Combining Advanced Surgical Skill with Compassionate Care, We Partner with You Through Every Step of Your Dog’s Surgical Journey
Hearing that your dog needs surgery is a moment filled with concern. Whether it’s a planned preventive procedure or an unexpected necessity, the thought of your best friend undergoing an operation can be stressful and emotional. At San Marcos Veterinary Clinic, we understand your anxiety, and our entire surgical approach is designed to replace that worry with confidence.
We believe that a successful surgical outcome is built on a foundation of partnership between our veterinary team and you, the dedicated owner. From the initial consultation to the final stages of recovery at home, we are here to act as your trusted guides, combining advanced surgical skills with compassionate communication and an unwavering commitment to your dog’s safety and comfort.
The Dog Surgery Consultation: Your First Step
A recommendation for surgery is never made lightly. It comes after a thorough diagnostic process, where we have determined that a surgical procedure is the best path forward for your dog’s health. The surgical consultation is the first step in our partnership. During this time, our veterinarians will:
- Clearly Explain the “Why”: We will discuss your dog’s diagnosis in detail and explain why surgery is the recommended treatment.
- Describe the Procedure: We will walk you through what the surgery entails in clear, understandable terms.
- Discuss Expected Outcomes: We will set realistic expectations for the procedure and the recovery process.
- Answer Your Questions: We encourage you to ask any and all questions you have. An informed owner is the best partner we can ask for.
Our Dog Surgery Procedures
The veterinary team at San Marcos Veterinary Clinic is skilled and experienced in performing a wide spectrum of surgical procedures. Our modern surgical suite is equipped to handle everything from routine operations to more complex cases. Our experience includes:
- Preventive Surgeries: Including routine spaying and neutering to provide lifelong health and behavioral benefits.
- General & Soft Tissue Surgery: This is a broad category that includes mass (lump) removals, foreign body retrieval, bladder stone removal, and wound or laceration repair.
- Advanced Orthopedic Dog Surgery (including TPLO): For complex orthopedic cases, such as the repair of a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), we are proud to offer advanced procedures like Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery. To provide the highest level of expertise for these intricate operations, we partner with Dr. Gantz, a board-certified veterinary surgery specialist, who performs these procedures here at our clinic. This partnership allows your dog to receive specialist-level care in the comfortable and familiar environment of our hospital.
- Advanced Dental Surgery: Performing necessary tooth extractions to eliminate the source of chronic oral pain and infection.
Our Commitment to Safe Dog Surgery
Your dog’s safety is the cornerstone of our surgical service. We adhere to the highest standards of care to ensure every procedure is as safe as possible.
- Meticulous Anesthetic Safety: We perform pre-anesthetic health screenings and bloodwork to create a customized anesthetic plan for every patient. During the procedure, a dedicated professional vigilantly monitors your dog’s vital signs at all times.
- Advanced Pain Management: We believe in a proactive, multi-modal approach to pain. This means we use a combination of therapies to manage discomfort before, during, and after the surgery to ensure your dog is as comfortable as possible.
- A Sterile Surgical Environment: All procedures are performed in a dedicated, sterile surgical suite using sterile instruments and attire to minimize the risk of infection.
Your Role in Your Dog’s Recovery
The surgeon’s work may end in the operating room, but the healing journey continues at home, where you become the most important member of the recovery team. We will never send you home feeling unprepared. Our team will provide you with detailed, written after-care instructions covering medication schedules, feeding, activity restrictions, and incision care. We are always just a phone call away to answer any questions that arise during the healing process.
Navigating Your Dog’s Surgery: Your Questions Answered
Facing a surgical procedure with your dog naturally brings up many questions. Here is our guidance on some of the most common concerns we hear from owners:
How can I best prepare my dog for their surgery day?
The most important step is to follow our pre-operative instructions carefully, especially regarding withholding food and water. On the morning of surgery, try to maintain a calm and normal routine to minimize your dog’s anxiety. Your calm demeanor will be a great source of reassurance for them.
My dog has a lump. Does it need to be surgically removed?
Not necessarily, but every new lump should be evaluated. We often start with a simple test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) to collect a small cell sample. This can sometimes tell us if the lump is a harmless fatty deposit or something more concerning that requires surgical removal.
What is TPLO surgery, and why do you partner with a specialist?
TPLO is an advanced surgical procedure to repair torn CCLs (similar to an ACL tear in humans). Because of the complexity and precision required, we partner with Dr. Gantz, a board-certified veterinary surgery specialist, to ensure your dog receives the absolute highest standard of care for the best possible outcome.
How will I know if my dog is in pain after surgery?
Watch for subtle signs like restlessness, whining, a decreased appetite, a reluctance to move, or guarding the surgical area. We send every patient home with a comprehensive pain management plan, but if you are concerned about your dog’s comfort level, please call us immediately.
Will my dog have to wear an “e-collar” (cone)?
While many pets dislike the cone, it is a crucial tool for a smooth recovery. It prevents your dog from licking or chewing at their incision, which can lead to a serious infection or cause them to pull out their sutures.
Why is pre-anesthetic bloodwork so important for a surgical procedure?
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is a vital internal health check. It assesses the function of the liver and kidneys, which are the primary organs that process the anesthetic drugs. This screening confirms that your dog’s organs are healthy enough for the procedure and helps us choose the safest possible drug protocol for them.
Your dog is a beloved member of your family. When they need surgery, you can trust our team to treat them with the same skill, care, and compassion we would give our own pets.
To schedule a surgical consultation for your dog at our San Marcos Veterinary Clinic, please call our friendly team at (760) 744-5400 or connect with us through our contact form.
