Surgery & Procedures

Surgery & Procedures for Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets

Advanced Veterinary Surgery at Southern Ocean Animal Hospital

TL;DR: Quick Summary

Surgery can feel scary for pet owners, but it is sometimes the safest and most effective way to treat pain, prevent serious illness, remove disease, repair injuries, or improve a pet’s quality of life.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, surgery and procedures are part of a complete medical approach. That means Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, and the team do not look at surgery as a first step for every problem. They evaluate your pet carefully, use diagnostics when needed, explain your options, and recommend surgery only when it is appropriate for your pet’s health and comfort.

The major surgery and procedure categories at Southern Ocean Animal Hospital include:

Soft Tissue Surgery
- Ovariohysterectomy, commonly known as spay surgery
- Mass removal
- Gastropexy
- Wound repair
- Certain abdominal procedures
- Other non-bone-related surgeries
Orthopedic Surgery
- FHO, or femoral head ostectomy, for certain painful hip conditions

Surgery may be recommended for dogs, cats, and other pets when medical management alone is not enough, when a condition is painful, when disease may worsen, or when early intervention can prevent a more serious emergency.

ELI5: Veterinary Surgery Explained Simply

Think of your pet’s body like a house.

Sometimes, medicine is like cleaning, repairing, or maintaining the house. But sometimes a broken part, a dangerous object, a painful lump, or a serious problem needs hands-on repair.

That is where surgery comes in.

Veterinary surgery helps:

Remove things that should not be there
Repair damaged tissue
Prevent future emergencies
Relieve pain
Improve movement
Treat infections or wounds
Support long-term health

A good surgical plan is more than the operation itself. It includes the pre-surgery exam, lab work, anesthesia planning, pain control, careful monitoring, recovery instructions, and follow-up care.

Introduction

When a pet needs surgery, it is natural for owners to feel nervous. You may wonder if surgery is truly necessary, whether anesthesia is safe, how much pain your pet will feel, how long recovery will take, and what life will look like afterward.

Those are fair questions.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, we handle surgery with medical precision and empathy for the family behind the pet. Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, brings extensive surgical experience, advanced medical training, and a calm, thoughtful approach to surgical decision-making. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University and has experience with a wide range of surgical and diagnostic cases.

Surgery is not treated as a one-size-fits-all service. Every patient is evaluated individually.

A young healthy dog coming in for a spay is different from a senior cat with a mass. A deep-chested dog being considered for a gastropexy is different from a small dog with painful hip disease. A pet needing emergency wound care is different from a pet scheduled for a planned procedure.

That is why the surgical process at Southern Ocean Animal Hospital may include:

A physical exam
Medical history review
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork
Digital radiology
Ultrasound
Cytology
Dental radiology when appropriate
Pain assessment
Anesthesia planning
Surgical monitoring
Post-operative care
Recovery instructions
Follow-up appointments

The goal is simple: provide safe, appropriate, compassionate surgical care that helps pets heal and gives owners confidence in the plan.

Key Ideas for Pet Owners

Surgery is sometimes the best way to treat pain, disease, injury, or future risk.
Not every problem needs surgery, but some conditions cannot be fully corrected with medication alone.
Diagnostics help determine whether surgery is needed and how to plan safely.
Pre-anesthetic testing helps the team understand your pet’s overall health before anesthesia.
Pain management is part of the surgical plan from the beginning.
Soft tissue surgery involves organs, skin, reproductive tissue, abdominal structures, masses, wounds, and other non-bone tissues.
Orthopedic surgery involves bones and joints.
FHO is an orthopedic procedure that relieves certain types of hip pain.
Recovery is just as important as the surgery itself.
Owner follow-through at home can make a major difference in healing.
Dr. Pascetta and the SOAH team explain surgical recommendations in plain language so pet owners understand what is happening and why.

What Does “Surgery & Procedures” Mean?

“Surgery & Procedures” is a broad category that includes planned surgeries, medically necessary procedures, and certain urgent interventions.

Some surgeries are preventive, meaning they help reduce future risk.

Some surgeries are corrective, meaning they fix or improve a current problem.

Some surgeries are diagnostic, meaning they help identify or confirm what is happening.

Some surgeries are therapeutic, meaning they directly treat disease or pain.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, the Surgery & Procedures category includes two major areas:

Soft Tissue Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery

Each of these will have dedicated sub-service pages, but the overview page helps pet owners understand how surgical care fits into the hospital’s larger medical services.

