Surgery at Heartland Veterinary Clinic
We know that surgery can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Below, you'll find general guidelines on preparing your pet for surgery, what to expect on the day of the procedure, and post-surgery care. However, every pet is unique, and our team will provide personalized instructions specific to your pet’s needs when you book their procedure. If you have any questions, we’re always happy to help!
Getting Your Pet Ready for Surgery
Ensuring your pet’s safety during surgery starts with proper preparation. Bloodwork is a key part of this process—it’s highly recommended for all procedures. Why? Because it gives us a detailed look at your pet’s internal health, allowing us to detect any hidden concerns that can affect anesthetic protocol. Even when results come back normal, this information helps establish a baseline for future care.
For the best results, we recommend scheduling bloodwork at least a week before your pet’s procedure. This gives our doctor time to review the results and discuss any findings with you before the big day.
Fasting Before Surgery
To ensure a safe and smooth procedure, your pet needs to fast the night before surgery. This means:
🚫 No food after 8 PM the night before
✅ Water is okay until drop-off time
While we know skipping breakfast might be tough, fasting is crucial for their safety under anesthesia.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Surgery Day: What to Expect
The big day is here! Drop-off time is typically between 7:30–8:00 AM, before the clinic officially opens. During check-in, we’ll confirm your paperwork, weigh your pet, and go over a few important details—this process takes about 20 minutes.
Before & After Surgery
✨ Morning Check-In: Our veterinarian may give you a call to discuss any last-minute questions or concerns.
✨ Post-Surgery Update: Once the procedure is complete, we’ll call you to let you know how everything went and when it is safe to pick up your pet.
Your Pet’s Care & Comfort
Your pet will receive personalized, top-tier care throughout their procedure, including:
✔ A customized anesthetic plan tailored specifically to their needs
✔ Continuous monitoring by a registered veterinary technologist
✔ IV fluids to keep them stable and hydrated
✔ Pain management, including medication at the time of surgery and take-home pain relief
✔ Local anesthesia (nerve blocks) where appropriate to keep them comfortable
✔ A day of hospitalization & recovery monitoring
✔ And of course, plenty of love from our entire team.
We know surgery can be a stressful time, but rest assured—your pet is in expert, caring hands. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Post-Surgery Care: What to Expect
Your pet’s pick-up time will be arranged when the team calls you following their procedure. This timing can vary depending on your pet’s needs, the surgery schedule, and your availability.
We know you’ll have plenty of questions about aftercare, and we will be happy to address them. You’ll receive written discharge instructions and an in person discharge with our nurse or doctor, to ensure you feel confident and comfortable caring for your pet at home.
🐾 Please note: These are general post-op guidelines, but the Heartland team will go over specific care instructions tailored to your pet when you pick them up.
Your pet’s recovery is our priority, and we’re with you every step of the way. 💙
Types Of Surgery At Heartland
Spay and Neuter Services
Spaying and neutering your pets can have numerous benefits for both your furry friend and the community. Firstly, it can help prevent certain types of cancer and infections in pets. Spaying and neutering can also help control the pet population, which can lead to fewer animals being euthanized in shelters. Overall, spaying and neutering is a responsible decision that can improve the health and well-being of your pet.
Orthopedic Procedures
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Cranial Cruciate Repair (extracapsular technique)
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Luxating Patella Repair
Please see our orthopedic page for more information!
Growth, Mass and Cyst Removal
Our veterinarians will first assess your dog's lump to see if it is recommended for removal. If so, then we can remove it and with your consent, send it to our outside laboratory for diagnostic testing.
Entropion and 'Cherry Eye' Repair
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'Cherry Eye' or nictitans membrane/third eyelid prolapse
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Entropion/Ectropion consults and repairs
Anal Gland Removal
Reserved for severe, persistent anal gland issues. Book a consult with one of our veterinarians to have a discussion about if this procedure is right for your pet.
Additional Treatments During Spay and Neuter Procedures
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Gastropexy
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Deciduous (baby) tooth removal
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Congenital hernia repair
Stenotic Nares and Soft Palate Shortening
Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as bulldogs can have very narrow nostrils, or stenotic nares, that prevent good air flow and oxygenation. They can also have a soft palate (soft tissue on the roof of their mouths) that is too elongated, which creates more effort when breathing. Both of these genetic issues can limit the activity they can do, especially during the summer. These procedures can be done to widen airways and allow easier breathing and exercise tolerance.