Procedure Glossary
Vet Speak Explained
Dental |Surgery |Mass Removal |Eye Surgery |Amputation |Ear Surgery |Other Surgery
Dental Services
Cleaning & Polish
A professional cleaning under anesthesia to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, followed by polishing to protect the teeth and keep your pet’s mouth healthy. We’ll provide before-and-after photos so you can see just how bright those pearly whites shine.
Dental Extractions
Dental extractions involve careful removal of damaged, infected, or loose teeth. Removing unhealthy teeth helps eliminate infection, relieve chronic pain, and restore your pet’s ability to eat and live comfortably.
Dental Cleaning + Tooth Extraction (1–3 Teeth)
Removal of one to three damaged or infected teeth that cannot be saved.
Dental Cleaning + Tooth Extraction (4–6 Teeth)
Removal of four to six diseased or loose teeth to improve comfort and prevent infection.
Dental Cleaning + Tooth Extraction (7 or More Teeth)
Removal of multiple severely damaged or infected teeth due to advanced dental disease.
Surgery Services
Spay/Neuter
Common surgeries to prevent unwanted litters, reduce reproductive disease risk, and support long-term health.
Cat Spay (Female)
Prevents heat cycles, pregnancies, and uterine infections.
Dog Spay (Female)
Removes ovaries and uterus to prevent pregnancies and reproductive disease.
Cat Neuter (Male)
Prevents marking, aggression, and reproductive diseases.
Dog Neuter (Male)
Removes testicles to prevent unwanted litters and reduce hormone-related behaviors.
Retained Testicle Removal (Inguinal)
Removes a testicle that hasn’t descended properly to prevent tumors or hormonal issues.
Retained Testicle Removal (Abdominal)
More complex surgery for an undescended testicle located in the abdomen; helps prevent cancer.
Scrotum Removal (After Neuter or Trauma)
Removes the scrotal sac after neutering or trauma for cleaner healing and comfort.
Cat C-Section (With Spay)
Safely delivers kittens when natural birth is risky or complicated.
Dog C-Section (With Spay)
Safely delivers puppies when natural birth isn’t possible; spaying may be included if desired.
Mass Removal
Abscess Drain and Flush
Opens, cleans, and flushes a pocket of infection under the skin to relieve pain and promote healing.
Skin Biopsy
Takes a small tissue sample for lab testing to identify lumps, rashes, or other abnormalities.
Skin Mass Removal
Removes a lump or growth on or beneath the skin. Tissue may be sent for testing to determine if it’s benign or cancerous.
Eyelid Lump Removal
Removes small eyelid growths to prevent irritation, discomfort, or vision interference.
Bladder Stone Removal
Opens the bladder to remove stones or debris that can cause pain or urinary blockages.
Eye Surgery
Cherry Eye Repair
Corrects a prolapsed tear gland (“cherry eye”) by repositioning it to restore tear production and prevent infection. What is cherry eye? It is when a tear gland in a pet’s third eyelid becomes swollen and pops out of place, appearing as a small, red, round mass in the corner of the eye — resembling a cherry. This gland is responsible for producing tears that keep the eye moist. When it pops out, it can cause irritation, excessive tearing, and long-term eye problems.
Eyelid Repair (Ectropion/Entropion)
Repairs eyelids that roll inward or outward to protect the eye and improve comfort.
Eye Removal (One or Both Eyes)
Removes severely damaged or painful eyes. Pets adapt remarkably well and live full, happy lives afterward.
Amputation
Tail Amputation
Removes part or all of the tail due to trauma, infection, or untreatable mass.
Toe Amputation
Removes a severely injured or diseased toe. More delicate than tail surgery due to complex structure, limited skin for closure, and higher blood supply requiring extra healing care.
Front Leg Amputation
Removes a front leg affected by severe injury, infection, or cancer to relieve pain and restore quality of life.
Rear Leg Amputation
Removes a rear leg due to trauma, bone disease, or cancer. Pets recover and live active, happy lives post-surgery.
Ear Surgery
Ear Hematoma Repair
These can often be medically managed by a general practitioner but or in rare case, a surgical procedure can be considered. Drains and repairs a swollen, blood-filled pocket (hematoma) in the ear flap to relieve pain and prevent deformity.
Other Surgery
Drain Placement for Healing
Places a soft drain under the skin to help fluid or infection escape after surgery for cleaner, faster healing.
Wound Cleaning and Stitch Repair
Treats and closes open wounds with sutures to promote proper healing and reduce infection risk.
Nasal Opening Widening (Flat-Faced Breeds)
Widens nostrils to improve breathing for breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, reducing snoring and fatigue.
Vulvar Fold Reconstruction
Removes extra skin folds around the vulva that can cause irritation or infection, improving comfort and hygiene.
Umbilical Hernia Repair
Repairs a small hernia near the belly button to prevent organs from pushing through the abdominal wall.
Preventative Stomach Tacking
Prevents bloat (GDV) by attaching the stomach to the body wall — often recommended for large or deep-chested breeds.
Intestinal Foreign Object Removal
Removes ingested items like toys or bones before they cause serious blockage or damage.
Intestinal Section Removal and Reconnection
Removes a damaged intestinal section and reconnects healthy tissue to restore normal digestion.
Spleen Removal Surgery
Removes a damaged or tumor-affected spleen; pets recover well and can live normal lives.
Stomach Foreign Object Removal
Removes swallowed objects from the stomach before they cause harm or blockage.