Soft Tissue Surgery Overview

Soft tissue surgery refers to procedures that do not involve bones or joints.

This may include surgery involving:

Skin
Muscle
Reproductive organs
Abdominal organs
Masses or tumors
Wounds
Stomach or intestinal structures
Certain glands
Other internal or external soft tissues

Soft tissue surgery is one of the most common areas of veterinary surgery.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, examples may include:

Ovariohysterectomy
Mass removal
Gastropexy
Wound repair
Foreign body-related procedures when needed
Certain abdominal surgeries
Other medically appropriate procedures

The specific recommendation depends on your pet’s condition, exam findings, diagnostics, age, breed, and overall health.

Ovariohysterectomy: Spay Surgery

An ovariohysterectomy is the medical name for a spay surgery.

During a traditional spay, the ovaries and uterus are removed. This prevents pregnancy and eliminates heat cycles.

Spay surgery may also reduce the risk of certain reproductive diseases, including uterine infection. Timing should be discussed with a veterinarian because the best age can vary depending on species, breed, size, lifestyle, and health factors.

Pet owners often think of spay surgery as “routine,” but it is still real surgery. It requires anesthesia, sterile technique, pain control, and careful recovery.

A responsible surgical plan includes:

Pre-surgical exam
Discussion of age and timing
Anesthesia plan
Pain management
Incision care
Activity restriction
Follow-up guidance

For many pets, spay surgery is an important part of long-term preventive health.

Mass Removal Surgery

Mass removal is another common soft tissue procedure.

A mass may be:

A benign growth
A cyst
A fatty tumor
An infected lesion
A cancerous tumor
An irritated skin growth
A growth that interferes with movement or comfort

Not every lump is dangerous, but every lump should be evaluated.

Before mass removal, Dr. Pascetta may recommend diagnostics such as:

Physical exam
Measurement and monitoring
Cytology
Fine-needle aspiration
Bloodwork
Imaging if deeper tissue is involved
Biopsy or histopathology after removal

A mass removal plan may consider:

Location
Size
Growth rate
Whether the mass is painful
Whether the pet is licking or scratching it
Whether it interferes with walking, eating, or normal activity
Whether cancer is suspected
Whether clean margins are possible

In many cases, removed tissue may be sent to a laboratory for review. This helps determine what the mass is and whether additional care is needed.

Gastropexy

Gastropexy is a surgery that attaches the stomach to the body wall to help reduce the risk of stomach twisting.

It is most commonly discussed for dogs at risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat.

GDV is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists. This can cut off blood flow and rapidly become fatal without emergency care.

A gastropexy does not prevent the stomach from filling with gas, but it helps prevent the dangerous twisting part of GDV.

Gastropexy may be discussed for:

Great Danes
Standard Poodles
German Shepherds
Weimaraners
Irish Setters
Doberman Pinschers
Boxers
Other deep-chested dogs
Dogs with a family history of GDV
Dogs having another abdominal procedure where gastropexy may be appropriate

This is a good example of surgery being used preventively.

For the right dog, gastropexy may reduce the risk of a devastating emergency later.

Wound Repair and Laceration Surgery

Pets can develop wounds from accidents, fights, sharp objects, falls, or outdoor injuries.

Some wounds can be cleaned and treated medically. Others require surgical repair.

Surgical wound care may be needed when:

A cut is deep
Bleeding will not stop
Tissue is torn
A bite wound creates hidden pockets
Infection is present
Foreign material is trapped
The wound is near an eye, joint, or sensitive area
Dead tissue needs to be removed
The wound cannot heal properly on its own

Wound repair may involve cleaning, flushing, trimming damaged tissue, suturing, drainage, antibiotics, pain management, and follow-up care.

Bite wounds can be especially deceptive. A small puncture on the skin may hide deeper tissue damage underneath.

Foreign Body-Related Surgery

Some pets swallow things they should not.

Dogs may eat socks, toys, bones, corn cobs, rocks, or household items.

Cats may swallow string, ribbon, thread, or hair ties.

If the object becomes stuck, surgery may be needed.

Foreign body surgery may involve:

Stomach surgery
Intestinal surgery
Removal of damaged tissue if needed
Supportive care before and after surgery

In some cases, endoscopy can remove objects without surgery. In other cases, surgery is the safest option.

Signs of a possible foreign body include:

Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Drooling
Straining
Hiding
Sudden illness after known ingestion

Foreign bodies can become life-threatening, so early care matters.

