Expert Care, Advanced Techniques

If your dog requires surgery, we understand that you may have many questions about the procedure, recovery, and costs. Our team is here to provide thorough explanations and guidance to help you make the best decision for your pet. Whether it's a routine spay/neuter or a complex orthopedic procedure, our skilled veterinarians perform every surgery with precision and compassion in our state-of-the-art facility. From pre-surgical examination to post-operative care, your dog will receive personalized, expert attention. Call us today at (703) 256-8414.

What to Expect When Your Dog is Scheduled for Surgery

Surgical Services for Dogs

Our veterinarians in Annandale have the expertise to perform a variety of soft-tissue, orthopedic, and oral surgeries for dogs, including:

Soft-Tissue Surgeries

  • Spaying & neutering
  • Cystotomy
  • Exploratory surgery
  • Tumor removal
  • Bloat surgery
  • Foreign body removal

Orthopedic Surgeries

  • TightRope CCL knee repair
  • Bone fracture repair (internal/external fixation)
  • Extracapsular repair

Oral Surgeries

  • Tooth extractions
  • Jaw fracture repair
  • Oral tumor removals

Veterinary Surgery Safety

Your dog's safety is our top priority. Before surgery, we conduct a comprehensive physical exam and pre-surgical testing to check for any underlying health concerns. If we detect any issues, we will postpone the procedure and focus on treatment first. We also require dogs to be up-to-date on core vaccinations before surgery.

During the procedure, your dog will receive IV fluids and necessary medications, as well as a heated water blanket to help maintain body temperature. Our team continuously monitors vital signs—including pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure—throughout surgery and recovery to ensure the highest level of care. To learn more about our dog surgical services or to schedule a procedure, call us at (703) 256-8414.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dog Surgery

What types of surgery do you perform on dogs?
We perform spays, neuters, tumor removals, gastrointestinal surgery, bladder stone removal, wound repair, foreign body removal, orthopedic procedures, and more. We handle both scheduled and emergency surgeries around the clock.

What should I do to prepare my dog for surgery?
Most dogs should not eat for 8 to 12 hours before their procedure. Water is usually fine until a few hours prior. We will give you specific fasting and preparation instructions when we schedule the surgery.

Is anesthesia safe for dogs?
Yes, when administered and monitored by experienced veterinary professionals. We tailor every anesthetic protocol to the individual dog based on their age, weight, breed, and health status, with continuous monitoring throughout.

How long does recovery take after dog surgery?
Routine procedures like a spay or neuter typically require 10 to 14 days of restricted activity. More complex surgeries may require longer recovery with follow-up visits. We send you home with clear discharge instructions and are available for questions.

Is Columbia Pike Animal Hospital open 24/7 for emergency dog surgery?
Yes. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no extra emergency fee. If your dog swallows something, suffers a trauma, or needs urgent surgical care at any hour, we are ready to help immediately.