Surgical Services for Dogs and Cats in Dunbar, Vancouver

Surgical services at Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver include a range of soft tissue and specialty procedures for dogs and cats. Routine surgeries including spay, neuter, and soft tissue procedures are performed by our in-house veterinary team. Orthopedic procedures are available through a visiting veterinary surgeon by pre-booked appointment. Every patient receives thorough pre-surgical assessment, individualized anesthetic planning, continuous monitoring throughout their procedure, and a tailored recovery plan. We take time to explain every step of the process so you feel confident and informed before, during, and after your pet's surgery.

Spay Surgery for Female Dogs and Cats

Spaying is one of the most significant health decisions you can make for a female dog or cat. In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies, spaying before or near the first heat cycle significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors and eliminates the risk of pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection. We also perform spay surgery on cats in heat and on dogs or cats with pyometra when surgery is the most appropriate course of action. Our team provides pre-surgical bloodwork options, careful anesthetic management, and a complete home care plan for recovery.

Neuter Surgery for Male Dogs and Cats

Neutering reduces the risk of testicular and certain prostate conditions and can reduce behaviors such as roaming, mounting, and urine marking in intact males. The ideal timing for neutering depends on your pet's breed, expected adult size, and overall health. For large and giant breed dogs in particular, our team will discuss the evidence around timing to balance behavioral benefits with musculoskeletal development. Microchipping can be combined with neuter surgery if not already placed. A complete pain management and recovery protocol is provided for every patient.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Soft tissue surgeries at Alta Vista Animal Hospital include lump and mass removal, wound repair, abscess care, laceration closure, and other procedures involving skin, subcutaneous tissue, and internal organs. Our surgical team assesses each case thoroughly before recommending a procedure, discussing the findings, the planned approach, and what to expect during recovery. Samples removed during surgery can be submitted for histopathology to determine the nature of the tissue and guide any follow-up recommendations.

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic procedures including TPLO and MPL repair for ligament and joint conditions, limb amputation when medically indicated, and fracture repair are available at Alta Vista Animal Hospital through a visiting veterinary surgeon. Pre-booking is required for orthopedic procedures. Our team coordinates the consultation process and provides pre-surgical assessment and post-operative follow-up care. For cases requiring a board-certified orthopedic specialist, we can also facilitate a referral to a trusted specialist in the Lower Mainland. Contact us at (604) 221-5858 to discuss your pet's orthopedic needs and confirm scheduling.

Eye Surgery

Eye surgeries performed at Alta Vista Animal Hospital include cherry eye repair, entropion correction, eyelid mass removal, and eye removal when medically necessary. Ocular conditions require prompt attention, as many deteriorate quickly without appropriate care. Our team assesses the condition thoroughly prior to surgery, discusses all available options with you, and provides detailed post-operative instructions. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and ensure that the surgical outcome is progressing as expected.

Caesarean Section

When a dog or cat experiences difficulty during labor that puts the mother or offspring at risk, prompt evaluation and surgical intervention may be necessary. Our team assesses the mother's condition, fetal progress, and risk factors to determine whether a Caesarean section is the safest course of action. If surgery is performed, our focus is on the safety of the mother throughout and appropriate post-operative support for both mother and newborns. We provide clear guidance on what to watch for at home following the procedure.

Explore More

Anesthesia and patient monitoring for every procedure

Urgent care for sudden injuries

Pet Diagnostics including pre-surgical imaging

Additional services including specialist referrals

FAQs

How do I prepare my pet for surgery at Alta Vista Animal Hospital?
We will provide specific pre-surgical instructions at your consultation, which typically include fasting from the night before the procedure. We recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork for all surgical patients to identify any hidden concerns that could affect anesthetic safety. Call (604) 221-5858 with any questions before your pet’s procedure.
When is the best age to spay or neuter my dog in Vancouver?
The ideal timing depends on your dog’s breed and expected adult size. Small and medium breeds are typically spayed or neutered between 6 and 9 months. For large and giant breeds, our team may recommend waiting until 12 to 18 months to support proper musculoskeletal development. We will discuss the specific recommendation for your dog at their wellness visit.
What should I expect after my pet's soft tissue surgery?
Most pets recover at home following soft tissue surgery with appropriate pain management, restricted activity, and regular monitoring of the incision site. We provide a complete written discharge plan at the time of release and schedule a follow-up appointment to check healing. Call us at (604) 221-5858 if you have any concerns before your follow-up.
Can you remove a lump from my pet at the same time as their spay or neuter?
In many cases, yes. Combining procedures reduces the number of times your pet needs to undergo anesthesia and can make practical sense when the lump is accessible and the patient is healthy enough for a slightly longer procedure. Our surgeon will assess the lump during your pet’s pre-surgical consultation and advise whether combining is appropriate.
What is TPLO surgery and does my dog need it?
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is a surgical procedure used to stabilize the knee joint following a cranial cruciate ligament rupture, one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. Not every dog requires TPLO, and the right approach depends on the dog’s size, activity level, and degree of instability. This procedure is performed by our visiting veterinary surgeon and requires pre-booking. Our team will assess your dog and discuss all appropriate options with you before referring to the surgeon.

Book a surgical consultation at Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver. Our experienced surgical team is here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of your pet's care. Call (604) 221-5858 or book online at https://altavistaanimalhospital.ca/make-an-appointment/.