Veterinary Surgery in Shawnee, KS
At Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee, we understand that the idea of surgery can be stressful for any pet owner. That is why our veterinary team takes the time to walk you through every step, from the initial consultation to post-operative recovery. Combining veterinary care with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, we cherish your pet and their long-term health.
With more than 21 years of surgical experience in Shawnee, our doctors have performed thousands of procedures, from routine spays and neuters to complex emergency surgeries. Families across Shawnee, Lenexa, Merriam, and Overland Park trust us to care for their pets when it matters most.
Our Approach to Pet Surgical Care
We prioritize the safety and comfort of your pet throughout every step of the surgical process. Our veterinary surgeons utilize modern anesthesia monitoring, digital radiographs, and in-house lab work to plan each procedure carefully and minimize risk.
We value open communication, working closely with you to address concerns and keep you informed before, during, and after surgery. Every surgical patient at Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee receives a pre-operative exam and bloodwork to confirm they are healthy enough for anesthesia. During surgery, a dedicated team member monitors your pet’s vital signs continuously. After the procedure, we provide clear discharge instructions and follow-up care so you know exactly how to support your pet’s recovery at home.
Surgical Services We Offer in Shawnee, KS
We offer the following surgical procedures for dogs and cats at Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee:
Routine Surgical Procedures
- Spay and Neuter: Routine procedures for population control and health benefits. Spaying and neutering can reduce the risk of certain cancers and behavioral issues. We recommend scheduling this procedure when your puppy or kitten is between four and six months old.
- Cryptorchid Surgery: Correcting undescended testicles in male pets. Left untreated, retained testicles can increase the risk of testicular cancer. This procedure is especially common in smaller dog breeds.
- Vulvoplasty: Corrective surgery for certain female reproductive issues. This procedure helps resolve chronic urinary tract infections and skin fold dermatitis that can affect breeds with excess skin around the vulva.
- Gastropexy: Preventative surgery to prevent gastric torsion (bloat) in at-risk breeds. We commonly perform gastropexy alongside spay or neuter procedures for large and giant breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles.
Emergency and Specialty Surgeries
When your pet faces an urgent or complex health issue, our surgical team is prepared to act quickly. We handle a wide range of non-routine procedures, including:
- Mass Removal: Safely removing tumors or abnormal growths. Our team sends tissue samples to a veterinary pathology lab to determine whether a mass is benign or malignant, so you have a clear picture of your pet’s health.
- Cystotomy: Surgical treatment for bladder stones or urinary tract issues. Common in breeds like Dalmatians, Schnauzers, and certain cat breeds, bladder stones can cause painful urinary blockages that require prompt surgical intervention.
- Amputations: Compassionate care for pets requiring limb removal due to injury or disease. Most dogs and cats adapt remarkably well after amputation, and our team provides pain management and rehabilitation support throughout recovery.
- Eyelid Surgeries: Correcting eyelid abnormalities or injuries. Conditions like entropion and ectropion are common in breeds such as Bulldogs, Shar-Peis, and Cocker Spaniels.
- Hernia Repairs: Correcting abdominal wall hernias to prevent complications. Umbilical hernias are frequently identified during puppy wellness exams and can often be repaired at the time of spay or neuter.
- Laceration Repair: Expert stitching and wound care for traumatic injuries.
- Biopsies: Obtaining tissue samples for diagnostic purposes.
- Polyp Removal: Removing abnormal growths from the ears or nasal passages.
- Splenectomy: Surgical removal of the spleen, often necessary for splenic masses or ruptures. This procedure is most common in older, large-breed dogs.
- Gastrointestinal Foreign Body Removal: Emergency surgery to remove swallowed objects. Dogs and cats can swallow toys, socks, bones, and other household items that cause life-threatening blockages. If your pet is vomiting repeatedly, refusing food, or acting lethargic, contact us immediately.
- Stenotic Nares Repair: Correcting breathing difficulties in brachycephalic breeds (such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers). This procedure widens the nostrils to improve airflow and is often performed alongside soft palate surgery when needed.
- Ear Procedures: Surgical treatments for chronic ear infections or structural issues.
Our veterinarians specialize in identifying and reducing pain in pets caused by conditions like arthritis, injury, or surgery. We enhance their comfort and improve their quality of life through medication, physical therapy, and alternative treatments.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Pet Surgery
We know that handing your pet over for surgery can feel overwhelming. Here is what the process looks like at Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee:
Before Surgery
Your pet will have a pre-operative exam and bloodwork to confirm they are a safe candidate for anesthesia. Our veterinarian will discuss the procedure with you, review any risks, and answer your questions. You will receive fasting instructions and a clear timeline for drop-off.
During Surgery
A dedicated technician monitors your pet’s heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature throughout the procedure. Our surgeons use modern techniques and sterile protocols to keep your pet safe and comfortable.
After Surgery
Your pet recovers in a quiet, monitored area until they are awake and stable. Before you take them home, our team walks you through discharge instructions, including pain medication, activity restrictions, and incision care. We schedule a follow-up appointment to check your pet’s healing, and our team is available by phone if you have questions during recovery. For pets that need additional support, our rehabilitation therapy program can help restore mobility and strength.
Advanced Surgical Technology
We embrace the power of technology to optimize veterinary medicine. Our surgical suite is equipped with digital radiographs, ultrasonography, and an in-house laboratory that allows us to diagnose conditions accurately, plan procedures with precision, and monitor your pet’s health in real time.
Our veterinarians and support staff are dedicated to ongoing education to ensure your pet receives the latest therapies and treatments. By investing in advanced diagnostic and surgical tools, we can handle a wide range of procedures right here in Shawnee without the need for a referral to a specialty hospital in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Surgery
How do I know if my pet needs surgery?
Some surgeries, like spay and neuter, are planned in advance. Others become necessary when diagnostic tests reveal a condition that requires surgical intervention, such as bladder stones, a mass, or a foreign body obstruction. If you notice sudden changes in your pet’s behavior, appetite, or mobility, schedule an exam so we can evaluate whether surgery is needed.
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
We take every precaution to make anesthesia as safe as possible. Every surgical patient receives pre-operative bloodwork to check organ function, and a dedicated team member monitors vital signs throughout the procedure. We tailor anesthesia protocols to your pet’s age, breed, and health status to minimize risk.
How long does recovery take after pet surgery?
Recovery time depends on the procedure. Routine surgeries like spay and neuter typically require 10 to 14 days of restricted activity. More complex procedures may involve a longer recovery period with follow-up appointments to monitor healing. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions for every surgery.
Do you handle emergency pet surgeries?
Yes. We perform emergency surgeries for conditions like gastrointestinal foreign body obstructions, splenic ruptures, and traumatic lacerations. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency during business hours, call us and we will get them in as quickly as possible.
Trust Family Pet Hospital of Shawnee for Veterinary Surgery in Shawnee, KS
We strive to understand each pet’s unique needs. With personalized attention, we prioritize compassionate care during surgeries and support you from pre-operative consultations to follow-up appointments.
Call us or request an appointment online to schedule a surgical consultation for your pet. Your furry friend’s health and happiness are our top priorities.
