Dog Surgery in Palmetto Bay, FL
We get it. Walking through our clinic doors and handing over your best friend’s leash on the morning of a scheduled surgery is one of the hardest things a pet owner has to do. Whether it is a routine spay or neuter, a mass removal, or an emergency procedure, your mind naturally fills with worry about anesthesia safety, pain management, and their recovery.
At The Falls Animal Clinic, we do not treat surgery like an assembly line. As an independent, privately-owned veterinary practice led by Dr. Doly Baquero—who brings over 20 years of clinical experience and USDA accreditation—we treat your dog like our very own. We combine state-of-the-art medical standards with a warm, personal touch to make sure both you and your dog feel safe, supported, and completely informed every step of the way.
The Pre-Surgery Phase: Ensuring Your Dog is Ready
Safety begins long before Dr. Baquero steps into the surgical suite. To ensure your dog’s body is fully prepared to process anesthesia and heal effectively, we follow a rigorous, non-negotiable safety protocol.
Pre-Anesthetic Blood Screening
Even a dog who appears perfectly healthy on the outside can have hidden, underlying liver or kidney issues that make processing anesthetic drugs dangerous. Pre-surgical lab work gives us a clear look at your dog’s internal organ function, red blood cell counts (to rule out anemia), and clotting factors. This allows us to customize the anesthesia protocol specifically to your dog’s unique metabolic profile.
Tailored Fasting Instructions
Most surgical procedures require an empty stomach to prevent nausea and vomiting while under anesthesia. Generally, we recommend withholding food starting at midnight the night before surgery, though water is usually fine until the morning. Our team will provide clear, specific guidelines based on your dog’s age, breed, and medical history.
Behind the Scenes: Anesthesia & Surgical Monitoring
Many pet owners tell us that anesthesia is their absolute biggest fear. That is why we adhere to the highest monitoring standards in South Florida veterinary medicine.
During your dog’s procedure, they are never left alone for a single second. A dedicated veterinary technician is physically stationed at your dog’s side, continuously tracking and recording their vital signs using advanced monitoring equipment:
- Heart Rate & Rhythm (ECG): Constant monitoring of cardiac function.
- Oxygen Saturation (SpO2): Ensuring your dog's brain and vital organs receive a healthy, steady flow of oxygen.
- Blood Pressure: Tracking cardiovascular stability throughout the procedure.
- Body Temperature: Anesthesia naturally lowers a dog's body temperature. We use safe, specialized warming blankets to keep them cozy and stable.
Common Canine Surgeries We Perform
Dr. Baquero’s extensive surgical experience allows us to perform a wide array of soft-tissue and elective procedures right here in our Palmetto Bay clinic:
- Spay and Neuter Procedures: Crucial for preventing reproductive cancers, uterine infections (pyometra), and unwanted behaviors.
- Mass & Tumor Removals: Safely removing skin growths, cysts, or deep tissue masses, followed by histopathology to check for cancerous cells.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Foreign Body Removal: For those curious dogs who swallow toys, socks, or peach pits, we perform life-saving abdominal surgeries to clear blockages.
- Bladder Stone Removal (Cystotomy): Surgical removal of painful bladder stones to restore normal urinary function and comfort.
- Wound and Laceration Repairs: Treating deep cuts, animal bites, or trauma wounds safely under sterile conditions.
Post-Surgical Recovery: Navigating the South Florida Climate
Healing from surgery requires rest, cleanliness, and monitoring. However, our tropical South Florida climate introduces a few unique, localized challenges that every Palmetto Bay pet parent should know:
Keep Incisions Dry (Skip the Canals & Damp Grass)
To prevent infection, your dog’s surgical incision must stay completely dry. This means absolutely no swimming in the pool, trips to the beach, or wading in local canals. Be extra cautious during morning potty walks—our heavy South Florida dew and frequent summer rain showers can leave the grass soaked. Keep walks brief, on a short leash, and strictly on dry pavement if possible.
Beat the Heat & Humidity
High heat and humidity can cause your dog to pant excessively. Panting is a normal way for dogs to cool down, but after surgery, heavy panting places unnecessary stress on their cardiovascular system and can cause them to become restless. Keep your recovering dog indoors in a cool, well-ventilated, air-conditioned room.
No Chasing the Wildlife!
Your dog might normally love chasing iguanas, lizards, or squirrels in the backyard, but sudden bursts of energy or jumping can tear surgical sutures. Keep your dog on a short leash when they go outside to do their business, and keep them confined to a quiet crate or small room indoors.
Recovery Guidelines at a Glance
| ✔ What to Do | ✖ What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Keep the “Cone of Shame” on at all times to prevent licking or chewing at the sutures. | Do not let your dog run, jump, climb stairs, or play with other pets. |
| Check the incision daily for any signs of redness, swelling, or unusual discharge. | Do not bathe your dog or let the incision get wet until sutures are removed. |
| Administer all prescribed pain medications exactly as directed by Dr. Baquero. | Never give human pain relievers (like Advil or Tylenol), as they are highly toxic. |
In-House Surgery vs. Referring to a Specialist
While Dr. Baquero is highly experienced in a vast range of soft-tissue surgeries, your dog’s safety is always our absolute priority. If your dog requires a highly complex orthopedic surgery (such as a TPLO for a torn cruciate ligament) or an intricate neurological procedure, we will openly discuss this with you.
Because we are independent, we have the freedom to refer you to the absolute best board-certified veterinary surgeons in the Miami-Dade area, working collaboratively with them to manage your dog’s pre-op prep and post-op rehabilitation.
The Falls Animal Clinic Difference: Honest, Transparent, and Cost-Conscious
We believe that exceptional surgical care shouldn’t come with corporate markup or surprise fees. Because we are a privately-owned, family-focused clinic, we operate with complete transparency. We will walk you through a detailed, itemized estimate before surgery so you understand exactly what you are paying for, with no pressure or unnecessary upselling.
We are here to hold your hand, answer your questions, and ensure your best friend receives the gentle, safe, and expert care they deserve.
Need to Discuss a Surgical Procedure for Your Dog?
Whether your dog needs a routine procedure or you are looking for a trusted second opinion, our compassionate team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a surgical consultation with Dr. Baquero.
Our Team
- Dr. Doly Baquero
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