Pet Surgery
Surgery feels less scary when you know what's happening and why. Our veterinarians at our Midlothian clinic, on Steam Avenue off Midlothian Turnpike, perform soft tissue surgery with a pre-surgery exam first, anesthesia monitoring throughout, and your pet home the same day.
Call (804) 603-9509 to schedule a pre-surgery exam.
When it's an emergency: Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if, after surgery, your pet's incision opens, bleeds steadily, or swells quickly, or your pet is very lethargic, has pale gums, or won't stand. Our Midlothian clinic is open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, and we don't provide overnight care.
Common Procedures
Removal of skin masses, lumps, and growths.
Wound repair.
Spay and neuter.
Dental extractions.
Other general soft tissue procedures.
Orthopedic surgery, like repairing a torn cruciate ligament or a fracture, is referred to a surgical specialist.
Before Surgery
A pre-surgery exam and screening tests, usually blood work, to plan anesthesia safely.
A written estimate, and time to ask questions.
Pre-op instructions on fasting and what to bring.
Drop-off on surgery morning.
"Very gentle, caring, knowledgeable, understanding, loving, and explain in details everything!!!!"
— Nakeita M., Petfolk client.
During and After
Your pet is anesthetized with continuous monitoring, and the team updates you along the way. Most pets go home the same day with pain medication and written instructions. Because Petfolk doesn't provide overnight care, a pet that needs overnight monitoring is referred to a 24-hour hospital.
At home, keep your pet calm, use the cone or recovery suit, check the incision daily, and keep the recheck appointment. AAHA's guide to what to expect when your pet needs anesthesia covers what to watch for before and after.
When Surgery Isn't the Next Step
Not every lump needs to come out right away. A small, soft lump may be checked with a needle sample first. If it's harmless, measuring it at each visit may be enough. The doctor will tell you what the sample shows and whether removal makes sense.
When Your Pet Needs an Orthopedic Specialist
Torn cruciate ligaments, fractures, and hip or elbow problems are treated by board-certified veterinary surgeons. For Midlothian families, that usually means a specialty hospital in the Richmond area. The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine's teaching hospital in Blacksburg is about three and a half hours away.
The doctor here can examine the leg, take X-rays, start pain control, and send the records with the referral. Ask the specialty hospital about cost and recovery time before scheduling. Orthopedic recovery often means weeks of strict rest.
What Drives the Cost
The cost depends on the procedure, your pet's size, anesthesia time, pre-surgery tests, pain medication, and any lab work on removed tissue. You get a written estimate before anything is scheduled.
Start With the Exam
Book a pre-surgery exam at our clinic on Steam Avenue and get clear answers before you decide. Call (804) 603-9509.