Surgical Services for Dogs and Cats in San Francisco
Choosing surgery for a beloved pet is never easy, and surgical services for dogs and cats in San Francisco at Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital are built around safety, clear communication, and steady support at every step. The hospital is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, so both planned procedures and urgent surgical needs are covered. From routine spay and neuter surgery to soft tissue and orthopedic procedures, every operation is planned around the individual dog or cat in front of the team, with a pre-surgical exam and a recovery plan you understand before the day arrives.
Veterinary surgical services cover the planned and urgent operations performed on dogs and cats, including spay and neuter surgery, soft tissue procedures, orthopedic repairs, and mass removals. Each procedure is supported by a pre-surgical evaluation, modern anesthetic monitoring, sterile technique, and a pain management plan tailored to the individual animal's age, health, and procedure.
Spay and Neuter Surgery for Dogs and Cats in San Francisco
Spay and neuter surgery is one of the most common and important procedures a pet will have. Spaying removes the ovaries and uterus in female dogs and cats, and neutering removes the testicles in males. Beyond preventing unplanned litters, these procedures lower the risk of certain health problems later in life and can ease some behaviors linked to hormones. Every spay and neuter at Ocean Avenue includes a pre-surgical exam, anesthetic monitoring, and a pain management plan, with take-home guidance for a calm recovery. The team will talk through the right timing for your individual dog or cat based on age, breed, and lifestyle.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgery covers operations that do not involve bones or joints. Common procedures include mass and tumor removals, wound and laceration repair, and bladder surgery to address stones. The team also performs a range of abdominal procedures, supported by imaging and an in-house laboratory that help the surgeon plan ahead.
Abdominal and Exploratory Surgery in San Francisco
When imaging and bloodwork point to a problem inside the abdomen, exploratory surgery lets the veterinary team see and address the issue directly. This includes removing swallowed foreign objects from the stomach or intestines, performing enterotomy and gastrotomy, taking intestinal biopsies, and managing the bladder or spleen with cystotomy and splenectomy.
Orthopedic Surgery for Dogs and Cats
Orthopedic surgery addresses injuries and conditions of the bones and joints. The team repairs fractures, stabilizes joints, and corrects common problems such as a torn cruciate ligament or a luxating patella, where the kneecap slips out of place. These procedures aim to restore comfortable movement and reduce long-term joint wear. Recovery from orthopedic surgery takes time and careful activity restriction, so the team provides a step-by-step home plan, a pain management plan, and recheck visits to keep healing on track. More complex cases may benefit from a specialist referral partner, and the team will tell you honestly when that is the better path for your pet.
Specialized Surgery: Eye and Cesarean Procedures
Alongside everyday operations, the team performs several specialized procedures for dogs and cats, each supported by the right instruments and a recovery plan suited to the body part involved. Dental surgery is covered on the dental care page.
Eye Surgery
Eye conditions can be uncomfortable and, if left, can affect vision. The team performs cherry eye repair, correction of eyelids that roll inward or outward, eyelid mass removal, and, when an eye cannot be saved, enucleation. Specialized ophthalmic instruments and gentle handling support a smoother recovery.
Cesarean Section
When a dog or cat cannot deliver safely on her own, a cesarean section protects both mother and newborns. Because the hospital is staffed around the clock, the team is ready for planned and emergency cesarean deliveries at any hour.
Anesthesia Safety and Pain Management
A calm, well-monitored anesthetic is the foundation of safe surgery. Before any procedure, the team performs a physical exam and bloodwork to tailor the anesthetic plan to your pet's age and health. During surgery, a dedicated team member monitors heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature from start to finish. Pain is managed before, during, and after the procedure with a multimodal plan, because comfortable pets recover faster. You will go home with clear written guidance and the hospital's phone number for any questions during recovery.
Surgical Care at Our 24-Hour San Francisco Hospital
Because Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital never closes, surgical patients are watched closely through every stage of recovery, including overnight when needed. Planned procedures are scheduled around your pet, while urgent surgeries, such as foreign body removal or an emergency cesarean, are handled the moment they arise. Most pets that have routine procedures go home the same day, while patients recovering from larger surgeries may stay for monitoring. The team coordinates with your family veterinarian so follow-up care continues smoothly. Through every step, the goal is a safe procedure, a comfortable recovery, and a clear plan you understand.
Explore More Services
All Veterinary Services in San Francisco
Pet Diagnostics
Dental Care for Dogs and Cats
24/7 Emergency Care
FAQs
Wondering whether surgery is the right step for your pet? Call Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital at (415) 586-5327 to discuss your dog or cat's needs and arrange a pre-surgical consultation. Our San Francisco team will walk you through the plan, the timing, and what recovery looks like.