Introduction

Surgery is a key tool in modern veterinary medicine. From routine procedures that improve quality of life to life-saving emergency operations, veterinary surgery covers a broad range of interventions designed to diagnose, treat and restore health. This guide explains when pets typically need surgery, the main types of procedures, how anaesthesia and pain are managed, what risks to expect, and how owners can support recovery at home.

When does a pet need surgery?

Surgery may be recommended for many reasons. Common indications include:

• Emergency conditions — trauma (hit by car, deep wounds), gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), intestinal obstruction, severe bleeding, obstetric emergencies.

• Elective but important procedures — desexing, removal of benign masses, dental extractions, and corrective procedures (e.g., entropion correction, cherry eye).

• Diagnostic surgery — exploratory surgery to identify the cause of persistent abdominal pain, biopsy of suspicious masses.

• Orthopaedic problems — fractures, cruciate ligament ruptures, hip dysplasia surgeries, luxating patella repairs.

• Chronic conditions requiring intervention — bladder stone removal, intestinal resection for chronic disease, or surgical management of tumours.

Your veterinarian will recommend surgery when the expected benefits (pain relief, restored function, cure or improved prognosis) outweigh the risks and non-surgical alternatives.

Types of veterinary surgery — an overview

Soft tissue surgery

This category includes procedures that involve organs and tissues other than the skeleton:

• Desexing (spay and neuter) — common, preventative procedures.

• Mass and tumour removal — can be curative for benign tumours and part of cancer care for malignant masses.

• Gastrointestinal surgery — foreign body removal, resection and anastomosis.

• Bladder and urinary tract surgery — stone removal, correction of congenital anomalies.

• Thoracic surgery — for chest trauma or lung disease (less common in general practice; sometimes referred to specialists).

• Dental surgery — extractions, gingival procedures, and oral mass removal.

Orthopaedic surgery

These procedures restore skeletal stability and joint function:

• Fracture repair — using plates, pins, external fixators or cast immobilisation.

• Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) surgery — techniques like TPLO, TTA or extracapsular repair to stabilise the stifle (knee).

• Hip procedures — total hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy (FHO) for hip dysplasia or fracture.

• Patellar luxation correction — realigning the kneecap and stabilising supporting structures.

Minimally invasive and advanced techniques

Many clinics now offer laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, arthroscopy, and advanced imaging-guided procedures that reduce pain, speed recovery and improve outcomes. Referral hospitals may provide specialised oncologic or neurosurgical procedures when needed.

Pre-operative assessment and preparation

Good surgical outcomes begin before the operation:

• History and physical exam: to assess fitness and identify concurrent issues.

• Diagnostic tests: blood work (haematology, biochemistry), urinalysis, and sometimes thoracic radiographs or ECG for older or high-risk patients.

• Fasting and medication management: vets will advise on when to stop food/water and whether to continue or withhold current medications.

• Informed consent: discussion of benefits, risks, costs and expected recovery.

Owners should disclose any previous anaesthetic reactions, chronic illnesses or medications — all influence anaesthetic planning.

Anaesthesia and monitoring — how safe is it?

Modern veterinary anaesthesia is very safe when performed by trained teams using current drugs and monitoring. Key safety elements:

• Individualised anaesthetic plans: drug choices and doses tailored to age, species, breed, and health status.

• Monitoring during surgery: heart rate, ECG, blood pressure, oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry), end-tidal CO₂, temperature and respiratory rate.

• IV fluids and warming: support blood pressure and prevent hypothermia.

• Skilled personnel: trained nurses and vets monitoring anaesthesia and recovery.

Although risk cannot be reduced to zero — especially in very young, elderly or systemically ill patients — thorough pre-op assessment and vigilant monitoring dramatically reduce complications.

Pain management — perioperative analgesia

Effective pain control is a central part of modern veterinary surgery. Plans commonly include:

• Pre-emptive analgesia: pain medication given before surgery to reduce central sensitisation.

• Multimodal analgesia: combining opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (where appropriate), local nerve blocks, and sometimes adjuncts like gabapentin.

• Post-operative pain control: oral or injectable analgesics for several days or longer based on the procedure.

• Local blocks and regional techniques: reduce intraoperative anaesthetic requirements and improve comfort after surgery.

Ask your vet about expected pain levels for your pet’s specific procedure and the planned analgesic protocol.

Surgical risks and complications

Potential complications vary by procedure and patient, but include:

• Anaesthetic complications: rare but can include cardiovascular or respiratory instability.

• Bleeding and infection: controlled through technique and antibiotics when indicated.

• Wound dehiscence (opening): prevented by activity restriction and good post-op care.

• Implant failure or infection (orthopaedics): sometimes requiring revision surgery.

• Delayed healing in patients with underlying disease (e.g., diabetes, Cushing’s).

Your veterinarian will discuss the most relevant risks for your pet and how they plan to minimise them.

Recovery and aftercare — what owners need to do

Successful recovery depends heavily on owner compliance:

• Incision care: keep the area clean and dry, prevent licking with an Elizabethan collar or equivalent. Check daily for redness, swelling, discharge or odour.

• Activity restriction: confine and prevent running, jumping or rough play per the vet’s instructions (commonly 7–12 days for soft tissue and 6–12 weeks for orthopaedic repairs).

• Medication: give all antibiotics and analgesics exactly as prescribed. Do not stop early unless instructed.

• Nutrition and hydration: small, frequent meals initially if appetite is reduced; follow any special feeding instructions.

• Follow-up visits: attend scheduled re-checks for suture removal, monitoring and progression of activity.

• Physical rehabilitation: physiotherapy, controlled leash walking, hydrotherapy or targeted exercises are often recommended after orthopaedic surgery to restore function.

Call your clinic promptly if you notice worsening lethargy, persistent vomiting, increased swelling, bleeding, foul discharge from the wound, severe lameness, or if your pet seems in increasing pain.

Costs and practical planning

Surgical costs depend on complexity: pre-op tests, anaesthesia, surgeon skill level, implants (plates, screws), drugs, hospitalisation time and follow-up care all factor in. Always ask for a written estimate and what is included. If budget is a concern, discuss options and payment plans with your clinic; some areas have charity programs or low-cost clinics for specific procedures.

When to seek specialist care

Complex orthopaedic, neurologic, oncologic or thoracic surgeries are often best managed by or in consultation with specialist surgeons and referral hospitals. Your primary vet will refer when advanced imaging, specialised implants or intensive post-op care is required.

Final thoughts

Surgery is often the fastest route to relieve pain, restore function and save lives. Understanding the types of procedures, how safety and pain are managed, the potential risks, and the home care required for recovery helps owners make informed decisions and gives pets the best chance of a successful outcome. If your pet needs surgery, have an open discussion with your veterinarian about the plan, expected recovery and realistic outcomes — and follow the aftercare instructions closely to support a smooth recovery.