Surgery | Helping Paws Animal Hospital

Soft Tissue Surgeries for Dogs and Cats

Our experienced team provides elective, emergency, and reconstructive procedures, ensuring precision, safety, and effective post-operative care for every patient.

Elective & Corrective

Brachycephalic Airway Surgery — Stenotic nares and elongated soft palate corrections for short-nosed breeds.
Spay & Neuter — Standard and complex sterilization procedures.
Vulvaplasty — Corrects recessed vulvas in female dogs to prevent infections.

Emergency & Life-Saving

Foreign Body Removal — Removes ingested objects causing gastrointestinal obstruction.
Pyometra Surgery — Life-saving removal of infected uterus in intact females.
Splenectomy — Indicated for splenic tumors, rupture, or hematomas.
Gastropexy — Prevents or treats gastric torsion (GDV) in deep-chested dog breeds.

Ophthalmic & Reconstructive

Cherry Eye Surgery — Third eyelid gland replacement in dogs.
Entropion/Ectropion Repair — Corrects eyelid abnormalities.
Enucleation — Eye removal due to trauma, tumors, or glaucoma.
Tail Amputation & Ear Hematoma Surgery — Treats chronic infections or traumatic injuries.

Tumor & Mass Removal

Benign & Malignant Tumor Removal
Skin Mass Excision & Wound Reconstruction
Histopathology for Cancer Staging

Reproductive & Urogenital

Cesarean Sections (C-Sections) — Ensuring safe delivery for at-risk pregnancies.
Cystotomy — Removal of bladder stones or treatment for urinary obstructions.
Perineal Urethrostomy (PU Surgery) — For male cats with recurrent urinary blockages.

Orthopedic

Fracture repair and stabilization
Cruciate ligament surgery
Patella luxation correction

Minor Procedures Under Sedation

Ideal for pets who experience high anxiety during veterinary visits or have difficulty staying still for procedures. These updated approaches allow us to safely and comfortably perform minor treatments such as small mass removals or laceration repairs, and are especially helpful for pets with underlying conditions that make traditional procedures more challenging.

Laceration Repair

We offer prompt and effective surgical repair of lacerations -- cuts or tears in the skin resulting from incidents like bites or punctures. Our approach includes thorough wound assessment, meticulous cleaning, and precise closure to prevent infection and promote optimal healing. Post-operative care instructions are provided to ensure a swift recovery.

Small Mass Removal

Our team performs the excision of small masses (less than 1/4 inch in diameter) with precision, ensuring minimal impact on surrounding tissues. The process involves pre-surgical evaluation, surgical removal, and histopathological analysis to confirm the nature of the mass. We also offer guidance on post-surgical care to facilitate effective recovery.

Sedated Shave-Downs

For pets with severe matting that cannot be addressed through traditional grooming, we provide sedated shave-downs. This humane approach alleviates discomfort and reduces the risk of skin infections. The procedure includes assessing the severity of matting, administering appropriate sedation, careful removal of matted fur, and post-procedure skin care to promote healthy regrowth.

Anesthesia & Pain Management

Patient safety and comfort are our top priorities during surgery. We implement advanced anesthesia monitoring and multimodal pain management protocols to ensure a safe, pain-free experience and smooth recovery for your pet.

Pre-Surgical Bloodwork & Imaging — Assessing organ function and surgical risks
General Anesthesia with Continuous Monitoring — Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygenation, and body temperature tracking.
Multimodal Pain Management — Combination of opioids, NSAIDs, and local anesthesia for effective pain relief.
Post-Operative Comfort Plans — Tailored sedation, antibiotics, and anti-nausea support.

Learn more about our anesthesia protocols →

Post-operative recovery and pain management

For Pet Owners: What to Expect

Pre-Surgical Preparation

Fasting required — No food for 8-12 hours before surgery (water is typically allowed).
Pre-anesthetic testing — Bloodwork and imaging to assess surgical safety.
Medication adjustments — Some prescriptions may need to be paused before surgery (ask your vet).

Surgery Day

General anesthesia with continuous monitoring — Secures safety and pain control.
Pain management included — A combination of opioids, NSAIDs, and local anesthesia.
Post-surgical monitoring — Your pet stays under supervision until stable for discharge.

Post-Operative Recovery & Home Care

Activity restrictions (7-14 days) — No running, jumping, or rough play.
Incision monitoring — Check for swelling, redness, or discharge (use an E-collar to prevent licking).
Pain medication & antibiotics — Follow prescribed schedules to ensure comfort and healing.
Dietary care — Start with small, soft meals and plenty of fresh water.

Follow-Up Visits

7-14 days post-op — Incision check and possible suture removal.
3-6 weeks post-op (for major surgeries) — Final recovery evaluation with your primary veterinarian.

For any post-op concerns, call our hospital immediately. Your pet's comfort and healing are our priority!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?

Submit our online form or call our office at (303) 537-7209. We'll learn about your pet's situation, talk through options, and schedule a consultation if Helping Paws is the right fit.

How quickly can my pet be seen?

Routine surgeries are typically scheduled within 1–2 weeks. For emergencies like GDV, trauma, or foreign body obstruction, we offer same-day or next-day surgical availability.

Is anesthesia safe for my pet?

Yes. We conduct thorough pre-surgical evaluations including bloodwork and imaging, and use tailored anesthetic protocols to minimize risks. We take extra precautions with senior pets, brachycephalic breeds, and pets with underlying health conditions.

Is sedation safe for all pets?

Sedation is generally safe when administered by experienced veterinary professionals. We assess each pet's medical history, age, and health status before determining if sedation is appropriate. Most pets recover within a few hours, with mild grogginess that typically resolves by the next day.

What happens after surgery?

You'll receive a detailed post-op report with surgical findings, medications, and recovery instructions at discharge. For the first 7–14 days, you'll manage activity restrictions, incision monitoring (watch for swelling, redness, or discharge), and an E-collar to prevent licking. A follow-up visit for incision check and possible stitch removal is typically scheduled within that window. For major procedures, a final recovery evaluation at 3–6 weeks is coordinated with your primary veterinarian. We're always available if questions come up during recovery.

How does pricing work?

We use clear, upfront pricing packages so you know the full cost before your pet's procedure. Visit our pricing page for details on surgical pricing, payment options, and financing through CareCredit and Scratch Pay.

Advanced Surgical Care for Dogs and Cats