Veterinary Surgery

Surgical Procedures

We perform medical and emergency surgeries at Kitimat Veterinary Hospital to help treat diseases and conditions in pets, as well as to repair injuries caused by trauma.

Our Kitimat vets routinely perform the following elective and non-elective surgeries:

• Soft Tissue Surgery

  For pets suffering from ear, nose, and throat disorders, we offer soft tissue surgical procedures.

  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.

• C-Sections

  During Cesarean sections, puppies or kittens are surgically removed from their mother's uterus.

  C-sections are typically done when the mother cannot give birth naturally. 

• Ocular

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

  Common ocular procedures for cats and dogs include eyelid tumour removal, ectropion surgery, entropion surgery, exenteration of the orbit and cherry eye surgery.

  If required, our veterinarians will refer you to a pet surgeon in Southern B.C. and will work closely with your animal surgeon to ensure that your pet receives the best possible care.

• Mass Removal

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

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

• Wounds

  Wounds occur when living tissue has been cut, broken, burnt, 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 surgery treats injuries and diseases of your pet's bones, ligaments, joints, tendons, and other skeletal structures.

  If your dog or cat has a condition or injury that necessitates advanced specialized care, your vet will refer your pet to a veterinarian in Southern B.C..

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• 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.

The Surgery Process

We understand that the prospect of bringing your pet in for surgery can be frightening. Please be assured that we try to recommend surgery only when it is in the best interests of your furry companion. 

We try to ensure that you fully understand why we are recommending surgery and that you are comfortable deciding to move ahead.

If your pet requires advanced care, our veterinarians can refer you to a veterinary surgeon in Southern B.C. and will collaborate with your vet surgeon to try and ensure that your pet receives the best care possible.

Surgical protocols at our clinic include:

Pre-surgical assessments. We will confirm the procedure details, conduct a physical exam, and ensure blood tests are done and reviewed by the veterinarian to determine if your pet is at risk of anesthesia-related complications.

Dedicated surgical suites. Surgeries are performed in a dedicated surgical suite. This room is kept sterile to prevent infection and cross-contamination.

Surgical attire. Our veterinarians wear disposable caps and masks at all times when they are in the surgical suite. Those involved in the procedure itself will also wear sterile gowns and single-use gloves.

Sterile packs and equipment. We clean, wrap and sterilize our surgical instruments and equipment before surgery.