Orthopedic Surgery Overview

Orthopedic surgery involves the bones, joints, and structures that support movement.

At Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, the listed orthopedic sub-service is:

FHO, or femoral head ostectomy

Orthopedic conditions often cause pain, limping, stiffness, weakness, or reduced mobility. In some cases, medication, rest, weight management, and rehabilitation may help. In other cases, surgery is needed to relieve pain or improve function.

Orthopedic evaluation may include:

Watching the pet walk
Palpating joints
Checking range of motion
Pain assessment
Digital radiology
Sedated orthopedic exam when needed
Bloodwork before anesthesia
Surgical consultation

The goal is to determine whether surgery is the best option for comfort and mobility.

FHO: Femoral Head Ostectomy

FHO stands for femoral head ostectomy.

This is a hip surgery where the head and neck of the femur are removed. The femoral head is the “ball” part of the ball-and-socket hip joint.

When the hip joint is damaged, diseased, or painful, the ball and socket may grind against each other. This can cause significant pain.

By removing the painful femoral head and neck, FHO allows the body to form a “false joint” supported by surrounding muscles and scar tissue.

FHO may be considered for:

Hip luxation
Hip trauma
Severe hip arthritis
Hip dysplasia in selected patients
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Certain femoral head or neck fractures
Some cats with hip disease or injury

FHO is often most successful in cats and smaller dogs, but patient selection matters. Larger dogs may require more careful discussion about expectations, recovery, and alternatives.

Recovery after FHO depends heavily on controlled movement, pain management, and rehabilitation-style home care.

Conditions That May Lead to Surgery

Surgery is often the result of a larger diagnostic process.

A pet may come in for a symptom, and diagnostics help determine whether surgery is needed.

Common symptoms that may lead to surgical discussion include:

A growing lump or mass
Limping
Hip pain
Repeated vomiting
Swallowed object
Wound or laceration
Bite injury
Abdominal pain
Reproductive disease
Uterine infection
Difficulty walking
Chronic pain not controlled with medication
Certain emergencies
Preventive risk, such as GDV risk in deep-chested dogs

Diagnostic Services That Support Surgery

Whenever possible, plan surgery with good information.

Southern Ocean Animal Hospital’s diagnostic services can help determine what is wrong and how to proceed.

Bloodwork

Bloodwork may check:

Red blood cells
White blood cells
Platelets
Kidney values
Liver values
Blood sugar
Electrolytes
Signs of infection or inflammation

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork helps identify risks before surgery.

Digital Radiology

Digital X-rays may help evaluate:

Bones
Joints
Chest
Abdomen
Foreign objects
Bladder stones
Heart and lung changes
Hip disease before FHO

Dental Radiology

Dental X-rays are used for oral procedures and may help identify disease hidden below the gumline.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound may help evaluate soft tissue organs, abdominal masses, fluid, pregnancy, or internal disease.

Cytology

Cytology may help evaluate lumps, masses, infections, or fluid before surgery.

Emergency Lab Workups

Emergency labs may be used when a pet is unstable, injured, vomiting, collapsed, or suspected of having infection, organ stress, internal bleeding, or toxin exposure.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Blood pressure monitoring may be important during anesthesia, surgery, emergencies, and chronic disease care.

Pain Assessment

Pain management starts before surgery and continues through recovery.

Why Pre-Surgical Testing Matters

Pre-surgical testing is not just a formality.

It helps the team understand your pet’s body before anesthesia and surgery.

Testing may help identify:

Kidney disease
Liver concerns
Anemia
Infection
Dehydration
Blood sugar problems
Electrolyte issues
Clotting concerns
Heart or lung concerns
Higher anesthesia risk

Some findings may change the plan. For example, surgery may still happen, but with adjusted fluids, medication changes, extra monitoring, or a referral recommendation.

The goal is safer surgery.

What to Expect Before Surgery

Every procedure is different, but many surgical plans follow a similar path.

Step 1: Consultation and Exam

Dr. Pascetta examines your pet, reviews symptoms, discusses options, and explains why surgery may or may not be recommended.

Step 2: Diagnostics

Depending on the condition, diagnostics may include bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound, cytology, or other testing.

Step 3: Surgical Plan

The team explains:

What procedure is recommended
Why it is recommended
What alternatives exist
What risks are involved
What recovery may look like
What pain control will be used
What follow-up is needed

Step 4: Pre-Anesthetic Preparation

This may include fasting instructions, medication instructions, bloodwork, catheter placement, and pre-surgical monitoring.

