Surgery for pets.
Hearing the words 'your pet needs surgery' is overwhelming – especially in an emergency. At BluePearl Irvine, we perform urgent and life-saving surgeries around the clock. Some are straightforward, like removing a swallowed toy. Others are more complex, like repairing internal bleeding after trauma.
This article walks through when emergency surgery is necessary, how we determine the best approach, and what you can expect during your pet’s stay.
When do pets need emergency surgery?
Our Irvine team most often performs emergency surgery for:
- Foreign body obstructions (swallowed toys, bones, string)
- GDV (bloat with torsion) – a stomach flip in large breed dogs
- Internal bleeding from trauma
- Deep wounds or infections that require cleaning under sedation
- Urinary blockages or bladder rupture
Why choose BluePearl Irvine for emergency surgery?
- Board-certified surgeons available
- 24/7 in-hospital care and monitoring
- Immediate access to imaging, labs, and emergency support
- Collaborative approach between ER and specialty teams
Emergency pet surgery at BluePearl Irvine – FAQ.
Emergency pet surgery refers to urgent procedures performed when a dog or cat is facing a life-threatening condition or severe pain. At BluePearl Pet Hospital in Irvine, our surgical team provides 24/7 care for emergencies ranging from foreign object removal to internal trauma repair.
Our Irvine emergency veterinary surgeons often operate for:
- Swallowed objects (toys, bones, string, etc.)
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) – also known as bloat or stomach torsion in dogs
- Internal bleeding after a fall, car accident, or fight
- Severe infections or abscesses
- Bladder rupture or urinary obstruction
If your pet is vomiting, bloated, lethargic, or unable to urinate, they may need urgent surgical care.
At BluePearl Irvine, our emergency team stabilizes your pet first using:
- IV fluids and oxygen support
- Pain management
- On-site imaging (x-rays, ultrasound)
- Bloodwork to assess internal damage
After stabilization, our ER and surgical specialists collaborate to determine if surgery is the best course of action. We always explain the treatment plan before proceeding.
During surgery, pets are monitored continuously with advanced anesthesia and equipment. Our Irvine hospital includes:
- State-of-the-art surgical suite
- Real-time vital monitoring
- Immediate access to lab and diagnostic results
Post-surgery, pets recover in either our intensive care unit (ICU) or monitored kennels, depending on the severity of their condition.
Recovery includes:
- IV pain medication
- Ongoing monitoring for complications
- Regular updates for pet owners
- A detailed discharge plan
- Coordination with your primary veterinarian for follow-up care
Come in immediately if your pet:
- Swallowed a foreign object
- Shows signs of bloating or severe abdominal pain
- Is bleeding or limping after trauma
- Can’t urinate or seems disoriented
BluePearl Pet Hospital Irvine is open 24/7 for walk-in emergencies.
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