Surgical Services in Vancouver, BC

Surgical services at Homer Animal Hospital in Vancouver are performed by our experienced veterinary team in a fully equipped surgical suite. We offer a broad range of soft tissue, orthopedic, and reproductive procedures for dogs and cats. Every surgical patient receives a thorough pre-operative assessment, and pre-anesthetic bloodwork is available to identify any underlying concerns before the procedure begins. Pain management and a tailored recovery plan are included as standard for every surgery.

Spay and Neuter

Spaying and neutering are among the most commonly performed veterinary procedures and carry significant health and behavioral benefits. Spaying female dogs and cats before their first heat cycle significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors later in life and eliminates the risk of uterine infection. Neutering male pets reduces roaming, certain aggressive behaviors, and the risk of testicular and prostate conditions. We determine the optimal timing based on your pet's breed, sex, age, and size. Large and giant breed dogs typically benefit from waiting until musculoskeletal maturity, which we assess at your consultation.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Soft tissue surgery covers procedures involving the skin, muscles, and internal organs not related to the skeleton. At Homer Animal Hospital, we perform soft tissue procedures including lumpectomy, cystotomy for bladder stone removal, enterotomy and gastrostomy for gastrointestinal foreign body management, and splenectomy when indicated. Each procedure is preceded by a full patient assessment and diagnostic workup to ensure your pet is the best candidate for surgery and that recovery goes smoothly.

Tumor Surgery

Surgical removal of masses and tumors is an important part of managing certain conditions in dogs and cats. Early removal of lumps and masses provides the best opportunity for clean margins and successful outcomes. We examine and discuss biopsy options for removed tissue so you have a clear understanding of what we found and what to watch for going forward. Post-operative monitoring and wound care guidance are provided at discharge.

Orthopedic Surgery

We offer select orthopedic procedures for pets with bone, joint, and ligament conditions. Cases that require more complex orthopedic intervention may be referred to a specialist, and we coordinate that process for you. Pre- and post-operative pain management and rehabilitation guidance are provided for all orthopedic patients to support recovery and long-term comfort.

Eye Surgery

Ocular procedures including entropion correction and certain eyelid surgeries are performed at Homer Animal Hospital. Eye conditions that affect vision, comfort, and tear production are assessed thoroughly before any surgical plan is made. We discuss realistic outcomes and post-operative care in detail before proceeding, and we refer to a veterinary ophthalmologist for complex cases requiring specialized equipment.

Cesarean Section

Emergency cesarean sections are available when a pet experiences difficulty during labor or when a planned C-section is indicated. Our team is equipped to perform this procedure, provide maternal recovery support, and assist with neonatal care. If your pet is due soon and you have concerns about delivery, contact us in advance so we can plan accordingly.

GDV Surgery and Gastrostomy

Gastric dilatation and volvulus is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention. We provide GDV surgery for eligible patients and discuss preventive options such as prophylactic gastropexy for predisposed deep-chested breeds. Gastrostomy and enterotomy procedures for gastrointestinal foreign body removal or feeding tube placement are also available.

Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring

Every surgical patient at Homer Animal Hospital receives individualized anesthetic planning and continuous monitoring throughout their procedure. We monitor heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiratory function from induction to recovery. General anesthesia, local anesthesia, and sedation options are selected based on the procedure, the patient's health status, and pre-anesthetic bloodwork results.

Explore More

Laser Care for post-surgical pain management

Pet diagnostics including pre-surgical bloodwork

Urgent care for surgical emergencies

FAQs

When should I spay or neuter my dog in Vancouver?
Timing depends on your dog’s breed and expected adult size. Small and medium breeds are typically spayed or neutered between 6 and 9 months. Large and giant breeds often benefit from waiting until 12 to 18 months to allow full musculoskeletal development. We discuss the ideal timing at your puppy’s first visit and at subsequent wellness exams.
Do you offer pre-surgical bloodwork at Homer Animal Hospital?
Yes. We offer pre-anesthetic bloodwork for all surgical patients to check organ function and identify any underlying conditions that could affect anesthesia safety. For young, healthy pets undergoing routine procedures, bloodwork is offered as an option. For older pets or those with known health conditions, we strongly recommend it as part of the surgical preparation.
How long does recovery take after spay or neuter surgery?
Most pets recover well within 10 to 14 days following spay or neuter surgery. During this time, activity should be restricted, the incision checked daily for swelling or discharge, and an e-collar worn to prevent licking. We provide a detailed written home care guide at discharge and are available to answer questions during the recovery period. A post-operative check can be scheduled if any concerns arise.
What is a prophylactic gastropexy and does my dog need one?
A prophylactic gastropexy is a preventive surgical procedure that attaches the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent it from twisting. It is recommended for large and giant deep-chested breeds that are at higher risk for GDV. The procedure is often performed at the same time as spay or neuter surgery to minimize the number of anesthetic events. We discuss this option at your dog’s wellness visits.

Schedule a surgical consultation at Homer Animal Hospital in Vancouver. Call (604) 416-4114 or book online. We are open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Same-day urgent surgical assessments are available.