Surgical Services for Pets

From routine spays and neuters to more complex procedures, our talented Veterinarians and Patient Care Team will be with your pet from the moment they are admitted until they are back in your arms. To book an appointment with our team today, call us at 250-727-2125.

What types of anaesthetics are there?

Depending on the procedure being performed, we will use either a local, regional, or general anesthetic.

A local anesthetic is used for minor procedures to control pain at the procedure site. For example, a biopsy will often involve a local anesthetic. We will sometimes use a sedative in combination with a local anesthetic to help your pet stay calm and comfortable during the procedure.

A regional anesthetic is similar to a local, but it targets specific nerve bundles and provides a loss of sensation in a larger area. We routinely use this type of anesthetic in dental procedures, spear grass removal and in cats with urinary obstructions. This type of anesthetic can also be combined with a sedative.

General anesthetics are used for larger procedures where your pet will need to be unconscious and not feel any pain during the procedure. We will also place an endotracheal tube to deliver a tailored combination of isoflurane gas and oxygen. While your pets are under general anesthetic, our talented Patient Care team consisting of Animal Health Technicians and Veterinary Assistants will monitor vital signs like heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure and depth of anesthesia. They are trained to spot the more subtle changes a patient undergoes while under anesthesia and can respond to those changes as needed. The close monitoring by our Patient Care Team doesn’t stop until the patient is fully recovered, and on the way home.

How is anesthesia given to my pet?

To perform certain procedures, your pet may require anesthesia to ensure they are not awake and do not experience any pain. Typically, the process begins by administering a sedative to help the pet relax and reduce any anxiety and discomfort. An intravenous drug is then given to provide full anesthesia, and a breathing tube is placed into the pet's trachea. A mixture of oxygen and gas anesthetic is then delivered through the breathing tube to keep the pet unconscious throughout the procedure.