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Urgent care is for pets who are unwell, in discomfort, are in urgent situation or are not acting like themselves and should be assessed within 24 hours.
Wellness, routine, or general care is for pets needing vaccines, preventive care, or ongoing monitoring who can safely wait at least 24 hours.
Veterinary Surgery for Dogs and Cats in Stittsville, Kanata & West Ottawa
Veterinary Surgery Guided by Medical Assessment, Safety, and Appropriate Case Selection
Stittsville Kanata Veterinary Hospital provides veterinary surgery for dogs and cats in Stittsville, Kanata, and West Ottawa. We perform a wide range of routine, urgent, and medically necessary surgical procedures during clinic operating hours, with care guided by clinical examination, diagnostic findings, and discussion with the pet’s owner.
Surgery is never recommended automatically. Each case is assessed individually to determine whether surgical treatment, medical management, monitoring, or referral is the most appropriate next step.
Planning Surgery
Step 1: Schedule an assessment
The first step is an examination through routine wellness care so we can understand your pet’s health, comfort level, and surgical needs. This visit allows us to determine whether surgery is appropriate or if another approach is recommended.
Step 2: Review findings and recommendations
After the assessment, we review examination findings and any diagnostics needed. This helps guide safe surgical planning and ensures recommendations are appropriate for your pet.
Step 3: Receive an upfront estimate
Once surgery is recommended, an estimate is provided based on the procedure, your pet’s health, and any necessary preparation or aftercare. Pricing is discussed only after this assessment so expectations are clear.
Step 4: Consultation availability for healthy pets
For routine surgical procedures in otherwise healthy dogs and cats, a surgical consultation may be available at no cost, depending on availability.
Step 5: Dental estimate appointments (when applicable)
For dental procedures, an examination is required before an estimate can be provided. Dental estimate appointments may be offered at no charge when scheduling allows.
Step 6: Schedule surgery or next steps
If surgery is appropriate, we discuss timing, preparation, and aftercare. In some cases, surgery may be scheduled promptly; in others, monitoring, additional diagnostics, or referral may be recommended.
Types of Surgeries We Perform
The procedures listed below reflect surgeries that are commonly performed for dogs and cats when medically appropriate. Some are planned in advance, while others are performed urgently when a pet is unwell or injured. Recommendations are always based on examination findings, diagnostic results, and discussion with the pet’s owner.
Soft Tissue & Abdominal Surgery
These procedures address conditions affecting internal organs, the abdomen, or soft tissues when medical management alone is not sufficient.
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Exploratory laparotomy
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Exploratory laparotomy with foreign body removal
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Exploratory laparotomy with cystotomy
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Cystotomy
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Pyometra surgery
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Mammary tumor removal (with spay)
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Drain placement
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Tail amputation
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Limb amputation (forelimb or hind limb)
Reproductive Surgery
Reproductive surgeries are commonly performed for population control, disease prevention, and treatment of reproductive-related medical conditions.
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Canine spay
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Feline spay (including in-heat spay)
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Canine neuter
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Feline neuter
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Neuter with umbilical hernia repair
Dental & Oral Procedures
Dental and oral procedures help manage pain, infection, and disease affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth, which can significantly impact overall health.
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Dental cleaning
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Dental cleaning with extractions
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Dental extractions
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Dental X-rays
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Oral examination
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Oral foreign body removal
Emergency, Gastrointestinal & Urinary Procedures
These procedures are performed when urgent intervention is needed to relieve obstruction, address gastrointestinal issues, or manage acute urinary conditions.
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Gastrointestinal foreign body removal
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Oral foreign body removal
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Manual fecal evacuation
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Urinary unblocking (including feline urinary obstruction)
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Urinary catheter placement
Wound, Skin & Mass Procedures
Wound and skin procedures address injuries, infections, or abnormal growths affecting the skin or underlying tissues.
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Laceration repair
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Wound repair and cleaning
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Abscess draining
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Lump, mass, or growth removal
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Skin or subcutaneous mass biopsy
Minor Surgical & Interventional Procedures
These procedures are typically shorter interventions performed to resolve localized problems or provide necessary treatment under sedation when appropriate.