Step 5: Surgery Day

Your pet is prepared for anesthesia and surgery. The team monitors vital signs and supports your pet throughout the procedure.

Step 6: Recovery

Recovery is closely monitored. Pain control, warmth, comfort, and safe waking from anesthesia are important parts of care.

Step 7: Home Instructions

You receive instructions for medications, activity restriction, incision care, feeding, and warning signs.

Step 8: Follow-Up

Follow-up visits help ensure healing is progressing as expected.

Surgery Timeline: From First Concern to Recovery

Stage	What Happens
First concern	Owner notices lump, pain, vomiting, wound, limping, or other symptom
Veterinary exam	Dr. Pascetta evaluates the pet and discusses concerns
Diagnostics	Bloodwork, radiology, ultrasound, cytology, or other tests may be recommended
Surgical decision	Surgery is recommended if it is the best option
Surgery day	Anesthesia, monitoring, procedure, and recovery
First 24–48 hours	Rest, pain control, close observation
First 7–14 days	Activity restriction, incision monitoring, medication as directed
Recheck	Healing is evaluated and next steps are discussed
Longer recovery	Orthopedic procedures like FHO may require extended mobility support

Signs Your Pet May Need a Surgical Evaluation

Call Southern Ocean Animal Hospital if your pet has:

A lump that is growing, bleeding, changing, or painful
A wound that is deep or not healing
Sudden limping
Hip pain
Trouble standing
Repeated vomiting
Known or suspected swallowed object
Abdominal swelling
Severe pain
Bite wounds
Difficulty urinating
Signs of reproductive illness
Sudden weakness or collapse
Pain that is not improving with medical care
A deep-chested breed and concerns about bloat prevention

Emergency symptoms should not wait.

Emergency Signs That May Require Immediate Care

Seek urgent veterinary care if your pet has:

Bloated or swollen abdomen
Repeated unproductive retching
Collapse
Pale gums
Severe bleeding
Trouble breathing
Hit-by-car injury
Known toxin exposure
Severe abdominal pain
Inability to urinate
Deep wound or bite injury
Repeated vomiting with weakness
Sudden paralysis
Severe pain

Some of these conditions may lead to emergency surgery or referral.

Surgery in Dogs

Dogs commonly need surgery for preventive care, injuries, masses, swallowed objects, orthopedic pain, and certain emergency conditions.

Common Dog Surgeries and Procedures

Spay surgery
Mass removal
Gastropexy
Wound repair
Foreign body surgery
FHO
Certain abdominal procedures
Laceration repair
Emergency procedures when appropriate

Dog Breeds More Likely to Need Certain Surgical Care

Any dog can need surgery, but breed and body type can increase certain risks.

Deep-Chested Breeds

These dogs may be more likely to be considered for gastropexy:

Great Dane
Standard Poodle
German Shepherd
Weimaraner
Irish Setter
Doberman Pinscher
Boxer
Saint Bernard

Breeds Prone to Lumps or Masses

These breeds may be more likely to need evaluation for masses:

Boxer
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Boston Terrier
Bulldog
Pit Bull-type dogs
Schnauzer-type dogs

Breeds Prone to Hip or Mobility Problems

These breeds may be more likely to need orthopedic evaluation:

German Shepherd
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
Rottweiler
Great Dane
Bulldog
French Bulldog
Yorkshire Terrier
Small breeds with hip or knee issues

Breed risk does not guarantee disease. It simply helps guide awareness and early evaluation.

Surgery in Cats

Cats may need surgery for mass removal, wounds, abscesses, foreign bodies, reproductive disease, urinary conditions, dental disease, or orthopedic injuries.

Cats often hide pain, so surgical problems may not be obvious at first.

Common Cat Surgical Concerns

Bite wounds and abscesses
Masses
Spay surgery
Foreign body ingestion, especially string-like objects
Hip injuries
FHO in selected cases
Wound repair
Certain abdominal concerns
Dental procedures
Tumor evaluation

Cat Breeds and Risk Factors

All cats can need surgery, including domestic shorthair and domestic longhair cats.

