Surgical services at PoCo West Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam are performed with a focus on patient safety, pain management, and clear communication with you at every step. Before any surgical procedure, we conduct a comprehensive physical examination and offer pre-anesthetic bloodwork to identify any concerns that could affect how your pet responds. Our team explains what to expect from preparation through recovery, so you and your companion are as prepared as possible. We perform surgical procedures for dogs and cats in Port Coquitlam, serving the wider Tri-Cities area.
Spaying removes the ovaries and uterus of a female dog or cat, eliminating the risk of uterine infection (pyometra), preventing mammary tumor development, and ending heat cycles and associated behavioral changes. The timing of spay is individualized based on your pet's breed, size, and health. For small and medium breeds, spay is typically recommended between 6 and 9 months. For larger breeds, we may recommend waiting until 12 to 18 months to allow for full skeletal development. We will discuss the right timing for your companion at your pre-surgical consultation.
Neutering removes the testicles of a male dog or cat, reducing the risk of testicular cancer, decreasing prostate concerns, and reducing roaming and marking behaviors. Like spay timing, neuter timing for dogs is influenced by breed size and health goals. Cats are typically neutered between 5 and 6 months. For dogs with one or both testicles retained (cryptorchidism), surgical correction is particularly important and is addressed at the time of neutering. We offer pre-anesthetic bloodwork, microchip placement, and tailored pain management as part of the surgical experience.
Soft tissue surgery encompasses a broad range of procedures involving the organs and structures outside the skeleton. Common soft tissue surgeries include mass removals, laceration repairs, wound closures, bladder surgeries, intestinal procedures, and exploratory surgeries. Our team performs these procedures with attention to minimizing recovery time and maximizing comfort. Post-surgical care instructions are provided in writing, and our team is available to answer questions during your pet's recovery. We monitor all surgical patients closely during and after procedures.
Orthopedic surgery addresses conditions involving bones, joints, and connective tissues. We perform procedures for fracture stabilization, joint surgery, and repair of ligament injuries in dogs and cats. Mobility issues, limping, and joint pain that do not resolve with conservative care are evaluated for surgical candidacy. Our team discusses the full scope of each procedure, including recovery expectations and activity restrictions, so that you have a realistic picture of the path ahead. Post-surgical rehabilitation guidance is provided to support your pet's recovery at home.
When a lump, bump, or mass is identified, surgical removal may be recommended depending on the size, location, and nature of the growth. We assess masses using fine needle aspiration cytology or biopsy before surgical removal when appropriate. Tumor surgery ranges from straightforward skin mass excisions to more complex internal procedures. Following removal, tissue samples are submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for histopathology. Results help us advise on follow-up monitoring. Our team communicates clearly throughout the process and addresses every concern you raise.
Dental surgery including extractions and oral surgical procedures is performed at our clinic. For comprehensive information about our dental surgical services, see our Dental Care page. At the time of your pet's dental procedure, our surgical team and dental team work together to provide complete care in a single visit.
Caesarean section is performed when a dog or cat is unable to deliver naturally, or when fetal positioning or timing creates risk for the mother or offspring. Our team assesses the mother's condition, fetal progress, and risk factors to determine whether surgical delivery is the safest path. We provide careful monitoring during the procedure and post-surgical guidance to support both the mother and newborns in the early days after delivery.
A cystotomy is performed to remove bladder stones that cannot be dissolved through dietary management. Urinary stones cause discomfort, recurrent infections, and in severe cases, urinary blockage. We confirm the presence and location of stones using diagnostic imaging before surgery and submit removed stones for mineral analysis after the procedure. Dietary and lifestyle adjustments following surgery help reduce the risk of recurrence. Recovery is typically straightforward, with most pets returning to normal activity within 1 to 2 weeks.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly called bloat, is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with gas and rotates on its axis. It most commonly affects large and deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles. Signs include a distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, and sudden deterioration. This is a surgical emergency. If you suspect bloat, call us immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency hospital after hours. For high-risk breeds, our team can discuss prophylactic surgical options during a consultation.
When diagnostic imaging and bloodwork do not fully explain a pet's symptoms, exploratory surgery allows direct examination of the abdominal or thoracic cavity. This approach is used when internal bleeding, suspected foreign body obstruction, mass identification, or organ abnormalities require visual confirmation. Exploratory surgery provides both diagnostic information and, in many cases, the opportunity to address the underlying issue in the same procedure. Our team will discuss candidacy, expected findings, and post-surgical care before proceeding.
Before every surgical procedure, we perform a comprehensive physical examination. We offer pre-anesthetic bloodwork, which screens for organ function concerns that could affect how your pet responds to anesthesia. We also review any existing health conditions, current products your pet is on, and any other factors that help us plan a safer procedure. We explain the procedure, anesthesia approach, and recovery expectations clearly before the day of surgery.
Timing depends on your dog’s breed size. Small and medium breeds are typically spayed or neutered between 6 and 9 months. For large and giant breeds, waiting until 12 to 18 months is often recommended to allow for full skeletal development. We individualize the recommendation based on your pet’s breed, sex, and current health at your pre-surgical consultation.
Recovery time varies by procedure. Most routine soft tissue procedures such as mass removals or spay and neuter require 10 to 14 days of activity restriction. More complex procedures may require a longer recovery period. We provide written post-surgical care instructions and are available by phone during recovery if you have questions.
Not necessarily, but it should be evaluated promptly. We begin with a physical examination and, depending on the characteristics of the mass, a fine needle aspiration to sample the cells. Some masses are benign and monitored over time. Others are better addressed surgically. The evaluation helps us recommend the most appropriate path.
To discuss a surgical procedure for your dog or cat in Port Coquitlam, call PoCo West Animal Hospital at (604) 554-1255 or book a consultation at pocowestvets.ca/make-an-appointment/. We walk you through every step before, during, and after.