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Porcupine quill removal
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Anal gland flushing and medicating
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Ear flushing and ear lancing
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Ear polyp removal
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Broken or embedded nail removal (with suturing when required)
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Sedated nail trim
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Paw wound cleaning
Diagnostic & Sedation-Based Procedures
Sedation-based procedures are performed when additional comfort, safety, or image quality is needed.
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Sedation for radiographs (X-rays)
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Sedation for bloodwork
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Sedated incision checks
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Sedation for limb or paw imaging
Other Surgeries not listed here
When Surgery Can Be Performed Here
Many routine, urgent, and medically necessary surgical procedures can be safely performed at our clinic. Decisions are based on the pet’s current condition, diagnostic findings, overall health status, and the anticipated complexity of the procedure.
When Referral Is Recommended
Some surgical cases require referral to a specialty or emergency hospital. Referral is typically recommended for orthopedic procedures such as cruciate ligament repair or fracture fixation, as well as thoracic surgery, neurosurgery, or cases requiring 24-hour intensive postoperative monitoring.
We do not provide advanced orthopedic, neurosurgical, or thoracic procedures on-site.
When referral is indicated, this is discussed openly so that care can continue without unnecessary delay.
Pre-Surgical Assessment
Pre-surgical assessment may include physical examination, bloodwork, and diagnostic imaging when indicated. These steps help evaluate anesthetic risk and guide safe surgical planning tailored to each patient.
Before the day of surgery, instructions are provided regarding fasting, arrival time, and discharge expectations. These details are reviewed in advance so owners know what to expect.
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Safety, Anesthesia, and Monitoring
Anesthesia plans are individualized based on examination findings, medical history, and diagnostic results. Patients are monitored throughout anesthesia and recovery to support safety, comfort, and timely response to any changes.
Recovery and Pain Management
Pain management is addressed before, during, and after surgery. Recovery plans may include medications, activity restriction, incision care, and follow-up assessments, depending on the procedure performed and the individual patient’s needs.
Scheduling a Surgical Consultation
Most surgical procedures require a consultation to assess the patient and determine whether surgery, monitoring, or referral is the most appropriate next step. Some surgeries may be performed the same day when medically appropriate, while others are scheduled to allow for preparation and planning.
Before the day of surgery, instructions are provided regarding fasting, arrival time, and discharge expectations. These details are reviewed in advance so owners know what to expect.
Please contact the clinic to discuss availability and next steps.
Veterinary surgical services are provided for dogs and cats from Stittsville, Kanata, and West Ottawa during clinic operating hours.
We understand surgery can feel overwhelming, and our goal is to provide clear guidance so owners can make informed decisions at each step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surgery
Do I need a consultation before surgery?
Most surgical procedures require a consultation to assess your pet’s health, review examination findings, and determine whether surgery, monitoring, or referral is the most appropriate next step.
What types of surgery do you perform?
We perform a range of routine, urgent, and medically necessary surgical procedures for dogs and cats, including soft tissue surgery, dental procedures, reproductive surgery, wound repair, and selected emergency procedures. Not all cases require surgery, and recommendations are individualized.
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Anesthesia plans are tailored to each patient based on physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic results. Patients are monitored throughout anesthesia and recovery to support safety and comfort.
Will my pet need bloodwork before surgery?
Pre-surgical bloodwork or diagnostic testing may be recommended depending on your pet’s age, health status, and the type of procedure planned. These tests help assess anesthetic risk and guide safe surgical planning.
When is referral to a specialty hospital recommended?
Referral is typically recommended for complex orthopedic procedures, advanced neurologic or thoracic surgery, or cases requiring 24-hour intensive postoperative monitoring.
How is surgical pricing determined?
Surgical pricing is discussed after an initial assessment, once recommendations are made based on your pet’s condition and needs. For some routine procedures in otherwise healthy pets, a consultation may be available at no cost depending on availability.
What should I expect after surgery?
After surgery, you will receive clear instructions regarding pain management, activity restriction, incision care, and follow-up. Recovery plans are individualized based on the procedure performed and your pet’s needs.