Surgery

Veterinary Surgery

Surgery

When your pet needs surgery, you want a skilled, experienced team you can trust. Dr. Davis performs a range of soft tissue and general surgical procedures with careful attention to anesthesia safety and pain management.

Surgical Services We Offer

  • Spay (ovariohysterectomy) and neuter (orchiectomy) for dogs, cats, and exotic species
  • Mass and tumor removal (soft tissue)
  • Wound repair and laceration closure
  • Abscess treatment and drainage
  • Foreign body removal (gastrointestinal)
  • Bladder surgery (cystotomy) for bladder stones
  • Eyelid and entropion correction
  • Skin and subcutaneous surgeries
  • Exploratory laparotomy
  • Exotic species soft tissue surgery (rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and more)

Our Approach to Anesthesia & Pain Management

Patient safety is our top priority. Every surgical patient receives a pre-anesthetic physical exam and bloodwork review. We use modern, reversible anesthetic protocols tailored to the species and individual patient. Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and temperature is maintained throughout every procedure. Multimodal pain management — including pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative pain control — ensures your pet is as comfortable as possible.

Surgery for Exotic Pets

Exotic animals require specialized surgical knowledge and equipment. Dr. Davis has experience performing soft tissue surgery on rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, rats, and other small mammals. Exotic species have unique anesthetic requirements and physiological differences that demand a veterinarian with specific training — not just a general practice background.

What to Expect: Before, During & After Surgery

  • Pre-surgical consultation to discuss the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes
  • Pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia
  • Fasting instructions provided in advance
  • Continuous anesthetic monitoring by trained staff
  • Post-operative pain medication sent home
  • Detailed discharge instructions and follow-up care plan
  • Suture removal or recheck appointment as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of surgery does ACGSVH perform?
We perform a range of soft tissue and general surgical procedures including spays, neuters, mass removals, wound repairs, bladder stone surgery, foreign body removal, and exotic species surgeries. We refer orthopedic and highly specialized procedures to board-certified surgical specialists.
How do I prepare my pet for surgery?
We will provide specific pre-surgical instructions at your consultation. Generally, adult dogs and cats should fast (no food) for 8–12 hours before anesthesia. Water is usually allowed until a few hours before. Exotic species like rabbits and guinea pigs should NOT be fasted — ask Dr. Davis for species-specific instructions.
Is my pet too old for surgery?
Age alone is not a contraindication for surgery. We evaluate each patient individually based on their overall health, bloodwork, and the nature of the procedure. Many senior pets tolerate surgery well with appropriate pre-anesthetic screening and careful monitoring.
Do you perform surgery on rabbits and guinea pigs?
Yes. Dr. Davis has experience with soft tissue surgery in rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and other exotic small mammals. These species require specialized anesthetic protocols and careful monitoring — we are equipped and trained to provide this care.
What pain management do you use after surgery?
We use multimodal pain management tailored to the procedure and species. This typically includes injectable pain medication during surgery, oral pain medications sent home, and sometimes anti-inflammatory drugs. We will discuss the specific pain management plan for your pet at the pre-surgical consultation.

Ready to book an appointment?

Our team at All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital in San Antonio is here to help. Call or text us today.