Surgical Consultations

Veterinary surgeon near me: book a surgical consultation in Encino.

A specialty surgery consultation is a dedicated visit where our team examines your dog or cat, reviews tests, and walks you through every surgical option, risk, and recovery step. Whether your pet needs a procedure or you want a second opinion, call us and we'll help you make a confident decision.

2nd opinions
Welcome at every consult
Your Consultation

What happens at a surgical consultation.

Surgery is a big decision, and you deserve time to understand it. During the consultation, the veterinarian examines your pet, goes over history and any prior results, and explains what surgery would involve.

  • ✓A full physical exam and review of past records, lab work, and imaging
  • ✓A clear explanation of options, including when surgery may not be needed
  • ✓An anesthesia safety plan built around your pet's age and health
  • ✓What recovery looks like at home, from pain control to activity limits
  • ✓A clear plan and cost overview after your pet's assessment

If more information is needed first, we may recommend bloodwork, X-rays, an ultrasound, or a CT scan to plan the safest approach.

Procedures

Soft tissue, abdominal and orthopedic surgery for dogs and cats.

Our surgery services cover many of the soft tissue and abdominal procedures pets need most.

  • ✓Spay and neuter
  • ✓Mass removal, biopsies, and wound repair
  • ✓Abdominal exploratory surgery and GI foreign body removal
  • ✓Bladder stone surgery
  • ✓Splenectomy and gastropexy
  • ✓Cesarean section
  • ✓Enucleation and cherry eye repair
  • ✓Orthopedic surgery, including cruciate ligament and fracture repair

Our surgical team also performs orthopedic, neurologic and advanced cancer surgery, and we'll guide you from diagnostics to recovery. If your dog is limping or not walking, a consultation is a good place to start.

Some surgical needs begin as urgent problems, like a swallowed toy causing repeated vomiting or a blocked cat with bladder stones. Those pets should be seen the same day, not at a scheduled consult.

Safety & Recovery

Anesthesia safety and a smooth recovery.

Anesthesia is the part many pet parents worry about most, so we take the time to explain it.

Before surgery, pre-anesthetic bloodwork helps us spot hidden issues with the liver, kidneys, or blood. Each anesthesia plan is tailored to your pet, and during the procedure our team watches heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and temperature. Pain control starts before surgery and continues into recovery.

You'll go home with written instructions covering medications, incision care, feeding, and activity. We'll tell you when to schedule a recheck, and you can call us any day of the week with questions.

Call us right away if your pet has sudden belly swelling, repeated vomiting, trouble urinating, heavy bleeding, or can't stand. We're open for urgent care and walk-ins until 7:30 PM, with last appointments between 6:30 and 7 PM. Later than that, go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital, or call us first thing in the morning if it can safely wait.

Second Opinions

Second opinions and planning your trip.

Already been told your pet needs surgery? A consultation works just as well for a second opinion. Bring or send your records and imaging, and we'll give you an honest, clear view of the options.

Coming from farther away?

We see pets from Encino, across the San Fernando Valley, and from Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and Ventura. If you're driving in, call ahead so we can gather records before your visit and let you know whether your pet should skip breakfast in case same-day tests make sense.

Common Questions

Surgical consultation FAQ.

How do I find a veterinary surgeon near me?
Start by booking a surgical consultation at Encino Pet Hospital and Emergency. We examine your pet, review any records, and explain every option before you decide. Call (818) 922-2209 or book online.
What should I bring to a surgery consultation?
Bring any past records, lab results, X-rays, or other imaging, along with a list of current medications. If your pet has a lump or wound, a few photos showing how it has changed can help. We can also request records for you with your permission.
Can I get a second opinion on my pet's surgery?
Yes. A surgical consultation can serve as a second opinion. We'll examine your pet, review their history and imaging, and give you a clear explanation of the options, including whether surgery is the right choice.
How much does dog surgery cost?
Surgery costs depend on the procedure, your pet's size and health, and anesthesia and aftercare needs. After the consultation and assessment, we'll walk you through the plan and costs before surgery is scheduled.
What about orthopedic or neurologic surgery?
Yes. We perform orthopedic, neurologic and advanced cancer surgery, along with soft tissue procedures. The consultation is the first step, and we'll explain the diagnostics and care involved along the way.
Is anesthesia safe for older pets?
Age alone is not a reason to avoid surgery. We use pre-anesthetic bloodwork and a tailored anesthesia plan, and our team monitors your pet closely throughout. Your veterinarian will explain any specific risks for your pet.

Facing a surgery decision for your pet?

Book a consultation and we'll walk you through every option, clearly and without pressure.