12001 N MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73162
Guiding You Through Your Dog’s Surgical Journey
Hearing your dog needs surgery can bring up a long list of questions, and we would rather answer them upfront than leave you guessing. At Warwick Animal Hospital in Oklahoma City, every surgical pet patient is monitored closely from the moment anesthesia begins, with a heating device to maintain body temperature and continuous tracking of vital signs throughout the procedure.
From the initial evaluation and pre-anesthetic testing to the procedure itself and your dog's recovery at home, our team is here to guide you through every stage of the process with clear communication and attentive care.
Types of Surgery We Perform
We offer both soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, covering many of the most common procedures dogs need.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgery includes spays and neuters, mass and tumor removal, abscess treatment and removal of swallowed objects, which is a surgical emergency we see often given how many dogs get into things they shouldn't. In serious cases, this category also includes emergency surgery for gastric dilatation-volvulus, more commonly known as bloat, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery addresses injuries and conditions affecting bones and joints. The most common procedure we see is cranial cruciate ligament repair, since dogs are prone to this type of knee injury much like people are prone to ACL tears. We also perform fracture repair after trauma and surgery for luxating patella, which is especially common in smaller breeds.
Every Step of Your Dog’s Surgical Care
Our team takes a thoughtful approach to every stage of your dog's surgery, from evaluating their health before anesthesia to providing guidance for a smooth recovery at home. Here's what you can expect throughout the process.
Before Surgery: What We Check First
Before any procedure, we perform a complete physical exam to check for fever or illness that could affect anesthesia safety, and we adjust the type and amount of anesthetic based on your dog's individual health. Pre-surgical bloodwork is a required part of this process, since it lets us evaluate liver and kidney function before anesthesia begins.
Even a dog that seems perfectly healthy can have an underlying issue that only bloodwork reveals, and catching it beforehand is far better than discovering it mid-procedure. Older or ill dogs may need additional testing, such as an electrocardiogram or X-rays, before moving forward.
To reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia, we ask that food be withheld for 8 to 10 hours before surgery, though water can be left down until the morning of the procedure.
During Surgery: Keeping Your Dog Safe
Throughout the procedure, your dog stays on a heating device to maintain body temperature, while our team monitors vital signs continuously. For certain procedures, we use a surgical laser instead of a traditional scalpel. This is especially useful for removing vascular tumors, since a laser causes less bleeding, which improves visibility for the surgeon and can shorten the time your dog spends under anesthesia. Laser precision also makes it a good option for delicate areas, such as between the toes or inside the mouth.
After Surgery: Recovery at Home
Many procedures use absorbable sutures placed beneath the skin, which dissolve on their own and never need to be removed. Other procedures, particularly tumor removals, require visible skin sutures instead, which are typically removed 10 to 14 days after surgery. Either way, keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge, and watch for excessive licking or chewing at the site. Your dog's activity should be limited during recovery, with no bathing for at least 10 days after the procedure.
Managing Your Dog’s Pain
Pain after surgery is real, even when dogs do not show it the way people would. Major procedures require more pain relief than something like a minor laceration repair. For many dogs, we recommend an oral anti-inflammatory starting the day after surgery and continuing for several days, using newer medications that are less likely to cause stomach upset. Narcotic patches are also an option for certain procedures, with dosing based on your dog's size, and injectable pain medication may be used after surgery as needed. Any dog showing signs of discomfort receives additional pain relief, since providing appropriate pain management is simply the right thing to do for a recovering patient.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
Plan for 5 to 10 minutes at drop-off to complete paperwork and confirm decisions around bloodwork and any additional options. We will call the night before to confirm your dog's drop-off time and answer any last questions. At pickup, plan for about 10 minutes to go over home care instructions, so you leave with a clear plan for recovery.
Have Questions About Your Dog’s Upcoming Surgery?
We are always happy to walk through what to expect before your dog's procedure. Schedule a surgical consultation with Warwick Animal Hospital today.