Surgical Services in Dunbar, Vancouver

Q: What is the right age to spay or neuter my dog or cat?

Timing depends on breed, sex, size, and lifestyle. Smaller breeds and most cats are typically spayed or neutered at six to nine months.

Q: Will my dog need orthopaedic surgery if they tore a cruciate ligament?

Many cruciate cases benefit from surgical repair to restore stability and prevent long-term arthritis. Our team assesses each case before recommending a path forward.

Surgery is one of the highest-stakes services a veterinary clinic offers, and the way it is done matters as much as whether it is done at all. Spay, neuter, soft tissue, orthopaedic, and ocular surgery for dogs and cats happen here in-house at Alta Vista, with anaesthesia and patient monitoring on every procedure regardless of size. Our visiting orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Kahlon, performs the orthopaedic procedures that need a focused surgical hand, and owner Dr. Parveen Munjal oversees the day-to-day surgical programme. Dog and cat families across Dunbar and Vancouver's West Side have trusted Alta Vista for routine and complex surgeries since 1998.

Veterinary surgical services include spay and neuter, soft tissue procedures (mass removals, exploratory surgery, urinary procedures), orthopaedic surgery (joint, ligament, fracture repair), and ocular surgery for dogs and cats. Most procedures are performed under general anaesthesia with full patient monitoring before, during, and after surgery.

Spay and Neuter Surgery for Dogs and Cats in Vancouver

Spay and neuter are the most common surgeries performed in any general practice, and the most consequential for long-term health and behaviour. Most spays and neuters are done as outpatient procedures, with the pet returning home the same day. We discuss the optimal age for the surgery on a case-by-case basis, since the right timing varies by breed, size, sex, and lifestyle. Bloodwork before anaesthesia is part of every spay or neuter to confirm the patient is a safe surgical candidate.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Soft tissue surgery covers everything from a routine mass removal to exploratory abdominal surgery and urinary procedures. We perform the soft tissue procedures most dogs and cats need over a lifetime here in-house. Pre-surgical assessment, bloodwork, imaging where appropriate, and a clear conversation about what to expect on the day are all part of the process. For procedures that require advanced equipment or surgical experience our team does not handle in-house, we coordinate with our trusted specialist referral partners.

Orthopaedic Surgery with Visiting Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Kahlon

Orthopaedic surgery, including cruciate repair, fracture repair, patellar luxation correction, and similar bone and joint procedures, is performed at Alta Vista by Dr. Kahlon, our visiting orthopaedic surgeon. Owner Dr. Parveen Munjal coordinates each orthopaedic case from initial assessment through anaesthesia and recovery. Bringing orthopaedic surgery in-house means your pet does not need to be transferred elsewhere for the procedure, and your existing clinical history stays with the team that knows your dog or cat.

Ocular (Eye) Surgery

Eye surgeries, including entropion correction, cherry eye repair, eyelid mass removal, and similar ocular procedures, are also handled in-house. Eye conditions move quickly and the timing of surgery often matters as much as the surgery itself. Our team assesses each case carefully, explains what we see, and recommends the appropriate timing and approach. Ocular cases that require advanced ophthalmic surgery are referred to our trusted specialist referral partners.

Anaesthesia and Patient Monitoring

Every surgical procedure at Alta Vista includes a full anaesthetic protocol matched to your pet's individual risk profile. Pre-anaesthetic bloodwork, intravenous fluids, multimodal pain management, and continuous monitoring of heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and oxygen saturation are standard for every patient regardless of the size of the procedure. A dedicated team member monitors each anaesthetised pet from induction through recovery.

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FAQs

How long will my pet need to recover from surgery?

Recovery time depends on the procedure. Routine spay and neuter recoveries typically take 10 to 14 days. Soft tissue surgeries vary by complexity, often 2 to 3 weeks. Orthopaedic surgery recoveries are longer, frequently 8 to 12 weeks of restricted activity. Our team gives you a written discharge plan with the specific timeline for your pet’s procedure.

What is the right age to spay or neuter my dog or cat?

The right timing depends on breed, sex, size, and lifestyle. Larger breed dogs benefit from waiting longer for skeletal maturity; smaller breeds and most cats are typically spayed or neutered at six to nine months. We discuss the timing during a wellness visit before booking the surgery so the decision fits your specific pet.

Is anaesthesia safe for my older dog or cat?

Modern anaesthetic protocols are tailored to the individual patient, including older pets. Pre-anaesthetic bloodwork, intravenous fluids, and continuous monitoring during the procedure significantly reduce risk. The team reviews each senior patient’s anaesthetic plan before booking and discusses any concerns or accommodations with you in advance.

Will my dog need orthopaedic surgery if they tore a cruciate ligament?

Cruciate ligament injuries are common in dogs and the right approach depends on the dog’s size, age, activity level, and severity of the injury. Many cases benefit from surgical repair to restore stability and prevent long-term arthritis. Our team assesses each case and discusses options with you before recommending a path forward.

Book a surgical consultation for your dog or cat. Call (604) 221-5858 to schedule a pre-surgical assessment at Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Dunbar, where every procedure includes full anaesthesia monitoring and a written recovery plan.