SERVICES

Surgeries for Dogs and Cats in New Westminster

SURGERIES

Surgical care is a critical part of veterinary medicine, whether your pet needs a routine procedure or a more complex surgical intervention. The team at Columbia Square Animal Hospital performs a wide range of surgeries for dogs and cats at our New Westminster clinic, from spaying and neutering to advanced TPLO orthopaedic surgery. We are open seven days a week, with weekday hours until 10:00 PM, giving families the flexibility they need to arrange pre-surgical consultations and post-operative follow-up at a time that works.

Spaying and Neutering in New Westminster

Spaying and neutering are among the most common surgical procedures in veterinary medicine, and for good reason. Spaying a female dog or cat eliminates the risk of pyometra, a serious and potentially life-threatening uterine infection, and significantly reduces the risk of certain reproductive cancers. Neutering a male pet reduces the risk of testicular cancer and can help manage hormone-driven behaviours such as roaming, marking, and aggression. At Columbia Square Animal Hospital, spaying and neutering procedures are performed under general anaesthesia with careful monitoring throughout. Our team will discuss the ideal timing for your pet’s procedure based on their breed, age, and overall health. For many breeds, veterinarians now recommend waiting until a certain stage of physical maturity before spaying or neutering, particularly for larger dogs. Your veterinarian will walk you through the current guidance and help you choose the right time for your individual pet.

Orthopaedic Surgery Including TPLO

Orthopaedic injuries and conditions in dogs can significantly affect their quality of life and daily comfort. Columbia Square Animal Hospital performs orthopaedic surgery for dogs and cats, including TPLO (tibial plateau levelling osteotomy), one of the most widely performed surgical approaches for dogs experiencing cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury. CCL injuries are among the most common orthopaedic conditions seen in dogs, particularly in active and athletic breeds. The TPLO procedure works by altering the angle of the tibial plateau so the joint can function stably without relying on the torn ligament. Most dogs show significant improvement in weight-bearing and comfort following recovery. Our team provides structured post-operative care guidance and schedules follow-up visits to monitor healing progress. If you have noticed your dog limping, reluctant to use a rear leg, or unable to bear weight on a limb after activity, an orthopaedic evaluation at our New Westminster clinic is the appropriate next step.

Soft Tissue Surgery for Pets

Soft tissue surgery covers a broad range of procedures addressing internal organs, skin, and body cavities in dogs and cats. At Columbia Square Animal Hospital, our surgical team performs soft tissue procedures including tumour removal, splenectomy, gastrotomy, enterotomy, cystotomy, Caesarean section, and exploratory surgery. These procedures require careful preparation, attentive anaesthetic monitoring, and thorough post-operative support. Our in-house laboratory and imaging tools, including digital X-ray and ultrasound, allow us to gather important pre-surgical information and prepare more effectively for each case. After any soft tissue procedure, your pet is monitored during recovery and you will receive clear post-operative care instructions before leaving the clinic. If your veterinarian has recommended a soft tissue procedure for your dog or cat, our team will take the time to explain what the surgery involves and what to expect during recovery.

Eye Surgery for Dogs and Cats in New Westminster

Eye conditions in pets can cause significant discomfort and, if left unaddressed, may affect long-term vision. Columbia Square Animal Hospital performs eye surgery for dogs and cats, including cherry eye repair, entropion correction (inward-rolling eyelids), eyelid mass removal, and other conditions affecting the eye and surrounding structures. Signs that your pet may benefit from an eye evaluation include persistent discharge, visible redness, squinting, or a visible growth near or on the eye.

Dental Surgery for Dogs and Cats

Dental surgery is sometimes necessary when a pet’s oral health requires more than a routine cleaning can address. At Columbia Square Animal Hospital, dental surgical procedures include tooth extractions, management of advanced periodontal disease, and removal of oral masses. All dental surgery is performed under anaesthesia, and dental X-rays are used to assess root health before and during procedures, ensuring nothing is missed below the gum line. If your pet has been showing signs of mouth discomfort such as pawing at the face, difficulty chewing, or reluctance to eat hard food, a dental evaluation is a sensible first step.

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Diagnostics and in-house imaging

Dental services for dogs and cats

Urgent care in New Westminster

GOOD TO KNOW

FAQs

How long does recovery take after TPLO surgery in dogs?

Recovery following TPLO surgery typically spans eight to twelve weeks, with a gradual return to full activity guided by your veterinarian. The initial period involves strict rest and restricted movement to allow the bone to heal properly. Follow-up appointments are scheduled at key intervals to assess healing and adjust activity restrictions accordingly. Your vet will provide a clear recovery plan tailored to your dog.

At what age should I have my puppy or kitten spayed or neutered?

The recommended age for spaying or neutering varies depending on your pet’s species, breed, and size. For cats and smaller dogs, the procedure is commonly performed around five to six months of age. For larger and giant breed dogs, current veterinary guidance increasingly supports waiting until skeletal maturity, which may be closer to twelve to eighteen months. Your veterinarian at Columbia Square Animal Hospital will discuss the right timing for your individual pet.

What is a soft tissue surgery in veterinary medicine?

Soft tissue surgery refers to surgical procedures involving organs, tissues, and body cavities that are not bone or joint related. Common examples include tumour removal, abdominal exploratory surgery, removal of a foreign object from the stomach or intestines (gastrotomy or enterotomy), bladder surgery (cystotomy), and Caesarean section. These procedures vary widely in complexity and are planned carefully using pre-surgical imaging and laboratory testing where appropriate.

What anaesthetic monitoring does Columbia Square Animal Hospital use during surgery?

Our team uses standard veterinary anaesthetic monitoring throughout all surgical procedures. This includes monitoring heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and temperature. A dedicated team member monitors your pet’s vital signs continuously while the surgical team focuses on the procedure. Pre-anaesthetic bloodwork is recommended for many patients, particularly seniors and those with known health conditions, to ensure they are good candidates for anaesthesia.

How do I know if my dog might need TPLO surgery?

The most common sign of a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury in dogs is sudden-onset hind limb lameness, particularly following activity. Some dogs partially tear the ligament and show intermittent lameness over a longer period. If your dog is limping on a rear leg, reluctant to jump or climb stairs, or sitting with one leg extended to the side, an orthopaedic evaluation is recommended. A physical examination by your veterinarian is the first step in determining whether TPLO or another approach is appropriate.

BOOK A VISIT

Whether your pet needs a routine spay or a complex orthopaedic procedure, the surgical team at Columbia Square Animal Hospital is here to help. Call us at (604) 521-5572 to arrange a pre-surgical consultation. We are available seven days a week in New Westminster.