General Surgery Overview

Animal Medical Center of Deer Valley is proud of it’s record of surgical success. Dr. Lee and Dr. Ford oversee a team of highly qualified technicians who assist them in performing a wide range of surgeries. General surgery includes a variety of common and elective procedures performed under general anesthesia.

Examples of common surgeries include:

• spay (ovariohysterectomy),

• neuter (castration),

• mass removal and biopsy,

• laceration repair,

• abscess and wound repair,

• exploratory surgery,

• removal of gastrointestinal foreign bodies,

• enucleation (eye removal),

• cystotomy (removal of bladder stones),

• as well as bone and skin biopsies.

As these procedures usually require general anesthesia, please refer to our Anesthesia Services for a detailed description of our offerings. We routinely use pain management medication in our general surgeries to insure your pet’s comfort. Refer to our Pain Management Services for a detailed description.

Ask our staff if you have questions about our General Surgery Services. Surgical services and facilities include: fully trained veterinary and technical staff, to ensure the safest, most efficient, state-of-the-art procedures for your pet; circulating hot water blankets for greater comfort; advanced sterilization techniques; continuous ECG and oxygen saturation monitors; intensive care after surgery and full blood testing.

A dedicated and fully trained surgical technician continuously monitors patients during anesthesia.

Elective surgeries such as spays and neuters are performed with the same care and dedication as more complex surgeries.

Surgical Admissions:

• Presurgical bloodwork is required for all anesthetic patients

• Consent forms must be signed prior to surgery

• No food after 10 PM the night before surgery (water is ok)

• Arrive at the hospital by 8:00 the morning of surgery

• Please provide us with accurate contact information for a responsible party available throughout the day

• At admission, a staff member will discuss with you your pet’s procedure—risks, possible complications, recovery—and answer any of your questions

During the Day

It is generally difficult to give you a specific time for your pet’s surgery. Feel free to call during the day to check on your companion’s surgical and recovery status. Your pet will be assigned a technician who can update you regularly. A team member will call you with a full status report by the end of the day.

After Surgery

Follow your discharging veterinarian’s instructions

• Monitor your pet's incision for swelling and redness

• Monitor your pet’s appetite

• Maintain bandages and administer medications as instructed

• Return for follow-up as directed