Cat Surgery in Palmetto Bay, FL

Handing over your cat’s carrier on the morning of a scheduled surgery is a deeply stressful experience. Cats are highly sensitive creatures that easily become overstimulated by the sights, loud noises, and unfamiliar scents of a busy veterinary environment. At The Falls Animal Clinic, we understand that feline patients require a completely different approach than their canine counterparts.

Led by Dr. Doly Baquero, who brings more than 20 years of clinical experience, our independent, privately-owned clinic is designed to be a calm, welcoming sanctuary. We don’t believe in rushed, corporate-style medical quotas. Instead, we take the time to ensure your cat feels safe, comfortable, and tranquil throughout their surgical stay, while providing you with honest, cost-conscious treatment plans.

When Is Feline Surgery Necessary?

Surgeries generally fall into two categories: elective procedures (which are scheduled in advance for long-term health benefits) and non-elective or emergency procedures (which are medically necessary to treat sudden illness or trauma).

Common Feline Surgeries We Perform

Spay and Neuter (Elective): Critical for preventing reproductive cancers, life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra), and unwanted behaviors like roaming or territorial spraying.
Bladder Stone Removal (Cystotomy): Surgical removal of painful bladder stones that can cause severe discomfort or life-threatening urinary blockages, particularly in male cats.
Intestinal Foreign Body Surgery: Cats are naturally drawn to playing with linear objects like sewing thread, yarn, dental floss, or South Florida monofilament fishing line. If swallowed, these can bunch up the intestines, requiring emergency abdominal surgery to clear the blockage.
Mass and Tumor Removals: Safely removing external skin growths, cysts, or internal masses, followed by histopathology to identify the cells.
Wound and Laceration Repairs: Sterile cleaning and suturing of abscesses, deep cuts, or animal bite wounds.
Feline Dentistry & Oral Surgery: Treating severe periodontal disease and tooth resorption by safely extracting painful, damaged teeth.

Pre-Surgical Safeguards: Why We Require Bloodwork First

At our Palmetto Bay clinic, safety is our absolute priority. We never administer anesthesia without first conducting a thorough physical exam and pre-anesthetic blood screening.

Even a cat who appears completely healthy on the outside can have subtle, underlying organ changes. Cats are evolutionary masters at hiding disease, meaning early-stage kidney decline or liver stress rarely shows physical symptoms.

What Dr. Baquero Evaluates in Pre-Op Lab Work:

Kidney & Liver Values (BUN, Creatinine, ALT): To confirm your cat’s organs can safely metabolize and eliminate the anesthetic drugs.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): To screen for anemia, active infections, or hidden inflammation that could impact healing.
Platelet Count: To ensure your cat’s blood can clot normally during and after the procedure.

USDA-Accredited Quality: Dr. Baquero’s USDA accreditation guarantees that our clinical protocols, diagnostic safety margins, and surgical standards meet rigorous, high-level federal benchmarks. Your feline companion is in the most qualified, capable hands.

Uncompromising Anesthetic Safety & Monitoring

The thought of a cat “going under” anesthesia is often a pet parent’s greatest fear. We manage this risk through precise, highly tailored protocols and continuous, human-led vital monitoring.

We do not use a “one-size-fits-all” anesthetic plan. We customize the medication combination based on your cat’s breed (such as flat-faced Persians), age, weight, and bloodwork results.

Throughout the entire procedure, a dedicated veterinary technician is stationed directly at your cat’s side, using advanced equipment to monitor:

Heart Rate & Rhythm (ECG): Keeping a close eye on cardiac stability.
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂): Ensuring your cat’s brain and vital organs receive a steady flow of oxygen.
Blood Pressure: Tracking cardiovascular health in real time.
Core Body Temperature: Anesthesia naturally lowers a cat’s body temperature. We use safe, specialized circulating warm-water blankets to keep them cozy and stable.

Feline Recovery: Navigating South Florida’s Climate

Recovering from soft-tissue surgery typically takes 10 to 14 days. Because of our unique, humid South Florida environment, local cat parents must take specific precautions to keep their recovering companions safe and comfortable:

1. Say No to Damp Air and Balconies

High humidity can cause your cat’s skin to hold onto excess moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria or superficial fungal infections around a fresh incision. Keep your recovering cat strictly indoors in a cool, well-ventilated, air-conditioned room. Additionally, ensure all balcony doors are kept closed—a groggy cat can easily lose their footing.

2. The “Lizard-Watch” Warning

Palmetto Bay is home to an abundance of outdoor wildlife, from curly-tailed lizards to large iguanas. If your cat normally loves leaping onto high windowsills to watch the backyard, you must block their access during recovery. Sudden jumps, twists, or stretches can easily tear delicate internal or external surgical sutures. Keep your cat in a quiet room with low furniture where they cannot jump.

3. Keep a Safe Distance from Pests

A recovering cat with a shaved surgical site is highly vulnerable to local pests. Ensure your cat remains on their safe, vet-approved flea and tick preventative, and keep them away from open screened patios where mosquitoes can easily slip inside.

Post-Surgical Quick-Reference Guide

What to Do	What to Avoid
Keep the protective cone on at all times to prevent licking, chewing, or grooming the incision.	Do not allow jumping, running, climbing, or playing with other household pets.
Check the incision twice daily for any swelling, redness, or unusual discharge.	Do not apply any creams, ointments, or hydrogen peroxide to the wound unless directed.
Give all prescribed pain medications exactly as directed by Dr. Baquero to ensure comfort.	Never administer human pain relievers (like Tylenol/Advil), as they are highly toxic to cats.

Why Families Trust The Falls Animal Clinic

We understand that veterinary surgery is a significant emotional and financial commitment. Because we are an independent, family-focused clinic, we answer to you and your pet—not to corporate shareholders or sales targets.

We believe in complete transparency. Before any procedure is scheduled, we walk you through a detailed, itemized estimate so you understand the exact costs. Dr. Baquero and our team are here to support you with clear communication, practical advice, and the deeply compassionate care your cat deserves.

Have Questions About a Feline Surgical Procedure?

We are here to provide clarity and peace of mind. Contact our friendly Palmetto Bay team today to discuss your cat’s health, ask questions about our surgical protocols, or schedule a consultation with Dr. Baquero.

Our Team

Share this content

Services