Surgical services at Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic in Centennial are performed with careful preparation, attentive anesthetic monitoring, and thorough post-operative support. Our team offers a broad range of soft tissue, orthopedic, and reproductive surgeries for dogs and cats. Every surgical patient receives pre-anesthetic bloodwork when indicated, individualized anesthetic planning, and a tailored pain management protocol for recovery. Your pet goes home with clear, written care instructions and a follow-up plan. Call us at (303) 779-1170 to discuss surgical options for your pet.
Spay and Neuter Surgery for Dogs and Cats
Spaying and neutering is one of the most important decisions you can make for your pet’s long-term health. Spaying female dogs and cats before their first heat cycle reduces the risk of mammary tumors later in life and eliminates the risk of pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection. Neutering male dogs and cats reduces hormonally driven behaviors, lowers the risk of testicular cancer, and decreases the likelihood of prostate disease. We tailor timing to your pet’s breed and expected adult size, particularly for large and giant-breed dogs, where later neutering may better support musculoskeletal development. We offer pre-anesthetic bloodwork and microchipping at the time of the procedure on request.
Soft Tissue Surgery for Dogs and Cats
Soft tissue surgery includes a wide range of procedures involving the skin, abdomen, digestive tract, urinary system, respiratory structures, and other internal organs. At Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic, soft tissue procedures include mass removals, wound repairs, bladder and intestinal surgeries, abdominal explorations, and more. Each case is evaluated individually, with imaging and pre-operative blood work used to inform anesthetic planning and prepare for the best possible outcome. We communicate clearly with you before, during recovery, and at the follow-up visit so you are informed at every stage.
Orthopedic Surgery for Dogs and Cats
Orthopedic surgery addresses conditions involving the bones, joints, and ligaments. Common procedures at Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic include fracture repair, joint stabilization, and assessment and management of developmental conditions in large-breed dogs. For pets requiring advanced orthopedic procedures such as TPLO or total hip replacement, we provide referrals to board-certified orthopedic specialists. Our team prepares each orthopedic patient carefully, with pre-operative radiographs and anesthetic planning tailored to the procedure. Post-operative care guidance includes activity restriction protocols and pain management.
Tumor Surgery and Mass Removal
The removal of masses and tumors is one of the more common surgical requests at Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic. Skin masses, subcutaneous lumps, and internal tumors may all require surgical intervention depending on size, location, growth rate, and cytology findings. We evaluate each mass individually and discuss the options with you before proceeding. Removed tissue is routinely submitted for histopathology to confirm the findings and guide follow-up care. Early removal of masses that show concerning features on cytology is generally associated with better outcomes.
Exploratory Surgery
Exploratory surgery allows direct visualization of the abdominal organs when symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, or abdominal pain cannot be fully explained by imaging or blood work alone. At Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic, exploratory procedures are planned carefully, with imaging reviewed in advance whenever possible. During the procedure, we evaluate the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, and other structures systematically. Findings are communicated to you as soon as possible after surgery, along with a clear explanation of what was found and what next steps are appropriate.
Cesarean Section for Dogs and Cats
A cesarean section may be recommended when a mother dog or cat is unable to deliver naturally due to dystocia, fetal position concerns, or obstructive delivery. At Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic, we monitor the mother closely throughout the procedure and provide newborn assessment and support as part of the same appointment. Pre-planning a cesarean in advance, for breeds that commonly experience difficult deliveries, allows us to schedule the procedure proactively and reduces the risk associated with urgent unplanned presentations.
Dental Surgery for Dogs and Cats
Dental surgery at Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic includes extractions of damaged, fractured, or severely diseased teeth that cannot be managed through cleaning alone. Advanced dental disease can cause chronic pain and affect your pet’s willingness to eat. Dental procedures are performed under general anesthetic with continuous monitoring, and dental radiographs are taken to assess the full extent of disease below the gum line before extractions are performed. Post-operative pain management is provided, and home care guidance is given at discharge. See our Dental Care page for the full range of dental services offered.
Cystotomy and Bladder Stone Removal
Bladder stones cause pain, repeated urinary tract infections, and in some cases urinary blockage. Cystotomy, the surgical opening of the bladder to remove stones, is performed at Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic when stones are too large to pass or when recurrent infections are linked to stone presence. Removed stones are submitted for mineral composition analysis, which guides dietary and management recommendations to reduce the risk of recurrence. Post-operative care includes activity restriction, hydration support, and a follow-up visit to assess healing.
Splenectomy, Enterotomy, and Gastrotomy
Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic performs a range of internal abdominal procedures including splenectomy for splenic masses or bleeding, enterotomy for intestinal foreign body removal, and gastrotomy for stomach foreign bodies that cannot be retrieved by other means. Each procedure is approached with careful pre-operative planning and thorough post-operative monitoring. We explain the findings from every procedure clearly and provide detailed home care instructions so recovery progresses smoothly. Follow-up visits are scheduled to confirm healing before full activity is resumed.
Eye Surgery
Eye surgery at Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic addresses conditions such as entropion, ectropion, eyelid mass removal, cherry eye repair, and assessment of ocular injuries requiring surgical intervention. We evaluate each eye case carefully, and for conditions requiring more advanced ophthalmic procedures, we provide referrals to board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists. Pre-operative assessment includes a detailed eye exam and review of the full history. Post-operative care includes eye drop protocols and activity restrictions to support healing.
When should I spay or neuter my puppy in Centennial, CO?
Timing depends on your dog’s breed and expected adult size. Small and medium breeds are typically spayed or neutered between six and nine months. Large and giant breeds often benefit from waiting until twelve to eighteen months, allowing musculoskeletal development to complete before surgery. Your veterinarian at Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic will assess your puppy’s individual situation at the wellness visit and recommend the appropriate timing.
What is recovery like after a spay or neuter surgery?
Most dogs and cats recover well with ten to fourteen days of restricted activity, an e-collar to prevent licking the incision, and pain management as directed. We provide written home care instructions at discharge and schedule a follow-up visit to check healing. Keeping your pet calm and preventing access to the incision site are the most important factors in a smooth recovery.
Should I have lumps and bumps on my dog checked?
Yes. Any new lump or bump should be evaluated, particularly those that are growing, changing in texture, or located in high-risk areas such as the mammary glands, lymph nodes, or along the ribs. Fine needle aspiration cytology can provide valuable information without requiring surgery. Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic evaluates skin and subcutaneous masses as part of routine wellness exams and on request at any appointment.
What pre-surgical preparation is required?
Most surgical patients are fasted from the night before the procedure to reduce anesthetic risk. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is recommended to assess organ function and flag any issues that could affect anesthesia. We will give you specific fasting and preparation instructions at the time of booking, and we are happy to answer any questions in advance of the surgery date.
Does Cherry Knolls Vet perform orthopedic surgeries like TPLO?
Advanced orthopedic procedures such as TPLO are performed by board-certified orthopedic specialists. Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic provides the initial evaluation, radiographs, and referral to a qualified specialist for these procedures. We remain involved in your pet’s care throughout the process and are your primary contact for follow-up questions and monitoring after the specialist procedure.
Keep your dog or cat healthy year-round with preventive care from Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic in Centennial
