Surgical Services

Lazy 5 Vets takes preventative steps to ensure our surgeries are safe, painless, and effective, without ever compromising quality. Top-of-the-line surgical equipment and anesthesia allow us to perform a range of basic to advanced procedures.

Types of surgeries performed:

  • Spay and Neuter
  • Lacerations and Abscesses
  • Tumor Removal
  • Orthopedic (bone)
  • Abdominal
  • Ear/Eye
  • Reproductive

Contact us today to speak with our trained staff about veterinary surgery and available procedures.

Prophylactic Gastropexy

What Is Bloat (GDV)?

  • A life-threatening emergency condition
  • The stomach fills with gas and twists
  • Twisting cuts off blood flow to vital organs
  • Can lead to shock and death quickly
  • Requires immediate emergency treatment

What Is a Prophylactic Gastropexy & What Does It Prevent?

  • A preventive surgical procedure
  • The stomach is permanently attached to the body wall
  • Prevents the stomach from twisting (prevents GDV)
  • Greatly reduces the risk of fatal GDV
  • Less than 10% may still develop simple bloat (gas only)
  • Without twisting, this is far less dangerous
  • Often managed medically without major emergency surgery
  • Done before an emergency occurs

Incisional Gastropexy Performed by Dr. Wilkie

  • Proven and reliable surgical technique
  • Creates a strong, permeant stomach attachment
  • Can be performed during spay or neuter
  • Can also be done as a stand-alone procedure
  • Outpatient procedure — dogs go home the same day

Recovery & What to Expect

  • Outpatient procedure
  • E-collar and/or recovery shirt required for 10-14 days
  • Smaller, more frequent meals for 3-4 days
  • Activity restriction for 10-14 days
  • Pain is usually mild and well controlled

Schedule a Surgical Consultation

  • Call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilkie
  • Determines if your dog is a good candidate
  • Consultation fee credited toward surgery when performed

Dr. Wilkie has a special interest in soft tissue surgery and is experienced performing prophylactic gastropexy. She is not a board-certified veterinary surgeon. Referral to a board-certified surgeon or for laparoscopic gastropexy can be arranged upon request; specialist care typically involves higher costs. 

Spay & Neuter

What Is a Spay or Neuter?

  • Spay: surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in females
  • Neuter: surgical removal of the testicles in males
  • Routine, preventative procedures performed under anesthesia
  • Commonly done at a young age but can be performed later in life

What Are the Benefits?

  • Prevents unwanted pregnancies
  • Reduces risk of certain cancers and infections
  • May decrease roaming, marking, and other behaviors
  • Helps pets live longer, healthier lives

Recovery & What to Expect

  • Proven and reliable surgical technique
  • Creates a strong, permeant stomach attachment
  • Can be performed during spay or neuter
  • Can also be done as a stand-alone procedure
  • Outpatient procedure — dogs go home the same day

Lacerations & Abscesses

What Are Lacerations & Abscesses?

  • Lacerations: cuts or tears in the skin
  • Abscesses: localized pockets of infection under the skin
  • Often caused by trauma, bites, or foreign objects
  • Can worsen quickly without treatment

How Are They Treated?

  • Through cleaning and flushing of the affected area
  • Surgical repair or closure when necessary
  • Drain placement may be required for abscesses
  • Antibiotics and pain management provided

Recovery & What to Expect

  • Most cases are treated as outpatient procedure
  • Bandage care or wound monitoring may be needed
  • E-collar recommended to prevent licking or chewing
  • Follow-up visits may be required for proper healing

Tumor Removal

What is Tumor Removal?

  • Surgical removal of masses or abnormal tissue
  • May involve skin, soft tissue, or internal organs
  • Recommended for both benign and potentially cancerous growths
  • Early intervention often leads to better outcomes

Why Is It Important?

  • Prevents growth or spread of abnormal cells
  • Improves comfort and mobility
  • Allows for diagnostic testing (biopsy)
  • Can be curative in some cases

Recovery & What to Expect

  • Most procedures are outpatient, depending on complexity
  • Incision care and activity restriction required
  • Monitoring for swelling or changes is important
  • Follow-up may include lab results or additional treatment

Orthopedic (Bone) Surgery

When Is Orthopedic Surgery Needed?

  • Ligament injuries (such as cruciate/ACL tears)
  • Joint instability or development conditions 
  • Trauma-related injuries

What Does Surgery Involve?

  • TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement) cruciate repairs performed by a board certified surgeon
  • Sercuros cruciate repair offered by Dr. Julian for select smaller dogs
  • OFA certifications with sedated radiographs
  • FHO (femoral head ostectomy) procedures
  • Focus on restoring normal function and comfort

Important Note

  • Fractures are typically stabilized with a splint when appropriate
  • Advanced fracture repair (plates, pins, and screws) is referred to a specialist

Recovery & What to Expect

  • Longer recovery compared to routine procedures
  • Strict activity restriction is critical
  • Pain management and follow-up imaging may be required
  • Gradual return to normal activity over time

Perineal Urethrostomy (PU procedure)

What is Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)?

  • A procedure to unblock cats with urinary obstruction

When is Perineal Urethrostomy Used?

  • Perineal Urethrostomy is used in recurrent or emergency cases

Abdominal Surgery

What Conditions Require Abdominal Surgery?

  • Foreign body ingestion (objects stuck in the stomach/intestines)
  • Intestinal blockages
  • Bladder stones or urinary issues
  • Organ disease or emergency conditions
  • Preventative gastropexy (stomach tacking) in at-risk breeds

What Does the Procedure Involve

  • Surgical access to the abdominal cavity
  • Identification and correction of the underlying problem
  • Careful monitoring during and after surgery
  • Often performed in urgent or emergency situations 

Recovery & What to Expect

  • May require short-term hospitalization
  • Gradual return to normal feeding
  • Activity restriction during healing
  • Close monitoring for complications

Ear & Eye Surgery

What Conditions Are Treated?

  • Eyelid abnormalities (entropion)
  • Cherry eye (gland prolapse)
  • Severe eye injury or disease requiring enucleation
  • Conditions causing pain, irritation, or vision problems

What Do These Procedures Involve?

  • Correction of structural abnormalities
  • Removal of diseased tissue or eye when necessary
  • Procedures tailored to the specific condition
  • Focus on relieving discomfort and restoring function 

Recovery & What to Expect

  • E-collar required to protect surgical sites
  • Medications such as eye drops may be prescribed
  • Follow-up visits to monitor healing
  • Most pets experience significant improvements in comfort