When your dog or cat needs surgery, the experience and precision of the surgical team matters. North Delta Animal Hospital provides veterinary surgical services for dogs and cats in Delta and Surrey, including spay and neuter procedures, soft tissue surgeries, orthopaedic work, and a range of advanced surgical procedures. Our clinic is open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and our team is committed to clear communication with pet owners at every stage of the surgical process, from the pre-surgical conversation through to recovery guidance at discharge.
Spay and neuter surgery is one of the most performed veterinary procedures in general practice, and for good reason. Spaying female dogs and cats eliminates the risk of uterine infection, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition called pyometra, and reduces the likelihood of certain reproductive cancers. Neutering male dogs and cats helps prevent testicular cancer and reduces behaviours associated with intact males, including roaming and territorial marking. Most patients recover well and return to normal activity within a short period following surgery. Our team provides detailed post-operative care instructions so you know exactly what to expect during your pet's recovery at home.
Soft tissue surgery covers a broad range of procedures involving the organs, skin, and internal structures of the body. Common soft tissue surgeries performed at North Delta Animal Hospital include removal of masses and skin tumours, splenectomy, gastrotomy, enterotomy, cystotomy, and exploratory surgery. Exploratory surgery allows our veterinary team to directly evaluate internal structures when imaging or other assessments have not provided a complete picture. Soft tissue surgical cases vary considerably in complexity, and our team will have a thorough pre-surgical conversation with you so you understand the procedure, the expected recovery, and any follow-up that may be required.
Orthopaedic surgical procedures address conditions affecting the bones, joints, and supporting structures of the musculoskeletal system. Our surgical team performs orthopaedic and wound repair procedures, including cases involving fractures and joint injuries sustained through accident or trauma. Orthopaedic cases often require a longer recovery period than soft tissue procedures, and our team provides recovery guidance tailored to the specific procedure performed. For cases requiring highly specialised orthopaedic expertise, referral to a veterinary orthopaedic specialist may be recommended.
North Delta Animal Hospital also performs eye surgery and ear surgery for dogs and cats where indicated. Eye procedures may include correction of eyelid abnormalities that cause irritation or damage to the cornea. Ear surgery is sometimes required for pets with chronic or severe ear conditions that have not responded to other forms of care. Tumour surgery, including removal of internal and external masses, is another area of surgical care our team handles regularly. Each surgical case is evaluated individually, and our team takes time to explain the procedure and what recovery will look like before moving forward.
Safe surgery begins before your pet enters the operating room. Pre-surgical bloodwork helps our team assess organ function and identify any factors that could affect anaesthetic safety. We review your pet's health history, current status, and any supplements or health products before proceeding. Your pet will receive monitoring throughout the procedure, and our team remains attentive during the recovery period as your pet wakes from anaesthetic. Discharge instructions are provided in detail so you know what to watch for at home and when to call us. Follow-up appointments are scheduled where appropriate to monitor healing and ensure your pet is recovering as expected.
Veterinarians generally recommend spay and neuter procedures around six months of age for most dogs and cats, though timing can vary based on breed, size, and individual health factors. Larger breed dogs may sometimes benefit from waiting a little longer. Our veterinary team will discuss the most appropriate timing for your specific pet during a wellness visit or pre-surgical consultation.
Recovery time depends on the type and complexity of the procedure. Routine spay and neuter patients typically return to normal activity within ten to fourteen days. More involved surgeries, including orthopaedic procedures or internal organ work, may require a longer recovery with activity restrictions. Our team will provide specific recovery instructions tailored to your pet's procedure, including what to watch for and when a follow-up is needed.
Age alone is not a reason to avoid surgery when a procedure is medically necessary. Pre-surgical bloodwork helps our team assess organ function and identify any factors that could affect anaesthetic safety for older pets. Our team will discuss the risks and benefits with you openly, and we take a careful approach to anaesthetic protocols for senior animals to support a safe procedure and recovery.
A cystotomy is a surgical procedure to open the bladder, most commonly performed to remove bladder stones that cannot be passed or dissolved through other means. Bladder stones can cause discomfort, difficulty urinating, and in some cases a urinary blockage, which is a serious concern. If imaging reveals stones that require surgical removal, our team will walk you through the procedure and recovery process before scheduling the surgery.
Yes. Tumour surgery, including removal of external skin masses and internal tumours, is among the surgical procedures our team performs. The approach depends on the type, size, and location of the mass, as well as your pet's overall health. In some cases, a fine needle aspirate or biopsy may be recommended before surgery to provide additional information about the mass. Our team will discuss findings and surgical options with you before proceeding.
If your dog or cat has been referred for surgery, or if you would like to discuss a surgical concern with our team, North Delta Animal Hospital is here to help. We provide veterinary surgical services in Delta and Surrey seven days a week. Call us at (604) 596-8252 to arrange a consultation.
