Pet Surgery & Anesthesia
At Litchfield Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s safety and comfort are at the heart of everything we do.
Comprehensive Surgical Care for Pets
At Litchfield Veterinary Hospital, our experienced veterinarians provide a full range of surgical services — from routine procedures to more advanced operations.
In addition to spays, neuters, and common soft tissue surgeries, we also perform specialized procedures such as:
- Enterotomy
- Celiotomy
- Cystotomy
- Splenectomy
- Entropion surgery
- Eyelid gland repair (cherry eye)
- Episioplasty
- Thyroidectomy
- Liver biopsy
- Mass removals and excisions
For complex orthopedic cases, we collaborate closely with board-certified surgeons to ensure your pet receives the highest level of surgical expertise and care.
Safe, Modern Anesthesia You Can Trust
We understand that surgery and anesthesia can feel overwhelming for pet owners. That’s why our team uses the latest anesthetic protocols, advanced monitoring equipment, and a highly trained staff to provide the safest possible experience for your pet.
Before every procedure, each patient receives a thorough physical examination and an individualized anesthetic plan tailored to their age, health status, and unique needs.
Anesthetic Protocols and Pain Control
- Advanced Anesthetics: We use sevoflurane, one of the safest inhalation anesthetics available, which ensures a smoother, faster recovery. Short-acting induction agents like propofol (Propoflo) allow us to minimize anesthetic risk while keeping pets comfortable.
- Comprehensive Pain Control: Every surgical patient receives IV pain medication during their procedure, along with additional premedications and constant rate infusions to reduce discomfort and minimize anesthetic requirements.
- IV Support: All anesthetized patients have IV catheters placed, providing fluid therapy to maintain blood pressure, support kidney function, and allow quick delivery of medications if needed.
Dedicated Monitoring & Support
The most important factor in safe anesthesia is attentive, skilled monitoring. At Litchfield Veterinary Hospital, a certified veterinary technician is assigned exclusively to your pet during anesthesia and recovery.
We use advanced equipment — including a Cardell monitor — to track heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and EKG throughout the procedure. To ensure comfort and safety, patients rest on circulating warm-water blankets and are supported with a Bair Hugger warming system to maintain proper body temperature.
Our Commitment to Your Pet’s Well-being
Whether your pet needs a simple biopsy, mass removal, or a more complex surgery, you can feel confident knowing that their safety, comfort, and recovery are our top priorities. We take the time to answer your questions, explain your pet’s anesthetic plan, and provide you with peace of mind every step of the way.