Pet Surgery

Our team at Brewer Veterinary Clinic conducts a broad range of veterinary surgery services in Brewer, ME, for dogs and cats. From routine spays and neuters to more advanced procedures, we combine skill, advanced monitoring, and attentive aftercare to safely support your pet through every step.

What Is Veterinary Surgery?

Surgery is sometimes the most effective—or only—path to resolving a health condition, relieving pain, or restoring your pet’s quality of life. Veterinary surgery encompasses a wide range of planned and urgent surgical procedures performed under general anesthesia, from routine operations such as spays and neuters to more complex soft tissue procedures addressing internal conditions.

At Brewer Veterinary Clinic, our surgical suite is equipped to handle a broad spectrum of pet surgery services, and our experienced team approaches every procedure with careful preparation, precise technique, and thorough patient monitoring from start to finish. We understand that allowing your pet to go under anesthesia is a significant decision, and we take the responsibility that comes with your trust seriously.

What Our Pet Surgery Services Include

Surgical care at Brewer Veterinary Clinic spans a range of procedures tailored to your pet’s individual diagnosis and needs.

Our veterinary surgery services include:

  • Spay and neuter procedures for dogs and cats.
  • Soft tissue surgery addressing conditions involving the skin, muscles, and internal organs
  • Mass and tumor removal, including skin masses, subcutaneous tumors, internal growths, and cancerous growths
  • Gastrointestinal surgery including foreign body removal, intestinal resection, and stomach procedures
  • Bladder and urinary tract surgery for conditions such as bladder stones or urinary obstruction
  • Wound repair and laceration management including reconstructive procedures for significant tissue injuries
  • Abdominal exploratory surgery when diagnostic imaging has identified an internal concern requiring direct evaluation or intervention
  • Aural (ear) surgery for chronic ear conditions unresponsive to medical management
  • Eyelid and ocular surface procedures for structural abnormalities affecting eye comfort and health
  • Dental and oral surgeries, including extractions, to reduce discomfort and support lasting health

As part of every surgery, we provide:

  • Pre-surgical diagnostics, including bloodwork and physical assessments, to confirm your pet is a safe candidate for anesthesia
  • Comprehensive pain management before, during, and after every procedure, such as cold laser therapy to support recovery
  • Clear pre-surgical and at home recovery instructions to help you support your pet’s health and comfort at every step

All surgical patients at Brewer Veterinary Clinic receive continuous anesthesia monitoring throughout their procedure, and our team provides detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery at home.

Why Veterinary Surgical Care Matters

When surgery is recommended, having a skilled, well-equipped veterinary team performing the procedure makes a meaningful difference in both safety and outcomes. Choosing experienced pet surgery services allows us to:
Address conditions that cannot be effectively resolved through medication or other non-surgical approaches
Respond promptly to urgent situations—such as foreign body ingestion, bloat, or trauma—where timely surgical intervention is critical
Minimize anesthetic risk through thorough pre-surgical evaluation, appropriate protocols, and continuous monitoring
Support a comfortable, well-managed recovery through proactive pain control and clear aftercare guidance

Routine procedures such as spay and neuter surgery also carry important long-term health benefits—including the elimination of certain reproductive cancers and conditions—making them one of the most impactful preventive measures available for companion animals.

A Surgical Environment Built for Safety and Precision

Brewer Veterinary Clinic’s surgical suite features dedicated prep and operating areas designed to maintain the highest standards of sterility and patient safety throughout every procedure. Our team uses modern anesthetic protocols and continuous monitoring equipment—including vital sign assessment throughout the duration of anesthesia—to keep surgical patients as safe as possible from induction through recovery.

As an AAHA-accredited practice, our surgical protocols meet rigorous standards for anesthesia, pain management, and patient monitoring—standards we uphold for every patient, every time, whether the procedure is a routine spay or a more complex soft tissue surgery.

FAQs About Pet Surgery

How do I know if my pet needs surgery?
Your veterinarian will recommend surgery when it is the most appropriate or effective option for your pet’s condition. This may be based on physical examination findings, diagnostic imaging, bloodwork results, or a failure to respond adequately to non-surgical treatment. We will always explain why surgery is being recommended and discuss alternatives where they exist.
How do you ensure my pet's safety during surgery?
Every surgical patient undergoes a pre-anesthetic evaluation, including bloodwork to assess organ function and identify any factors that may increase anesthetic risk. During surgery, a dedicated team member monitors your pet’s vital signs continuously—including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Modern anesthetic agents and pain management protocols are used throughout to keep your pet stable and comfortable.
Will my pet be in pain after surgery?
Pain management is an integral part of our surgical care. We use multimodal pain control—meaning we address pain through several complementary approaches—before, during, and after every procedure to keep your pet as comfortable as possible. We will also send appropriate pain medications home and provide clear guidance on what to expect during recovery.
How long will my pet need to recover?
Recovery time varies significantly depending on the type of procedure. Routine surgeries such as spays and neuters typically involve a recovery period of several days to two weeks, while more complex procedures may require a longer period of restricted activity. Our team will provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your pet’s procedure and will be available to answer questions during the recovery period.
What should I watch for at home after my pet's surgery?
Common things to monitor include the surgical site for signs of swelling, redness, discharge, or opening of the incision; your pet’s appetite and water intake; their level of activity and comfort; and any changes in behavior that suggest they may be in pain. We will review a complete list of aftercare instructions with you before your pet goes home, and our team is available if concerns arise during recovery.

Skilled Surgical Care Your Pet Can Count On

Surgery is a significant step, and the decision to proceed is never taken lightly—by you or by our team. At Brewer Veterinary Clinic, every surgical patient benefits from thorough preparation, experienced hands, and the kind of attentive, individualized care that reflects our decades-long commitment to this community. From the moment you entrust us with your pet’s surgical care to the day they’re back to their full, happy selves, we are with you every step of the way.