Pet Surgery

At Panova Animal Hospital, we perform a wide range of soft tissue and elective surgeries for dogs and cats in Fountain Valley, with a dedicated surgical suite and experienced team equipped to handle everything from routine procedures to more complex cases.

Book Appointment

Veterinary Surgery at Panova Animal Hospital

Surgery is sometimes the most effective—or only—path to resolving a health condition. Whether your pet needs a planned elective procedure suggested at a wellness check or a more urgent surgical intervention, our team approaches every case with the same level of preparation, precision, and care.

Dr. Pan’s rotating internship background means we handle a broader range of surgical cases in-house than many general practices. When a procedure falls outside our scope, we’ll tell you honestly and coordinate access to a mobile surgeon who comes directly to our facility.

Surgical Procedures We Offer

Routine & Elective Surgery

Elective procedures are planned in advance and performed under controlled conditions. These include:

Spay (ovariohysterectomy)
Neuter (castration)
Prophylactic permanent gastropexy (bloat prevention)
Elective mass removal
Digit, limb, or tail amputation

Soft Tissue Surgery

We perform a variety of soft tissue procedures to address internal conditions and disease:

Abdominal exploratory
Gastrointestinal foreign body removal
Intestinal resection and anastomosis
Cystotomy (bladder stone removal)
Splenectomy (spleen removal)
Hernia repair
Internal and external mass removal
Enucleation (eye removal)
Eyelid mass removal
Wound repair and management from injuries and accidents

Brachycephalic Airway Surgery

We offer surgical correction for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)—a condition common in flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, and Persian cats. Procedures may include stenotic nares correction and soft palate resection to improve airflow and quality of life.

Advanced & Orthopedic Surgery

For procedures requiring orthopedic or advanced soft tissue expertise beyond our in-house scope, we coordinate mobile surgeon appointments at our facility. This allows your pet to receive specialist-level surgical care in a familiar environment with our team present throughout.

Our Surgical Protocols

Your pet’s safety is built into every step of our surgical process—before, during, and after the procedure.

Pre-Surgical Evaluation

Every surgical patient receives a thorough physical examination, including the use of imaging tools as required, and pre-anesthetic bloodwork before their procedure. This allows us to assess organ function, confirm your pet is a safe candidate for anesthesia, and tailor our anesthetic protocol to their individual needs. Learn more about our in-house diagnostics.

Anesthesia & Monitoring

We use individualized anesthetic protocols based on your pet's age, weight, breed, and health status. Throughout every procedure, your pet is continuously monitored for heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and body temperature. IV catheter placement and fluid support are standard.

Pain Management

We take a proactive approach to surgical pain management. Multimodal pain control is administered before, during, and after procedures as appropriate—because controlling pain allows for better recovery after surgery.

Recovery

After surgery, your pet recovers in our facility under close monitoring before discharge. We'll walk you through all at-home care instructions and let you know exactly what to watch for during recovery.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

Your veterinarian may recommend surgery when it offers the best chance to relieve pain, correct a problem, prevent complications, or improve your pet’s quality of life. Common reasons include:

Removing a mass, growth, or foreign object
Treating an organ or condition that cannot be managed effectively with medication alone
Relieving an obstruction, source of pain, or loss of normal function
Preventing a serious future emergency, such as gastropexy in dogs at higher risk for bloat
Repairing injuries caused by trauma

If surgery is recommended, we’ll take the time to explain why, what the procedure involves, expected recovery, potential risks, alternatives when available, and the estimated cost. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision that feels right for both you and your pet—without pressure or surprises.

Pet Surgery FAQs

How do I prepare my pet for surgery?

We'll provide specific pre-surgical instructions when your procedure is scheduled. In most cases, pets need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before anesthesia. We'll walk you through everything—including any medication adjustments—well in advance.

Will my pet be in pain after surgery?

We manage surgical pain proactively with perioperative pain medications and send pets home with appropriate take-home pain management. Some discomfort during recovery is normal; we'll give you clear guidance on what's expected and when to call us.

How long is the recovery period?

Recovery time varies significantly by procedure. A routine spay or neuter typically requires 10 to 14 days of restricted activity, while complex procedures—especially orthopedic surgeries—often require longer recovery periods. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored specifically to your pet's procedure.

What if my pet needs a surgery you don't perform in-house?

We'll refer you to a specialist or coordinate a mobile surgeon appointment at our facility. Either way, we'll stay involved in your pet's care and help ensure a smooth handoff.

Do you perform emergency surgery?

We perform urgent surgical procedures during our regular business hours when the situation calls for it. For after-hours surgical emergencies, please refer to our after-hours emergencies page for trusted local referral options.

Is bloodwork really necessary before surgery?

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is an important part of planning safe anesthesia. It is required for senior pets and those with known health concerns and strongly recommended for all patients because it may uncover hidden conditions that could affect anesthesia. For young, healthy pets, we can discuss whether testing is appropriate based on their individual risk.

Skilled Surgical Care With a Personal Touch

Surgery requires a tremendous amount of trust, and we take that responsibility seriously. At Panova Animal Hospital, every surgical patient receives individualized preparation, careful anesthetic planning, continuous monitoring throughout the procedure, and attentive recovery care from a team committed to treating each pet with the same care and consideration we would want for our own.

From routine spays and neuters to more involved surgical procedures, we combine thoughtful surgical planning, modern monitoring, and proactive pain management to provide safe, compassionate care for the dogs and cats in our community.