Pet Surgery FAQs

Learning that your pet needs surgery can be a source of significant anxiety for any pet parent. Whether it is a routine wellness procedure or a necessary medical intervention, understanding the process is the best way to ease your mind. At Griffith Pet Hospital, your trusted animal hospital in Glendale, CA, we prioritize safety, pain management, and clear communication to ensure the best possible outcome for your furry family members.

If you are looking for an experienced vet near you to handle your pet's surgical needs, here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding pet care and surgery.

What types of surgeries do you perform?

Our surgical suite is equipped to handle a wide range of procedures. These include:

• Spaying and Neutering: Essential for preventing unplanned litters and reducing the risk of certain reproductive cancers and infections.
• Mass Removals: The surgical excision of skin tumors or internal growths. Early removal is often key to preventing the spread of potentially malignant cells.
• Soft Tissue Surgeries: This category includes procedures such as laceration repairs, bladder stone removals (cystotomy), and various abdominal surgeries.

Is anesthesia safe for my pet?

Anesthesia is significantly safer today than it was even a decade ago. We take every precaution to minimize risk. This includes mandatory pre-anesthetic blood work to ensure your pet’s liver and kidneys can process the medications. During the procedure, a dedicated technician monitors your pet’s heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure in real-time at our Glendale, CA, facility.

Will my pet be in pain?

We believe in proactive pain management. We use a multi-modal approach, which means we combine different types of medications, such as local blocks, injectable pain relief, and take-home anti-inflammatories, to interrupt pain signals at multiple levels. Our goal is for your pet to wake up feeling comfortable and calm.

What does the recovery process look like?

Most soft tissue surgeries require a recovery period of 10 to 14 days. During this time, a cone (E-collar) is usually necessary to prevent your pet from licking or chewing at the incision. We will provide detailed instructions on activity restriction, as running or jumping can cause sutures to fail.

Your pet is in good hands when you bring them to our animal hospital for surgery. If your pet needs a procedure or testing, you can schedule a consultation with a vet near you in Glendale, CA, by calling (818) 482-7712.