Some breed-related or lifestyle-related patterns may include:

Outdoor cats: higher risk of bite wounds, abscesses, trauma, and lacerations
Persian and Himalayan cats: may need closer monitoring for dental, airway, or chronic health concerns
Maine Coon and large cats: may need orthopedic evaluation for mobility changes or hip concerns
Siamese and active breeds: may be more likely to swallow or interact with string-like items due to curiosity and play behavior
Senior cats: higher risk of masses, dental disease, chronic illness, and anesthesia planning needs

Cats are not small dogs. Their pain control, anesthesia, stress response, and recovery plans must be cat-specific.

Surgery in Other Pets

Southern Ocean Animal Hospital may also evaluate other pets depending on species, condition, and the type of procedure needed.

Other pets may include:

Rabbits
Ferrets
Guinea pigs
Chinchillas
Birds
Reptiles
Other small mammals or exotic pets

Surgical needs may include:

Wound care
Abscess care
Mass evaluation
Dental-related procedures
Reproductive concerns
Trauma care
Supportive procedures

Exotic pets often hide illness until they are very sick. A rabbit not eating, a bird sitting fluffed, or a reptile becoming inactive may need prompt evaluation.

Some exotic procedures may require referral depending on the species, anesthesia needs, and complexity.

Pain Management Before, During, and After Surgery

Pain control is an essential part of surgery.

Pain management may include:

Pre-surgical pain medication
Local anesthetic blocks
Injectable pain relief
Anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
Opioid medications when needed
Ice or cold therapy in selected cases
Nursing care
Home medication instructions
Activity restriction
Follow-up pain assessment

Good pain control helps pets:

Rest
Eat
Heal
Move appropriately
Avoid stress
Recover more comfortably

Pet owners should never give human pain medication unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Many human medications are dangerous for dogs and cats.

Anesthesia and Monitoring

Anesthesia allows surgery to be performed safely and without pain.

A surgical anesthesia plan may include:

Pre-anesthetic exam
Bloodwork when recommended
IV catheter placement
Pre-medication
Induction of anesthesia
Airway support
Monitoring during surgery
Temperature support
Pain control
Recovery monitoring

Monitoring may include:

Heart rate
Breathing
Oxygen level
Blood pressure
Temperature
Anesthetic depth
Gum color
Pain response
Recovery quality

Careful monitoring helps the team respond quickly if your pet needs support.

Recovery at Home

Home care is one of the most important parts of surgical success.

Your pet may need:

Rest
Restricted activity
Cone or recovery collar
Medication on schedule
Incision checks
Clean bedding
No running or jumping
Leash walks only
Separate space away from other pets
Follow-up appointments

Call the hospital if you notice:

Swelling
Bleeding
Discharge
Missing sutures
Bad odor
Opening incision
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Severe lethargy
Pain that seems uncontrolled
Trouble breathing
Not urinating
Sudden weakness

Never stop medications early or change doses without checking with the veterinary team.

Example Scenario: Dog with a Growing Mass

A pet owner notices a lump on their dog’s side. It was small at first but has grown over several weeks.

Dr. Pascetta may recommend:

Physical exam
Cytology or fine-needle aspiration
Bloodwork
Surgical removal if appropriate
Laboratory review of the removed tissue
Follow-up care

The goal is to identify the mass, remove it safely if needed, and determine whether additional treatment is necessary.

Example Scenario: Deep-Chested Dog and Gastropexy Discussion

A Great Dane puppy comes in for wellness care. The owner asks about bloat risk.

Dr. Pascetta discusses gastropexy, explains what it can and cannot prevent, and reviews timing, breed risk, and whether it may be appropriate.

The goal is prevention and education before an emergency happens.

Example Scenario: Cat with a Bite Wound

A cat comes home with a small puncture wound. Two days later, the area becomes swollen and painful.

Dr. Pascetta examines the wound and determines an abscess may be present.

Treatment may include:

Wound drainage
Cleaning and flushing
Pain medication
Antibiotics when appropriate
Possible sedation or surgery depending on severity
Home care instructions

A small wound can hide a larger problem under the skin.

Example Scenario: Small Dog with Hip Pain

A small dog is limping and painful after a hip injury. X-rays show significant hip damage.

Dr. Pascetta discusses treatment options, including whether FHO may be appropriate.

The plan includes:

Pain management
Surgical evaluation
Owner education
Recovery expectations
Activity guidance
Follow-up care

The goal is to reduce pain and help the pet regain comfortable movement.

Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta’s Surgical Approach

Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, leads surgical care at Southern Ocean Animal Hospital, focusing on preparation, precision, safety, and compassion.

