Surgical Services

Whether performing a routine veterinary surgery or an emergency procedure, you can have confidence that the doctors and staff at Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital will work hard to ensure each procedure is thorough, complete with the utmost expertise, and is as stress-free as possible for you and your pet.

At Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital, we fully understand the decision to allow your pet to undergo surgery is never easy. To that end, we are happy to answer any questions regarding your pet’s surgery. In fact, a pre-surgical consultation is an essential part of the process. Additionally, our medical staff is happy to provide you with information on postoperative care to ensure a rapid return to your companion’s happy, healthy self.

Our Facilities

At Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital, our state-of-the-art surgical facility is designed to make every procedure as safe, precise, and efficient as possible. With the rapid advancement of veterinary technology, our experienced team combines the latest innovations and compassionate care to minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcomes for your pet. We also offer advanced diagnostic services, including comprehensive ultrasound imaging performed by Dr. Roxanne Mahan, which provides detailed insight into your pet’s internal organs to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Our skilled veterinary team performs a full range of surgical procedures—from routine soft tissue surgeries to complex orthopedic operations handled by board-certified specialists. We also perform surgeries such as cesarean sections, entropion correction, soft palate and nares procedures, and more. At Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital, our goal is simple: to provide exceptional medical care and trusted surgical excellence, all under one roof.

Pre-Surgery Exam

Before your pet undergoes any surgical procedure, a thorough examination takes place. This exam includes a pre-surgical blood screen, which, along with your pet’s anesthetic history, breed, preexisting conditions, and age, will be used to determine a unique anesthesia protocol. These tests have the added benefit of establishing a baseline for the comparison of future blood tests, should your pet require any.

Anesthesia

For most surgical procedures, anesthesia is required. While under anesthesia, your pet is continuously monitored by our staff and specialized anesthesia monitoring technology. Your pet’s blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and oxygen level are all tracked during surgery. We also use a temperature-controlled operating table to assist in maintaining constant body temperature during the procedure.

Pain Management

Just as with humans, pain has many negative effects on pets that go beyond physical discomfort. Pain after surgery can slow healing and worsen diseases like arthritis. Because our companion friends don’t understand why they are experiencing pain, pain can cause behavioral issues and interfere with the bond between you and your pet.

To minimize your pet’s discomfort, we typically use a combination of local anesthetics, NSAIDs, and narcotic pain relievers. The exact protocol is tailored to each animal and depends on a number of factors determined by the pre-surgery exam and during the procedure.

Postoperative Care

Just as with humans, pain has many negative effects on pets that go beyond physical discomfort. Pain after surgery can slow healing and worsen diseases like arthritis. Because our companion friends don’t understand why they are experiencing pain, pain can cause behavioral issues and interfere with the bond between you and your pet. To minimize your pet’s discomfort, we typically use a combination of local anesthetics, NSAIDs, and narcotic pain relievers. The exact protocol is tailored to each animal and depends on a number of factors determined by the pre-surgery exam and during the procedure.