Surgical services at South Fraser Animal Hospital give dogs and cats in Abbotsford, BC access to a broad range of procedures, from routine spays and neuters to soft tissue surgery, tumor removal, and orthopedic procedures. Our team prepares carefully for every operation with pre-anesthetic bloodwork available, continuous patient monitoring throughout each procedure, and a tailored recovery plan for every pet going home.
Spaying your female dog or cat before her first heat significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors and eliminates the risk of pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection. For small and medium-breed dogs, we recommend spaying between 6 and 9 months. Large and giant breeds benefit from waiting until 12 to 18 months to allow adequate musculoskeletal development. Cats are typically spayed at 5 to 6 months. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is available and strongly recommended. Every pet goes home with a written recovery plan and pain management support.
Neutering your male dog or cat reduces roaming behavior, certain forms of aggression, and the risk of reproductive conditions. Timing varies by breed and body size. For large-breed dogs, we typically recommend waiting until physical maturity is reached to protect joint development. We discuss the right timing for your individual pet at their wellness exam and answer all questions about the procedure, anesthesia, and the recovery period at home.
Soft tissue surgery covers procedures involving internal organs, the skin, and body cavities. Common procedures include mass removal, laceration repair, cystotomy for bladder stones, gastropexy in deep-chested breeds, splenectomy, and intestinal surgery. Our team performs a thorough pre-surgical assessment, discusses the planned procedure and expected recovery with you in detail, and ensures attentive monitoring throughout every step.
Orthopedic procedures address conditions affecting your pet's bones, joints, and musculoskeletal system, including fracture repairs, ligament procedures, and joint corrections. Orthopedic surgery at South Fraser Animal Hospital is provided by a visiting veterinary specialist. Pre-booking is required. Please contact us at (604) 855-0770 to discuss your pet's situation and arrange an appropriate consultation and timeline.
Discovering a lump or mass on your dog or cat can be alarming, but prompt evaluation gives us the best information to guide next steps. Not all masses are serious, but those that are growing rapidly, changing in appearance, or causing discomfort warrant careful assessment and, often, surgical removal. We approach every tumor procedure with thorough evaluation, honest communication, and attentive follow-up care.
A cesarean section may become necessary when natural delivery is not progressing safely for the mother or her newborns. We monitor the mother closely and act promptly when intervention is needed, prioritizing the health of all patients. If your pet is pregnant and you have concerns about her labor at any stage, call us immediately at (604) 855-0770.
Dental procedures, including surgical extractions and more complex oral surgery, are performed under general anesthesia at our Abbotsford clinic. Intraoral X-rays allow us to assess root condition and surrounding bone before any extraction. Many dogs and cats experience noticeable improvements in appetite, energy, and overall demeanor following dental surgery, once the source of oral pain has been removed. For routine dental care information, please see our Dental Services page.
When non-invasive assessment does not provide a clear answer, exploratory surgery allows direct examination of the abdominal cavity. This is considered when imaging suggests an internal abnormality, when a foreign body is suspected and cannot be confirmed or passed safely, or when a pet's condition is declining without a confirmed cause. We discuss the clinical reasoning, procedure, and expected recovery with you fully before proceeding.
A cesarean section may become necessary when natural delivery is not progressing safely for the mother or her newborns. We monitor the mother closely and act promptly when intervention is needed, prioritizing the health of all patients. If your pet is pregnant and you have concerns about her labor at any stage, call us immediately at (604) 855-0770.
Most pets are discharged the same day with written instructions covering activity restriction, incision care, feeding guidance, and follow-up. An e-collar is typically used to prevent licking. Call us at (604) 855-0770 anytime during recovery if you have concerns.
Yes. We provide specific fasting instructions based on your pet’s age and the planned procedure. Food is generally withheld for 8 to 12 hours before surgery. Water restrictions vary. We confirm all instructions when you book.
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is strongly recommended. It helps identify underlying organ concerns that could affect how your pet handles anesthesia, particularly kidney and liver function. This is especially important for pets over seven years old. We discuss the option at every pre-surgical consultation.
Most dogs and cats recover well within 10 to 14 days. Activity should be restricted throughout. Sutures are checked or removed at a follow-up visit around 10 days after the procedure. Full internal healing takes several weeks.
Orthopedic surgery at our clinic is performed by a visiting veterinary specialist. Please contact us at (604) 855-0770 to discuss your pet’s condition and arrange a consultation and booking. We coordinate the timing and prepare your pet’s records in advance.
Book a surgical consultation at South Fraser Animal Hospital in Abbotsford. Call (604) 855-0770 or book online at southfraseranimalhospital.com/make-an-appointment/. Open seven days a week.
