What are the most common reasons pets need surgery?

At BluePearl Tampa, we perform a wide range of surgical procedures for dogs and cats. Pets are often referred to our surgical team for: • Removing foreign objects from the stomach or intestines • Mass or tumor excisions • Cruciate ligament (ACL) repair for joint issues • Emergency abdominal surgeries (e.g., for bloat) • Bladder stone or hernia repair • Wound repair after trauma Some surgeries are planned in advance, while others require urgent attention.

What happens before my pet’s surgery?

Before your pet undergoes surgery at our Tampa hospital, we’ll complete: • A comprehensive physical exam • Bloodwork, imaging (x-rays or ultrasound), and any needed diagnostics • An anesthesia consultation tailored to your pet’s health • Pre-surgical fasting and medication instructions • A full explanation of the procedure, including risks, recovery time, and what to expect We take the time to make sure you feel informed and confident before moving forward.

What should I expect on the day of my pet’s surgery?

When you arrive for your pet’s procedure: • Our front desk team will check you in and confirm paperwork • A veterinary technician will review the day’s process with you • Our surgery and anesthesia teams will ensure your pet’s safety and comfort throughout • Once the procedure is complete, you’ll receive an update and post-op instructions Your pet’s care team will be with them every step of the way.

What does recovery look like after pet surgery?

After surgery, your pet will go home with: • Pain medications and medications specific to their condition • Detailed home care and feeding instructions • Guidelines for limiting activity (e.g., no running, jumping, or stairs) • Directions for monitoring the incision for swelling, redness, or discharge • A follow-up plan for checkups and suture or staple removal Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery, but we’re here to help you manage each step.

How can I help my pet recover safely at home?

To support healing and avoid complications: • Follow all medication and feeding directions • Keep your pet in a calm, quiet environment • Use an e-collar to prevent licking or chewing at the incision • Avoid off-leash walks or strenuous play • Contact us if you notice bleeding, vomiting, swelling, or if your pet seems unusually tired Quick communication helps us catch problems early and keep recovery on track.

Pet Surgery Tampa | What to Expect Before and After

What to expect before surgery.

Before your pet’s procedure, we’ll complete:

A thorough physical exam
Diagnostic testing (like bloodwork or x-rays)
Anesthesia evaluation
Pre-op fasting and medication guidance
Answers to your questions about risks and recovery

On the day of surgery.

When you arrive at BluePearl Tampa:

You’ll check in with our front desk team
A technician will walk you through the process
Our surgeons and anesthesia staff will ensure your pet’s safety during the procedure
You’ll be updated once your pet is in recovery

Pet Surgery at BluePearl Tampa Expectations– FAQ

Before your pet undergoes surgery at our Tampa hospital, we’ll complete:

A comprehensive physical exam
Bloodwork, imaging (x-rays or ultrasound), and any needed diagnostics
An anesthesia consultation tailored to your pet’s health
Pre-surgical fasting and medication instructions
A full explanation of the procedure, including risks, recovery time, and what to expect

We take the time to make sure you feel informed and confident before moving forward.

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.

When you arrive for your pet’s procedure:

Our front desk team will check you in and confirm paperwork
A veterinary technician will review the day’s process with you
Our surgery and anesthesia teams will ensure your pet’s safety and comfort throughout
Once the procedure is complete, you’ll receive an update and post-op instructions

Your pet’s care team will be with them every step of the way.

After surgery, your pet will go home with:

Pain medications and medications specific to their condition
Detailed home care and feeding instructions
Guidelines for limiting activity (e.g., no running, jumping, or stairs)
Directions for monitoring the incision for swelling, redness, or discharge
A follow-up plan for checkups and suture or staple removal

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery, but we’re here to help you manage each step.

To support healing and avoid complications:

Follow all medication and feeding directions
Keep your pet in a calm, quiet environment
Use an e-collar to prevent licking or chewing at the incision
Avoid off-leash walks or strenuous play
Contact us if you notice bleeding, vomiting, swelling, or if your pet seems unusually tired

Quick communication helps us catch problems early and keep recovery on track.

Yes. Our Tampa location is open 24/7 and fully equipped to handle emergency procedures, including bloat surgery, trauma care, and foreign body removal. If your pet is in crisis, you can come directly to our ER. No appointment needed.