Professional Pet Surgery in Grand Rapids
Whether your puppy needs to be spayed, your cat requires a mass removal, or your senior dog faces a soft tissue procedure, Mitten Animal Clinic is here to help. Our veterinary team uses modern anesthesia, continuous monitoring, and careful recovery support to make every procedure as safe and stress-free as possible.
Pet Surgery Services in Grand Rapids
When your pet needs surgery, it is normal to feel anxious and unsure. You want a team that treats your dog or cat like family, explains each step, and uses modern safety protocols from check-in to recovery. At Mitten Animal Clinic, we combine compassionate care with rigorous standards so you have clarity and your pet has the safest possible experience. From routine spay and neuter to soft tissue procedures and minor emergencies, our doctors guide you through the process and stay available for questions before and after the procedure.
What types of pet surgeries are offered at Mitten Animal Clinic?
We perform a wide range of procedures for dogs and cats in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Ada, Cascade, Wyoming, Byron Center, and nearby communities. Common surgeries include:
- Spay and neuter for puppies and kittens, as well as adult pets.
- Mass and growth removal with biopsy submission when indicated.
- Foreign object removal for gastrointestinal obstructions.
- Wound and laceration repair after injuries.
- Soft tissue procedures such as bladder stone surgery and abscess treatment.
- Biopsies to diagnose unexplained lumps or inflamed tissue.
- Dental surgeries including surgical extractions and oral mass removal.
If your pet’s case requires advanced specialty equipment or overnight ICU care, we coordinate referral to a trusted surgical specialty center. Most routine surgeries are completed safely in our clinic with same-day discharge.
Is spaying or neutering necessary for pets in Grand Rapids?
Yes. Spaying and neutering help prevent unwanted litters and reduce risks of certain cancers and infections. Neutering can also reduce roaming and hormone-driven behaviors. Most pets are spayed or neutered around five to six months of age, though timing can vary by breed and health status. We will help you choose the best plan during your pet’s exam and pre-surgical consult.
How does Mitten Animal Clinic ensure safe pet surgery?
Safety is never a single step. It is a protocol that starts before anesthesia and continues through recovery:
Pre-anesthetic exam and bloodwork
to evaluate organ function and tailor anesthesia.
Species and patient specific anesthesia plans
based on age, breed, weight, and medical history.
IV catheter and fluids
to maintain blood pressure and allow rapid response if needed.
Continuous monitoring
of ECG, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, temperature, and carbon dioxide.
Sterile technique and surgical checklists
for infection control and quality assurance.
Dedicated surgical nurse
with the doctor throughout induction, procedure, and recovery.
Active warming and gentle recovery
to prevent hypothermia and reduce stress.
Multimodal pain control
to keep pets comfortable during and after surgery.
You will receive a clear, written plan at discharge and a phone call check-in after surgery.
What should I expect before my pet’s surgery?
Here is the typical path to surgery day:
1. Pre-operative consultation
We review exam findings, bloodwork, imaging if needed, and walk through the procedure, risks, benefits, and aftercare. This is also when we discuss your questions about cost and recovery timeframes. For pets on long-term prescriptions, we coordinate refills and timing so medications do not interfere with anesthesia. See pre-surgical exams and checkups under Routine Wellness to learn how wellness visits support safe surgery.
2. Night before surgery
Unless told otherwise, remove food by 10 pm and leave water out overnight. If your pet takes morning medications, ask our team which to give and which to hold.
3. Morning of surgery
Arrive at your scheduled check-in time with your pet on a leash or in a carrier. Bring any current medications and your completed consent forms. Your pet receives pre-medication to reduce anxiety and pain before anesthesia.
4. During surgery
Your pet is monitored continuously by the doctor and surgical nurse using hospital-grade equipment. You can expect a call when your pet is in recovery.
5. Discharge
Most pets go home the same day. We review written aftercare instructions, demonstrate wound care, and schedule your recheck or suture removal.
What is included in post-surgery care for pets?
Your discharge packet will outline exactly what to do at home:
- Pain management with veterinarian prescribed medications and clear dosing instructions. See post-surgery medication guidance for how refills and adjustments work.
- Incision care with directions for cleaning, bandage changes if used, and what is normal during healing.
- Activity restriction to protect stitches and internal healing. Leash walks only until cleared.
- Feeding plan with when to offer water and a small meal, what to do if your pet is nauseated, and how to reintroduce regular food.
- E-collar use to prevent licking or chewing at the incision.
- Follow-up visit for suture removal or incision check.
- Direct line for questions. If you are worried at any point, call us. It is always better to ask.
We also discuss simple hygiene and environment tips that reduce complications. Review preventing infection after surgery for a quick checklist on keeping the incision clean and dry.
How long does it take pets to recover from surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure and your individual pet:
- Minor procedures and small lump removals: often comfortable within 24 to 48 hours, with activity restricted for 7 to 10 days.
- Spay and neuter: typical restriction for 10 to 14 days.
- Dental extractions: most pets eat soft food the same day and transition to normal food as directed within several days.
- Soft tissue surgeries: timelines vary. Your discharge sheet will list milestones and a recheck date.
Following the aftercare plan is the single most important factor in a smooth recovery.
What signs of complications should I watch for after pet surgery?
Call us immediately if you notice:
- Swelling that is rapidly increasing or firm and painful.
- Redness spreading around the incision or thick discharge.
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite loss beyond 24 hours.
- Lethargy or weakness lasting more than 24 to 48 hours
- Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing after anesthesia.
- Your pet biting, chewing, or opening the incision.
If you are unsure whether a symptom is normal, contact us. We would rather check your pet and reassure you than risk a setback.
How much does pet surgery cost in Grand Rapids?
Costs vary by procedure type, pet size, pre-op testing needs, and the level of aftercare required. Your estimate will outline what is included, such as exam, anesthesia, monitoring, surgical time, materials, and take-home medications. We keep pricing competitive while prioritizing safety and comfort. Call our team for a personalized estimate and to discuss scheduling options.
Do you offer same-day or urgent surgeries?
For some issues, yes. We reserve capacity for time-sensitive problems such as laceration repair or foreign body concerns. Start by calling the clinic so our medical team can triage your pet’s needs and determine whether same-day care, a next-day booking, or referral to a 24-hour emergency hospital is the safest option.
How do you manage anesthesia for seniors and pets with medical conditions?
Senior pets and those with heart, kidney, endocrine, or seizure histories receive additional consideration:
- Senior pets and those with heart, kidney, endocrine, or seizure histories receive additional consideration:
- Adjusted anesthetic drug choices and careful fluid management.
- Closer postoperative monitoring and tailored pain control.
- Clear home monitoring instructions so you know what to watch after discharge.
Our approach balances caution with comfort so your pet gets what they need safely.
Learn more
Need to schedule a pet surgery or have questions about a procedure? Contact us to request a consultation. We will walk you through each step and make sure you feel prepared on surgery day.
FAQs
Most pets are spayed or neutered around five to six months of age. Timing can vary by breed and health, so ask us for a personalized plan during your pet’s exam.
Yes. We follow strict protocols with pre-op testing, patient specific anesthesia, sterile technique, and continuous monitoring before, during, and after the procedure.
Yes. We review the plan at drop-off, keep you updated, and reunite you as soon as it is safe. Most pets go home the same day with written aftercare instructions.
We use multimodal pain control tailored to your pet. You will go home with clear dosing instructions and a number to call if you need help.
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Follow the label and our written instructions. If your pet struggles with pills, ask about flavored liquids or other forms.
Gently pat it dry and call us for next steps. Avoid bathing and swimming until your recheck.