His approach includes:

Careful patient evaluation
Clear communication with pet owners
Diagnostic planning before surgery
Thoughtful anesthesia protocols
Pain control before, during, and after procedures
Skilled surgical technique
Recovery monitoring
Follow-up guidance

Dr. Pascetta earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University and has experience with a wide range of medical, surgical, and diagnostic cases. His background includes advanced veterinary training and research experience involving respiratory virology and surgical spinal stabilization in dogs.

For pet owners in Tuckerton, Little Egg Harbor, Manahawkin, Long Beach Island, and Southern Ocean County, Southern Ocean Animal Hospital offers a trusted local option for surgical evaluation and care.

Questions Pet Owners Often Ask About Surgery

Is surgery always the only option?

No. We recommend surgery when it is the best or most appropriate option. In some cases, owners may try medical care, monitoring, or lifestyle changes first.

Is anesthesia safe?

Anesthesia always carries some risk, but careful planning, monitoring, and patient-specific protocols help reduce that risk. Pre-anesthetic testing can help identify concerns before surgery.

Will my pet be in pain?

The team plans pain management before, during, and after surgery. The goal is to keep your pet as comfortable as possible.

How long will recovery take?

Recovery depends on the procedure. Some soft tissue surgeries may require 10–14 days of restricted activity. Orthopedic procedures such as FHO may require a longer recovery and guided mobility support.

Will my pet need a cone?

Many pets need a cone or recovery collar to prevent licking, chewing, or opening the incision.

What if I am nervous?

That is completely normal. The SOAH team is here to explain the plan, answer questions, and help you feel prepared.

Glossary of Terms

Soft Tissue Surgery
Surgery involving skin, organs, masses, reproductive tissue, wounds, or other non-bone structures.

Orthopedic Surgery
Surgery involving bones, joints, or structures related to movement.

Ovariohysterectomy
Spay surgery where the ovaries and uterus are removed.

Mass Removal
Surgical removal of a lump, growth, cyst, or tumor.

Gastropexy
A surgery that attaches the stomach to the body wall to help reduce the risk of stomach twisting in GDV.

GDV / Bloat
A life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists.

FHO / Femoral Head Ostectomy
A hip surgery where the head and neck of the femur are removed to reduce painful bone-on-bone contact.

Anesthesia
Medication-controlled unconsciousness used so surgery can be performed safely and without pain.

Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork
Blood testing done before anesthesia to check organ function and overall health.

Cytology
Microscopic evaluation of cells, often used to assess lumps or infections.

Biopsy
Tissue sample sent to a lab for diagnosis.

Histopathology
Laboratory examination of tissue removed during surgery.

Incision
The surgical opening made in the skin or tissue.

Sutures
Stitches used to close an incision or wound.

Post-Operative Care
Care provided after surgery, including pain control, monitoring, and home instructions.

Summary

Surgery and procedures are an important part of Southern Ocean Animal Hospital’s full-service veterinary care.

The parent category, Surgery & Procedures, includes major service areas such as Soft Tissue Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery. Soft tissue surgery may include ovariohysterectomy, mass removal, gastropexy, wound repair, foreign body-related procedures, and other medically appropriate surgeries. Orthopedic surgery includes FHO, a hip procedure used in selected pets to relieve pain and improve mobility.

Surgery may be recommended for many reasons: prevention, pain relief, injury repair, disease removal, emergency treatment, or improved quality of life. Diagnostics such as bloodwork, radiology, ultrasound, cytology, and blood pressure monitoring help guide safe surgical planning.

Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, brings extensive surgical experience, advanced training from The Ohio State University, and a practical, compassionate approach to every surgical case. His focus is not only on the procedure itself, but also on preparation, anesthesia safety, pain control, recovery, and communication with pet owners.

For dogs, cats, and other pets, surgery can be a major step toward healing, comfort, and a better life.

Don’t Hesitate to Call

If your pet has a lump, injury, painful hip, wound, suspected foreign body, reproductive concern, or a condition that may require surgery, Southern Ocean Animal Hospital is here to help.

Dr. Daniel N. Pascetta, DVM, and the SOAH team provide thoughtful surgical evaluations, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate care for pets throughout Tuckerton, Little Egg Harbor, Manahawkin, Long Beach Island, Southern Ocean County, and the Jersey Shore region.

📞 Call Southern Ocean Animal Hospital today to schedule a surgical consultation or appointment.

Because when your pet needs surgery, experience, preparation, and compassionate care matter.