Surgery and Anesthesia
Surgery and Anesthesia for Dogs and Cats
Safe Procedures with Compassionate Care
Hearing that your pet may need surgery can feel overwhelming. For many pet families, it brings questions, worries, and a lot of concern for their companion.
At University Animal Clinic, we understand how much trust it takes to place your pet in someone else’s care. Our veterinary team approaches every surgical procedure with careful planning, clear communication, and a strong focus on safety and comfort.
Whether surgery is needed to treat an injury, remove a mass, address a health condition, or perform procedures such as spaying or neutering, our goal is always the same: to support your pet’s health while helping you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Our animal hospital proudly cares for pets throughout Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and surrounding communities.
A Veterinary Hospital Designed for Your Pet's Safety and Comfort
Our animal hospital was carefully designed to support modern veterinary medicine. Our surgical and treatment areas allow our team to perform procedures using advanced equipment while keeping pets closely monitored and comfortable. Our veterinary hospital also features a dedicated dental suite, enabling our veterinarians to perform dental procedures and oral surgeries in a space designed for patient safety and close monitoring.
University Animal Clinic is AAHA-accredited, a distinction held by only a small percentage of veterinary hospitals. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) evaluates hospitals on hundreds of standards related to patient safety, anesthesia, monitoring, pain management, and surgical care. Accreditation means our hospital voluntarily meets some of the highest standards in veterinary medicine.
Purpose-built veterinary facilities, combined with these rigorous standards of care, help us create a calm, organized environment where pets receive thoughtful, carefully monitored treatment and families can feel confident in the care their pets receive.
Why Pets Sometimes Need Surgery
Surgery can help treat many different medical conditions in pets. In some cases, surgery is recommended to address injuries or illnesses that cannot be treated with medication alone.
Examples of procedures that may be recommended include:
- spay and neuter procedures
- professional dental procedures
- mass or tumor removal
- orthopedic procedures
- treatment of injuries or internal conditions
- certain diagnostic procedures
Our team will always take the time to explain why a procedure is recommended, what it involves, and what you can expect before making any decisions about your pet’s care.
Understanding Anesthesia
One of the most common concerns pet caregivers have about surgery is anesthesia.
Anesthesia simply means your pet is placed in a controlled sleep so they do not feel pain and remain completely still during the procedure. This allows the veterinarian to perform surgery safely and carefully.
Before anesthesia is given, we perform pre-anesthetic blood work. This testing allows us to evaluate how your pet’s organs, especially the liver and kidneys, are functioning and how their body is likely to process the medications used during anesthesia.
During surgery, your pet is never left unattended. A trained veterinary professional monitors them closely throughout the procedure.
We continuously monitor:
- heart rate and heart rhythm
- oxygen levels
- blood pressure
- breathing
- body temperature
An IV catheter and IV fluids are also used during anesthesia to keep your pet hydrated and allow immediate access to medications if needed.
Our goal is always to keep your pet safe, stable, and comfortable throughout the entire process.
Before and After Surgery
What Happens Before Surgery
Preparation helps make the day of surgery smoother for both pets and their families.
Before your pet’s procedure, our team will:
- review your pet’s medical history
- perform a physical exam
- run pre-anesthetic blood tests
- discuss the procedure with you in detail
- answer any questions you may have
Clear communication is very important to us. We want you to understand exactly what your pet will experience so you feel comfortable moving forward.
Caring For Your Pet After Surgery
After surgery, pets are carefully monitored while they wake up from anesthesia. Our team ensures they are comfortable and recovering well before going home.
Once your pet is ready to return home, we will provide clear written instructions to help guide you through recovery.
Some helpful ways to prepare for your pet’s recovery include:
- arranging a quiet place for them to rest
- washing their bedding so they return to a clean space
- limiting stairs or jumping during recovery
- planning time at home to monitor them closely
Your presence during recovery can be very comforting for your pet. Being prepared ahead of time allows you to focus on helping them rest and heal.
Spay and Neuter Procedures for Cats and Dogs
Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) are procedures that prevent pets from reproducing. These procedures can also provide several long-term health benefits.
Pets that are spayed or neutered often experience:
- reduced risk of certain cancers
- fewer reproductive-related illnesses
- decreased hormone-driven behaviors
In addition to health benefits, these procedures help prevent pet overpopulation and reduce the number of animals entering shelters.
Compassionate Surgical Care
At University Animal Clinic, we treat every patient as if they were our own. From careful preparation to close monitoring and supportive recovery, our entire team works together to provide thoughtful surgical care.
If your pet has been recommended for a surgical procedure, we are here to guide you through the process and answer any questions along the way.
Your pet’s safety, comfort, and well-being remain our top priority.
Trusted Surgical Care When It Matters Most
If your pet needs surgery, you want a team you trust. We focus on safety, monitoring, pain control, and clear communication throughout the entire process. Contact us to schedule a surgical consultation.