Most Common Pet Surgeries and What to Expect (Costs & Recovery)

As pet owners, we all hope our animals live long, healthy lives without ever needing surgery. However, the reality is that many pets will require surgical care. Being prepared, both emotionally and financially, can make a significant difference.

At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, we understand that surgery can be an unexpected expense. That’s why we’re committed to making both surgical and preventive care affordable and accessible. We offer low-cost procedures at seven clinics across Arizona and will soon expand to the Denver area to serve even more pets.

The Most Common Types of Pet Surgeries

Most pet surgeries fall into three main categories:

Spay and Neuter

Spaying and neutering are among the most common and highly recommended procedures for pets. In addition to preventing unwanted litters, these surgeries provide important health benefits.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), spaying female pets helps protect against uterine infections and reduces the risk of breast cancer. For male dogs and cats, neutering lowers the risk of testicular cancer and certain prostate conditions.

These procedures are a proactive step toward a longer, healthier life for your pet.

Costs vary depending on whether you have a dog or a cat, as well as their size. Spay and neuter procedures at Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit cost between $102 and $362, which is significantly less than the $250 to $2,000 average charged by other veterinary clinics across the country.

Dental Extractions

Dental health plays a critical role in your pet’s overall well-being. Like humans, dogs and cats can develop serious dental disease.

In many cases, treatment requires anesthesia so veterinarians can safely perform cleanings and extractions. Without proper care, plaque buildup can harbor bacteria that may enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver.

Dr. Kelly’s prioritizes affordable dental care so pets can receive treatment before issues become severe. Because every pet’s dental needs are different, we recommend scheduling an appointment to determine the best course of action. During the evaluation, we will be able to better provide an estimate for the procedure. 

It’s important to remember that preventive dental care is key to keeping your pet’s mouth healthy and can help minimize, or even avoid, the need for extractions in the future. By age two to three, pets should start getting professional dental cleanings annually. Daily brushing is just as important, so be sure to pick up some toothpaste at your next visit!

Removal of Benign Growths

Lumps and bumps are especially common in dogs as they age. These growths, known as neoplasia, can be either benign or malignant. The AVMA estimates that about 1 in 4 dogs will develop a growth, and approximately 1 in 10 will develop cancer.

Lipomas are another type of growth pet owners should be aware of—they are soft, slow-growing masses that are typically benign fatty tumors. While they can occur in cats, they are more commonly seen in older, overweight dogs. Although generally harmless, these growths can become large enough to cause discomfort or limit movement. If you are curious about a lump or bump on your pet, make sure to schedule a consultation with our team today. 

While not all growths are dangerous, they should always be evaluated. Our team performs mass removals regularly and provides comprehensive post-operative care to support recovery.

Depending on the size and location of the mass, removal surgery typically ranges from $550 to $1,200.

Additional Surgical Services

In addition to these common procedures, we offer a wide range of necessary, low-cost surgeries, including:

• Amputation
• Bladder stone removal (cystotomy)
• Cherry eye
• Elongated soft palate correction
• Enucleation (eye removal)
• Entropion
• Femoral head osteotomy
• Gingival hyperplasia
• Hernia repair
• Pyometra
• Stenotic nares repair

For a complete list of services, please visit the low-cost surgery page on our website.

While we offer a range of surgical options for your pets, there are certain procedures we do not perform, including the following: 

• Acupuncture
• Aesthetic services such as (tail docking, ear cropping, declawing)
• C-Section or pregnancy services
• Ear hematoma repair
• Endoscopy
• Gastropexy
• Laser therapy
• Orthopedic Surgery (TPLO, ACL repair)
• X-rays

Pre-Surgery Preparation

Proper preparation can help minimize complications and ensure a smoother surgical experience. While our team will provide detailed instructions beforehand, here are a few general guidelines:

• Fasting: Most pets should stop eating 8 - 12 hours before surgery
• Water: Water is typically restricted closer to the procedure time
• Health checks: Your pet should have a recent exam and be up to date on vaccinations

Our team will confirm all requirements prior to your appointment, so you and your furbaby can be well prepared for the days leading up to the surgery.

Post-Surgery Recovery and Aftercare

The recovery period is critical, and care needs will vary depending on the specific procedure your dog or cat is having.

To support healing and keep your pet comfortable:

• Administer all prescribed pain medications and antibiotics as directed
• Follow activity restrictions to prevent the incision from reopening
• Keep the surgical site clean and monitor for signs of infection (swelling, redness, or discharge)
• Use an E-collar (cone) if your pet begins to lick or bite the incision area

If you notice anything unusual during your pet’s recovery, please contact Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit right away. We will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. 

About Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit

Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit is a trusted veterinary provider serving Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and soon the Denver area. We specialize in affordable surgical care, including spay and neuter procedures and dental services.

With convenient locations and accessible appointments, we’re committed to helping pets live healthier, happier lives.

Schedule an appointment today to stay ahead of your pet’s health.