Dental Care page for information on preventive dental services including cleaning, scaling, and polishing.
Tumor surgery involves the removal of masses from the skin, subcutaneous tissues, or internal organs. We recommend assessment of any new lump or swelling before surgical removal to determine the most appropriate surgical approach. Fine needle aspiration cytology or biopsy may be performed before surgery to help characterize the mass. Exploratory surgery is recommended when internal symptoms cannot be fully explained by non-invasive assessment and imaging. Both procedures are performed with careful pre-surgical planning, thorough monitoring during surgery, and attentive post-operative support.
Every surgical procedure at Alma Animal Hospital includes a full pre-anesthetic assessment to identify individual risk factors. Monitoring during anesthesia includes continuous measurement of heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature. We use appropriate anesthetic protocols tailored to the patient’s species, age, breed, and health status. Pain management is multimodal, addressing discomfort before, during, and after surgery. We monitor patients in recovery until they are fully alert and stable before contacting you to arrange pickup. Post-operative pain management and follow-up instructions are provided at discharge.
Surgical care at Alma Animal Hospital is built on skill, communication, and compassion. Book a surgical consultation in Dunbar today. Call (604) 229-5564 or book online at almavets.ca/make-an-appointment/.
