Safe & Compassionate Pet Surgery in Calgary
At NorthWest Animal Hospital in Carrington, NW Calgary, our surgical team provides a full range of soft tissue, orthopedic, and elective surgeries for dogs and cats. Every surgical patient receives a pre-anesthetic exam and bloodwork to confirm they are healthy for the procedure, and our team monitors each patient closely throughout recovery. We are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. Call (403) 930-3500 to discuss your pet’s surgical needs.
Spay Surgery for Dogs and Cats
Spaying is one of the most important surgical procedures you can have done for a female dog or cat. The procedure removes the ovaries and uterus, eliminating the risk of uterine infection (pyometra) and significantly reducing the risk of mammary tumors when performed before the first heat cycle. It also prevents unwanted pregnancies. At NorthWest Animal Hospital, every patient receives a pre-anesthetic physical examination and bloodwork to ensure they are healthy for surgery. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with full monitoring, and most pets go home the same day.
Neuter Surgery for Dogs and Cats
Neutering removes the testicles in male dogs and cats, reducing roaming behavior, decreasing the likelihood of certain reproductive cancers, and eliminating the risk of testicular disease. Neutered male cats are less likely to spray and engage in fighting behavior. For dogs, the optimal timing depends on breed and size, and our team will discuss the best approach for your specific dog at a consultation. As with all surgeries at NorthWest Animal Hospital, full pre-anesthetic screening and close monitoring throughout the procedure are standard.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgery covers a broad range of procedures involving organs, skin, and internal structures not related to bones or joints. Common soft tissue surgeries at NorthWest Animal Hospital include mass removals, wound repairs, intestinal surgeries, bladder surgeries, and procedures involving the abdominal organs. Each case is assessed individually, and surgery is recommended only when it offers a clear benefit to the patient. Our team discusses the procedure, expected recovery, and post-operative care with you before any surgery is scheduled.
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery addresses conditions of the bones and joints, including fractures, joint instability, and developmental abnormalities. At NorthWest Animal Hospital, we perform orthopedic procedures for dogs and cats requiring bone repair or joint stabilization. Post-surgical recovery involves close monitoring, pain support, and a structured rehabilitation plan to restore mobility. For complex orthopedic cases requiring specialist expertise, we coordinate referrals to board-certified veterinary surgeons in the Calgary area.
Tumor Surgery
When a growth is identified on your dog or cat, surgical removal is often the most effective approach, both to address the mass and to obtain a tissue sample for pathology. At NorthWest Animal Hospital, we assess the location, size, and characteristics of the growth before recommending surgery. Histopathology following removal gives us a definitive picture of the tissue type and helps guide any follow-up care that may be needed. Catching and addressing growths early generally leads to the best outcomes.
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) Surgery
GDV, sometimes called bloat, is a life-threatening emergency in large and giant breed dogs where the stomach fills with gas and rotates on its axis. Immediate surgery is required. Signs include a distended abdomen, unproductive retching, drooling, and sudden distress. If you suspect your dog is experiencing GDV, call our clinic immediately at (403) 930-3500 and bring your dog in as quickly as possible. Our team is equipped to stabilize and operate on GDV patients during our business hours. For after-hours emergencies, please contact VCA Canada Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (CARE).
C-Section Surgery
A caesarean section is performed when a female dog or cat cannot deliver her young naturally. Prolonged labor, fetal distress, or an overly large litter size are among the reasons a C-section may be needed. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and our team works quickly to ensure the safety of both the mother and the neonates. Post-operative monitoring of the mother's recovery and the wellbeing of the newborns is part of our standard surgical aftercare.
Eye Surgery
Eye conditions including entropion (eyelid rolling inward), ectropion, eyelid mass removal, and certain cases requiring enucleation (removal of the eye) can be addressed surgically at NorthWest Animal Hospital. Eye surgeries are performed under general anesthesia with careful attention to the delicate structures involved. Post-operative care typically includes pain support, an e-collar to prevent self-trauma, and a follow-up visit to assess healing. Our team will discuss what to expect at each stage of recovery before your pet's procedure.
Exploratory and Abdominal Surgeries
Exploratory surgery, along with procedures such as cystotomy (bladder stone removal), splenectomy (spleen removal), enterotomy (intestinal foreign body removal), and gastrotomy (stomach exploration), are performed when diagnostics point to an internal issue requiring direct surgical access. These procedures are undertaken with careful pre-surgical planning, full anesthesia monitoring, and attentive post-operative care. Our team communicates with you at every stage, from the initial recommendation through recovery and the follow-up visit.
Explore More Services
For most small and medium breeds, spaying or neutering at around 6 months is recommended. For large and giant breeds, our team may suggest waiting until 12 to 18 months to allow growth plates to close. Book a consultation at (403) 930-3500 to discuss what is right for your dog.
Every surgical patient at NorthWest Animal Hospital receives a pre-anesthetic physical exam and bloodwork to confirm they are healthy for the procedure. You will receive clear instructions about fasting and drop-off times, and our team will walk you through what to expect on the day.
Most pets recover well within 10 to 14 days. Dogs and cats typically go home the same day as surgery. We provide detailed aftercare instructions including activity restrictions, incision care, and signs to watch for during recovery.
Soft tissue surgery involves organs, skin, and internal structures, as distinct from bone and joint procedures. Common examples include mass removals, wound repairs, bladder stone removal, and exploratory surgeries. Our team assesses each case and discusses the best approach with you before any procedure is scheduled.
Yes. Fasting is typically required for at least 8 to 12 hours before surgery to reduce the risk of complications from anesthesia. We will give you specific instructions based on your pet’s age, species, and the procedure being performed.
To discuss your pet’s surgical needs or book a pre-surgical consultation, call NorthWest Animal Hospital at (403) 930-3500 or book online at nwvet.ca/book-an-appointment/. We serve dogs and cats in Carrington, NW Calgary and surrounding NW Calgary communities.