Pet Surgery in Fayetteville

When your pet can’t run, jump, or play the way they used to, orthopedic surgery often provides the solution that medication and rest simply cannot achieve. We restore the structural integrity of bones, joints, and ligaments that have been damaged by injury, developmental conditions, or degenerative changes that rob your companion of their natural mobility. Our orthopedic procedures include everything from repairing torn cruciate ligaments that cause painful limping to correcting hip dysplasia that prevents comfortable movement, using techniques specifically chosen to match your pet’s size, age, and activity level for optimal long-term function.

Your pet’s mouth problems can affect far more than just their ability to eat—untreated oral conditions often cause chronic pain that changes their entire personality and zest for life. We address complex dental issues that go beyond routine cleanings, including fractured jaws from accidents, extensive periodontal disease that threatens tooth loss, and oral masses that interfere with normal eating and comfort. Our pet surgery expertise focuses on preserving as much healthy tissue as possible while eliminating sources of infection, pain, and functional problems that prevent your pet from enjoying their meals and maintaining their natural enthusiasm.

Your pet’s vision connects them to their world in ways we’re only beginning to understand—the ability to see your face, navigate their favorite spaces, and engage confidently with their environment. We treat eye conditions that threaten this precious sense, from cherry eye problems that cause irritation and tear production issues to more serious conditions like corneal injuries that could lead to permanent vision loss. Our ophthalmic procedures use specialized techniques designed to preserve and restore normal eye function while eliminating pain, allowing your pet to continue seeing the world clearly and living without the anxiety that comes with compromised vision.

Pre-surgical fasting typically begins 12 hours before your pet’s procedure to prevent aspiration complications during anesthesia, though water is usually permitted until the morning of surgery. After the pet surgery, we recommend starting with small amounts of easily digestible food like boiled chicken and rice or prescription recovery diets that are gentle on the digestive system during the initial healing period. Some procedures may require specific dietary modifications, such as soft foods after oral surgery or restricted portions after gastrointestinal procedures to prevent complications. We provide detailed feeding instructions tailored to your pet’s specific surgical procedure and recovery needs, including timeline recommendations for returning to their normal diet.

Separating your recovering pet from other household animals during meal times and play sessions helps prevent disruption of surgical sites and reduces competition for resources during the vulnerable healing period. Create a quiet, comfortable recovery space where your surgical patient can rest undisturbed, using baby gates or separate rooms to maintain visual contact while preventing physical interactions that could interfere with healing. Monitor interactions carefully when pets are together, as other animals may try to lick surgical sites or engage in rough play that could damage sutures or cause complications. We recommend maintaining this separation for the first 10-14 days after pet surgery, gradually reintroducing normal household interactions as healing progresses and activity restrictions are lifted.

Overweight pets require modified surgical approaches including extended anesthesia monitoring, specialized positioning techniques, and often longer surgical times to safely navigate through increased tissue layers. We may recommend pre-surgical weight reduction when time permits, as excess weight increases anesthetic risks, complicates surgical access, and can significantly slow healing processes during recovery. Our surgical techniques include using longer instruments, modified incision approaches, and enhanced tissue handling methods to ensure optimal visualization and outcomes despite anatomical challenges presented by obesity. Post-operative care for overweight pets often involves stricter activity restrictions and enhanced pain management protocols, as excess weight places additional stress on surgical sites and can impede normal healing timelines.

Cherry eye should be evaluated within a few days of first appearing, as early intervention typically leads to better surgical outcomes and prevents secondary complications like chronic irritation or infection. While cherry eye is not usually a true emergency, delaying treatment beyond 2-3 weeks can result in increased inflammation, scarring, and reduced success rates for surgical correction procedures. The longer the gland remains prolapsed and exposed, the more swollen and irritated it becomes, making surgical repositioning more challenging and potentially compromising long-term tear production. We recommend scheduling consultation as soon as you notice the red, swollen tissue protruding from your pet’s eye to discuss treatment options and determine the optimal timing for surgical correction.

Non-emergency surgical procedures can typically be scheduled 1-2 weeks in advance, allowing adequate time for pre-surgical preparation, dietary adjustments, and any additional diagnostic testing that may be recommended. Complex orthopedic procedures or cases requiring specialized equipment may need longer scheduling windows, sometimes 3-4 weeks, to ensure optimal preparation and coordination of surgical resources. We recommend scheduling during times when you can be available for post-operative monitoring and care, avoiding busy periods like holidays or work travel when your attention might be divided. Early scheduling also allows flexibility to adjust timing if your pet’s condition changes or if pre-surgical blood work reveals issues that need to be addressed before proceeding with pet surgery.