Veterinary Surgery in Eagle River, Alaska
Compassionate, expert care when your pet needs it most.
Safe, Skilled Surgical Care for Pets of All Ages
At Ravenwood Veterinary Clinic, we understand that surgery can be a stressful experience for both pets and their owners. That’s why we’re committed to making every surgical procedure as safe, comfortable, and effective as possible. From routine spays and neuters to advanced soft tissue surgeries, we offer comprehensive pet surgery services right here in Eagle River, Alaska—delivered with expertise, compassion, and state-of-the-art care. Serving pets and their families in Eagle River, Anchorage, and surrounding areas, we provide thoughtful, expert care tailored to your pet’s needs at every life stage.
Comprehensive Pet Surgery Services
Our experienced team provides a wide range of procedures to support your pet’s health and well-being at every stage of life. Whether your pet needs a routine procedure or urgent surgical care, we’re here to help.
We offer the following surgical services:
Spay and neuter procedures
Mass and tumor removals
Cherry eye replacement
Abdominal exploratory surgery
Canine scrotal urethrostomy
Vulvoplasty
Exotic animal spays/neuters
Gastropexy (stomach tacking)
Foreign body removal (intestinal/stomach)
Bladder surgery (cystotomy)
Enucleation (eye removal)
Amputations (leg, tail, digit)
Laceration and wound repair
Cryptorchid neuter (undescended testicle removal)
Splenectomy (spleen removal)
Entropion correction (non-complicated)
Pyometra treatment (uterine infection)
Cesarean section
Abscess care
And many other procedures
We work with various surgical centers in the State of Alaska to ensure your pet gets the care that it needs.
Advanced Surgical Safety & Monitoring
Your pet’s safety is our top priority. Every surgical procedure at Ravenwood begins with a thorough physical exam to assess your pet’s health status and rule out any underlying conditions that may affect anesthesia. We strongly recommend pre-surgical bloodwork to evaluate organ function and minimize risk.
During surgery, your pet is monitored with advanced equipment, including:
- Pulse oximetry
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Respiratory rate tracking
All patients receive intravenous fluids through an infusion pump and are kept warm throughout the procedure. Pain management medications are administered before, during, and after surgery to ensure a stress-free and comfortable recovery.
Most elective surgeries are performed on a same-day outpatient basis, so your pet can return home and recover in familiar surroundings that same evening.
Why Choose Us For Your Pet’s Surgery Procedure?
Choosing Ravenwood for your pet’s surgery means:
- Access to high-quality surgical care in Eagle River
- Personalized anesthesia and pain management plans, including our laser therapy services
- Skilled, compassionate veterinary professionals
- Fast, efficient outpatient scheduling
- Coordination with local surgical specialists when needed
- A smoother, safer recovery for your pet
Our caring team is here to walk you through the process—from consultation to post-operative care—so you always feel informed and supported.
Veterinary Surgery FAQs
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Yes, modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe—especially when administered and monitored by trained professionals. At Ravenwood, every surgical patient receives a pre-anesthetic physical exam, and we recommend pre-surgical bloodwork to assess organ function. This helps us tailor the anesthesia protocol to your pet’s specific health needs, minimizing any potential risks.
How do you monitor my pet during surgery?
- Pulse oximeter (oxygen levels)
- Blood pressure monitor
- Capnograph (CO₂ monitoring)
- ECG (heart activity)
- Respiratory monitor
- Temperature monitoring
A dedicated, trained veterinary technician closely monitors your pet’s anesthesia and vital signs from start to finish. We also administer intravenous fluids and provide active temperature support to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort at every stage.
Are there risks involved with pet surgery?
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks—especially related to anesthesia, bleeding, or post-operative infection. However, these risks are low, especially when the surgery is performed in a controlled environment by an experienced team.
We take every precaution to reduce complications and provide thorough aftercare instructions to ensure your pet heals quickly and comfortably.
How should I prepare my pet for surgery?
Before your pet’s surgery:
- No food after midnight the night before (unless instructed otherwise).
- Water is typically okay until the morning of the procedure.
- Bring your pet in on time for their scheduled drop-off.
- Share any medications, changes in health, or behavior with our team prior to surgery.
Our staff will go over all pre-surgery instructions with you and answer any specific questions at drop-off.
Will my pet be in pain after surgery?
Pain management is a top priority at Ravenwood. We administer pain-relieving medications before, during, and after surgery. Most pets recover well and experience only mild discomfort, which is managed with prescribed medications at home.
If you notice any signs of pain—such as whining, limping, restlessness, or loss of appetite—please contact us right away.
How long is the recovery period after surgery?
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery, your pet’s age, and overall health. Most elective procedures (like spays or mass removals) allow pets to return to normal activity within 10 to 14 days.
For more complex surgeries, we’ll provide a detailed recovery timeline and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
What does post-operative care involve?
After surgery, your pet may be sent home with:
- Pain medication or antibiotics
- An e-collar (cone) to prevent licking or chewing the incision
- Activity restrictions to support healing
- Instructions for monitoring the incision and signs of infection
We also schedule follow-up visits if necessary and are always available to answer questions during recovery.
Can my pet eat or drink after surgery?
Most pets can eat and drink within a few hours of waking up. We recommend offering small, bland meals and plenty of water at home. If your pet vomits or refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, give us a call.
What if my pet needs specialized surgery?
If your pet needs a procedure that goes beyond our general and soft tissue surgery services, we collaborate with local specialists at Veterinary Specialists of Alaska to ensure your pet receives the best possible care.
When should I contact Ravenwood after surgery?
Call us if you notice:
- Excessive swelling or bleeding
- Redness or discharge at the incision site
- Difficulty breathing or walking
- Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
We’re here to support you throughout your pet’s recovery and encourage you to reach out with any concerns—big or small.
