When your pet needs a surgical procedure, having a skilled and experienced team is essential. Bowness Animal Hospital provides a comprehensive range of surgical services for dogs and cats in Calgary, from routine spay and neuter procedures to complex soft tissue, orthopedic, and internal surgeries. Every surgical patient receives personalized pre-surgical preparation, appropriate anesthetic care, and attentive monitoring throughout their procedure and recovery. We prioritize your pet’s safety and comfort at every step. Our clinic is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. All surgical drop-offs are between 8:30 am and 10:00 am on surgery days.
Spaying is a routine but significant surgical procedure that removes the ovaries and uterus of female dogs and cats, preventing unwanted pregnancies and offering important long-term health benefits. Spayed females have a significantly reduced risk of mammary tumors, a completely eliminated risk of pyometra (a serious uterine infection), and no hormonal cycles. Bowness Animal Hospital performs standard spay procedures as well as more complex cases, including spays for cats in heat and for patients presenting with pyometra requiring urgent surgical care. If your female pet has not yet been spayed, or if you have concerns about a current heat cycle or suspected uterine infection, contact our team promptly.
Neutering removes the testicles of male dogs and cats, preventing reproduction and reducing the risk of certain health conditions, including testicular cancer and prostate disease. Neutered male pets are also typically calmer, less prone to roaming, and less likely to show marking behaviors. Bowness Animal Hospital also performs neuter procedures for cryptorchid patients, in which one or both testicles have not descended normally and must be surgically located and removed. Cryptorchid neuters are more involved than standard procedures but are essential, as retained testicles carry a significantly higher risk of becoming cancerous.
Soft tissue surgeries address conditions involving organs, muscles, skin, and other non-bony structures. Our soft tissue services include lump and tumor removal, wound repair, abscess drainage, and laceration closure. Soft tissue surgery may be needed for conditions ranging from surface-level skin growths to deeper internal concerns. Our team evaluates each patient thoroughly before any procedure to confirm the surgical plan is appropriate. For lumps and masses, we may recommend histopathology to determine whether additional steps are needed after removal.
Orthopedic conditions can significantly affect your pet's mobility and quality of life. Bowness Animal Hospital provides orthopedic surgical services including cruciate ligament repair (TPLO, or Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy), medial patella luxation correction, and limb amputation for injuries or disease affecting the tail or leg. Cruciate ligament tears are among the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs, and surgical correction gives most patients the best long-term outcome. Amputation, when required, is performed with the goal of eliminating pain and restoring a good quality of life. Our team will walk you through every option and what to expect during recovery.
Tumors in dogs and cats can be benign or malignant, and early removal generally leads to better outcomes. Bowness Animal Hospital performs tumor surgery for a range of internal and external masses, including oral tumors, surface lumps, and larger internal growths. Our team assesses each case individually to determine the most appropriate surgical approach and whether histopathology is warranted. If a growth has been changing in size, texture, or appearance, or if your pet shows signs of discomfort near a lump, prompt assessment is recommended.
Eye conditions can deteriorate rapidly without intervention. Bowness Animal Hospital provides eye surgical services including correction of cherry eye, entropion, eyelid lump removal, and, in cases of severe injury or disease, eye removal. Cherry eye (prolapsed tear gland) and entropion (inward rolling of the eyelid) are common in certain dog breeds and require surgical correction to prevent ongoing irritation and damage to the eye's surface. Our team prioritizes preservation of comfort and vision wherever possible. If your pet is squinting, has visible eye changes, or has been assessed with an eye condition, speak with us about surgical options.
Our surgical capabilities also include enterotomy (removal of foreign objects or blockages from the intestines), gastrostomy (addressing stomach blockages or foreign bodies), cystotomy (removal of bladder stones or correction of urinary blockages), and exploratory surgery (investigating internal conditions when the cause of symptoms is unclear). These procedures are often time-sensitive, and our team is experienced in performing them with precision and care. Dental surgery is also available and is further detailed on our Dental Care page. If your pet requires surgical care, our team will guide you through every step from the initial assessment to at-home recovery.
When pets ingest foreign objects or suffer from gastrointestinal blockages, an enterotomy may be necessary to remove the obstruction. Bowness Animal Hospital provides this life-saving surgery with precision and care, ensuring that your pet’s digestive system is restored to normal function. Our veterinarians focus on a safe and effective recovery.
For pets experiencing severe stomach issues or obstructions, gastronomy surgery may be required. At Bowness Animal Hospital, our team performs this surgery to address blockages, foreign bodies, or other gastrointestinal issues. We ensure that your pet is carefully monitored before, during, and after the procedure, promoting a swift recovery.
Most pets are discharged the same day as their procedure, typically in the afternoon after recovering from anesthesia. We will provide complete home care instructions and contact information for any questions during recovery.
TPLO recovery typically involves 8 to 12 weeks of restricted activity, with a gradual return to normal exercise under veterinary guidance. Most dogs return to a good level of comfort and function within 4 to 6 months.
Timing depends on the species, breed, and individual health profile. We recommend discussing this at your pet’s first wellness visit. Early spay and neuter is common, but for some larger breeds, later timing may be advisable.
Not all lumps are serious, but any new or changing growth should be assessed. Our team can perform a fine needle aspirate or recommend removal and histopathology to determine the nature of the lump and whether follow-up is needed.
Modern anesthetic protocols are safe for healthy patients. We perform a pre-anesthetic assessment and monitor every surgical patient continuously throughout their procedure. Patients with health conditions that increase risk receive individualized precautions.
Book your pet’s preventive care visit at Bowness Animal Hospital today. Our team in Bowness, NW Calgary is ready to help your dog or cat stay protected and healthy all year long. Call (587) 391-3911 or book online at bownessvet.ca/make-an-appointment/.
