Veterinary Surgery

What to Expect from Veterinary Surgery

We always keep you up to date on why we are recommending a surgical procedure and any post-operative care your pet will require at home. At our clinic, we follow strict surgical protocols.

Surgical Procedures

We perform medical and emergency surgeries at Ferguson Animal Hospital to help treat diseases and conditions in pets, as well as to repair injures caused by trauma.

Our North Providence veterinarians perform the following elective and non-elective surgeries regularly:

• Soft Tissue Surgery

  We provide soft tissue surgical procedures for pets with ear, nose, and throat disorders.

  These procedures can also be used to treat hepatic, urogenital, oncological, cardiothoracic, gastrointestinal, and skin problems.

• Spaying & Neutering

  When we spay or neuter a cat or dog, we surgically sterilize them to prevent disease and extend their life expectancy.

  During a spay or neuter procedure for large breed dogs, clients may also elect for us to perform a gastropexy, which is a tacking of the stomach to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV, otherwise known as bloat).

• CCL

  When the CCL (cruciate ligament) is torn or injured, the tibia (shinbone) slides forward in relation to the femur (thighbone, known as a positive drawer sign). Most dogs with this injury are unable to walk normally and are in pain.

  A dog with a torn cranial cruciate ligament will almost certainly require surgery to repair the knee joint and relieve pain. Surgery should be performed as soon as possible to prevent permanent, irreversible joint damage in dogs suffering from this type of injury.

• Ocular

  If your pet is experiencing pain, redness, or other symptoms in or around their eyes, ocular surgery may be required.

  Eyelid mass removal, cataract surgery, ectropion surgery, entropion surgery, orbit exenteration, and cherry eye surgery are all common ocular procedures for cats and dogs.

• Mass Removal

  Masses associated with the skin can develop in cats and dogs. Masses can also form inside a body cavity and can be dangerous or even fatal.

  Mass removal surgery is a fairly common procedure for both cats and dogs.

• Foreign Body

  Sometimes, foreign objects are ingested or can get stuck inside a cat's or dog's body.

  Whether your pet ate an object they shouldn't have or was injured in an accident, we can perform foreign body surgery to remove it.

  Pet surgery may necessitate the use of specialized skills or equipment in some cases. If this is the case with your animal, your veterinarian will refer you to a cat or dog surgeon near North Providence and will collaborate with your veterinary surgeon to ensure that your dog or cat receives the best possible care.

• Wounds

  Wounds are formed when living tissue is cut, broken, burned, torn, or otherwise damaged.

  These wounds must be cleaned, disinfected, and properly cared for by a qualified veterinarian as soon as possible.

• Orthopedic Surgery

  Orthopedic surgeries correct injuries and diseases of the bones, ligaments, joints, tendons, and other skeletal structures in your pet. At Ferguson Animal Hospital, we also perform amputations as part of our orthopedic surgery offerings.

  Amputation can be performed for a variety of reasons, including irreversible trauma, infection, paralysis, severe arthritis, or even cancer.

  While the decision to amputate should not be made lightly, it is important to note that dogs and cats can still function extremely well after the procedure. This is especially true for those with previous mobility issues.

• Dental Surgery

  Our veterinarians provide dental surgeries for dogs and cats. These surgeries can range from tooth extractions to gum disease treatment and jaw fracture repairs.

• Cystotomy

  Cystotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in a dog's urinary bladder. The most common reason for doing so is to make it easier to remove any bladder and/or urethral stones.

The Veterinary Surgery Process

We understand that bringing your pet in for surgery can be nerve-racking. Please be assured that we only recommend surgery when it is in the best interest of your pet.

We will make certain that you fully understand why we are recommending veterinary surgery and that you are confident in your decision to proceed.

If your pet requires advanced care, our veterinarians will refer you to a veterinary surgeon near North Providence and will collaborate with your surgeon to ensure that your pet receives the best care possible.

Surgical protocols at our clinic include:

Pre-surgical assessments. We will confirm the procedure details, perform a physical examination of the patient, and ensure that blood tests have been completed and reviewed by the veterinarian to determine if your pet is at risk of anesthesia-related complications.

Dedicated surgical suites. Surgeries are carried out in a separate surgical suite. To prevent infection and cross-contamination, this room is kept completely sterile.

Surgical attire. When in the surgical suite, our staff wears disposable caps and masks at all times. Those involved in the procedure will also be outfitted in sterile gowns and single-use gloves.

Sterile packs and equipment. Before each surgery, we meticulously clean, sterilize, and wrap our surgical instruments and equipment.