Emergency Veterinary Surgery
At Emergency Pet Clinic Longmont, we offer a wide range of surgical procedures for companion animals using advanced techniques and safety protocols.
During each surgical procedure, a dedicated nurse will administer anesthesia and continuously monitor your pet using electronic patient monitoring equipment. Pain medication will be provided to increase your pet's comfort following surgery.
After surgery, our priorities shift to post-operative monitoring and pain management. Your veterinarian will also provide detailed instructions on at-home care for your pet for the next few weeks following the procedure.
Surgical Procedures
At Emergency Pet Clinic of Longmont, we perform veterinary surgeries to help treat diseases and conditions in pets or to repair injuries sustained through trauma.
Our veterinarians are experienced in performing the following elective and non-elective surgeries:
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Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
If your veterinarian suspects that your cat or dog may have an abdominal abnormality or blockage, they may suggest exploratory surgery to identify the blockage and remove it.
This surgical procedure involves opening the abdominal cavity and examining a cat or dog's abdominal organs.
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Limited Ocular Surgery
If your pet is experiencing pain, redness, or other symptoms in or around their eyes, ocular surgery may be necessary.
Some common ocular procedures for cats and dogs include eyelid tumor removal, cataract surgery, ectropion surgery, entropion surgery, exenteration of the orbit, and cherry eye surgery.
If your cat or dog requires a surgical specialist to perform the surgery, our veterinary team will refer you to a surgeon in the Longmont area. We will work closely with your animal's surgeon to ensure that your pet is getting the care they need.
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C-section/Pyometra
C-sections
During Cesarean sections, puppies or kittens are surgically removed from their mother's uterus.
C-sections are typically performed when the mother is unable to give birth naturally due to complications.
Pyometra
Pyometra is a very serious womb infection that is common in female dogs who have not been spayed. If pyometra is left untreated, it can lead to severe complications including kidney failure, toxemia, dehydration, and in some cases, death.
Emergency surgery to remove the womb, combined with a fluid drip and medication are the most common treatments for this condition. Seeking veterinary care as soon as you notice that your pet is exhibiting symptoms of pyometra is your dog's best chance at a healthy recovery and survival.
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Soft Tissue Surgery
Our vets provide emergency soft tissue surgical procedures for pets suffering from injuries and urgent medical conditions, such as intestinal blockages, mass removal, skin lacerations and more.
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GDV Gastropexy
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a serious condition for dogs and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Commonly referred to as "bloat", GDV occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and subsequently twists. GDV develops spontaneously and can progress quickly.
Our team at Emergency Pet Clinic Longmont is experienced in handling GDV emergencies. Stabilizing your dog is crucial and often begins with intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy.
Surgery involves full exploration of the abdomen and de-rotation of the stomach. Additionally, the viability of the stomach wall, the spleen, and all other organs will be determined. Once the stomach is returned to the normal position in the abdomen, it is permanently fixed to the abdominal wall (gastropexy).
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Laceration Repair
A laceration is a wound produced by the tearing of body tissue. Unlike an incision with smooth edges, a laceration is often jagged and irregular. Surgical repair of a laceration is performed if the wound is large enough to require stitches.
If your pet has suffered a trauma, puncture wound, or bite and needs laceration repair, our experienced veterinary team will effectively evaluate and treat your pet to minimize additional risks and manage their pain.
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Splenectomy
A splenectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of the spleen. This procedure is often combined with exploratory abdominal surgery, in which all of the abdominal organs are inspected and biopsies are collected when necessary.
The spleen is responsible for storing blood vessels and cleaning toxins from the blood. If the spleen becomes damaged, it can bleed profusely into the abdominal cavity, causing anemia, low blood pressure, shock, and even death in severe cases.
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Mass Removal
Cats and dogs can develop masses associated with the skin. Masses can also grow inside a body cavity and can be quite serious and potentially life-threatening.
Mass removal surgery is a fairly common procedure for both cats and dogs, and more often than not, has a positive outcome.
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Foreign Body Removal
It is relatively common for foreign objects to be ingested and get stuck inside a cat or dog's body.
If your pet has eaten an object they shouldn't have, this item may become lodged anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. Surgery may be required to remove the item.
In some cases, specialized skills or equipment may be needed to perform the surgery. If that is the case for your animal, your vet will refer you to a veterinary surgeon near Longmont, and work closely with them to ensure that your pet receives the very best care.
Clear Communication With Pet Parents
We understand that the prospect of bringing your pet in for surgery can be overwhelming. Please be assured that we will only suggest surgery if it is absolutely necessary.
We will make sure that you are aware of why the surgery has been recommended, how it is performed, and that you are comfortable moving forward with the procedure.
If your pet requires advanced care, our vets will refer you to a veterinary surgeon in the Longmont area. We will also work closely with your pet's regular veterinarian to ensure that they receive the best possible care.
Surgical Protocols at Our Clinic
Pre-surgical assessments. We will confirm the specifics of the procedure, complete a physical examination of the patient, and make sure blood tests have been completed and reviewed by the vet in order to determine if your pet faces any risk of anesthesia-related complications.
Dedicated surgical suites. Surgeries are performed in a dedicated surgical suite. This room is kept completely sterile to prevent infection and cross-contamination.
Surgical attire. Our staff wears disposable caps and masks at all times when in the surgical suite. Those involved in the procedure itself will also wear sterile gowns and sterile gloves.
Sterile packs and equipment. Our veterinary team will carefully clean, wrap and sterilize all surgical instruments and equipment prior to every surgical procedure.