Costs vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the diagnostic testing involved, and the level of care needed during and after surgery. Before moving forward, we’ll provide a detailed estimate that includes all expected charges for anesthesia, surgical care, monitoring, medications, and follow-up. We understand that veterinary care is an investment in your pet’s health, and we’re happy to discuss payment options or answer questions about pet insurance if you have coverage.

Every surgical procedure comes with some level of discomfort, but we take every step to minimize pain before, during, and after surgery. We use pre-emptive pain control and tailor each patient’s anesthetic and pain management plan based on their individual needs. Your pet will receive pain medication during the procedure and go home with appropriate medications to keep them comfortable as they heal. Most pets recover quickly and comfortably with proper care and monitoring.

You’ll receive clear instructions before your pet’s procedure. Most pets need to fast starting at midnight the night before surgery—this helps reduce the risk of complications during anesthesia. We may also ask you to adjust any current medications or arrive early for pre-op bloodwork or imaging. On the morning of surgery, keep your pet calm, avoid feeding or treats, and bring any questions you have so we can review everything with you before admitting your pet.

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery, your pet’s age and overall health, and how well they follow post-op instructions. For many soft tissue procedures, the incision heals within 10 to 14 days. More complex surgeries involving internal organs or large incisions may require a longer rest period. During this time, it’s important to limit activity, prevent licking or chewing at the incision site, and follow all care instructions. We’ll schedule a follow-up visit to check healing and remove sutures if necessary.

Most pets can have a small, bland meal a few hours after they return home—usually 4 to 6 hours post-op, depending on how alert and comfortable they are. We recommend starting with a lighter portion to avoid stomach upset. In some cases, we may recommend a special post-surgical diet or advise delaying feeding for a longer period. You’ll go home with specific instructions tailored to your pet’s procedure and condition.

If we suspect a mass might be cancerous, we’ll send it to a veterinary pathology lab for analysis after removal. The results help us determine what type of tumor it is and whether further treatment is needed. Some benign masses need no further action, while others may require additional surgery, monitoring, or referral to an oncologist. We’ll walk you through the results and all available options so you can make an informed decision about next steps.