Pet Soft Tissue Surgery

Our team at Foland Veterinary Services in Weatherford, TX, performs a wide range of soft tissue surgical procedures for dogs and cats. From routine procedures to complex interventions, we approach every case with careful planning, precise technique, and genuine dedication to your pet’s safety and comfort.

A Cut Above: Higher Standards of Veterinary Surgery

Surgery is one of the most significant things we can do for a pet’s health—and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. At Foland Veterinary Services, we hold ourselves to a higher standard in the operating room. That means thorough pre-surgical planning, individualized anesthetic protocols, continuous patient monitoring, and attentive post-operative care. Whether your pet is coming in for a planned procedure or needs urgent surgical intervention, you can trust that our team will bring their full skill and attention to every step.

We prefer to plan ahead and schedule surgical procedures whenever possible—this allows us to prepare thoroughly for each individual patient and ensure the safest possible experience. But when emergencies develop quickly, our team is equally prepared to act without delay.

Soft Tissue Surgery vs. Orthopedic Surgery

Veterinary surgery is broadly divided into two categories: soft tissue surgery and orthopedic surgery.

Soft tissue surgery encompasses procedures involving the body’s organs, skin, muscles, and other non-bony structures—from mass removals and wound repairs to internal organ procedures. Orthopedic surgery, by contrast, addresses conditions involving bones, joints, and ligaments.

At Foland Veterinary Services, our veterinarians perform a wide range of soft tissue surgeries in-house. For complex orthopedic procedures, we partner with visiting board-certified surgeon Caleb Vaughan, DVM, who performs these procedures right here in our clinic. Learn more about our pet orthopedic surgery services.

Our Surgical Safety Standards

Your pet’s safety is our highest priority in the operating room. Every surgical patient at Foland Veterinary Services receives individualized care designed to minimize risk and support a smooth recovery. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Pre-Surgical Evaluation

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Before any procedure, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination and discuss your pet's health history. We may recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork to evaluate organ function and identify any underlying conditions that could affect anesthetic risk—particularly for senior pets or those with known health concerns.

Individualized Anesthetic Protocols

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No two pets are the same, and neither are their anesthetic needs. Our team develops a customized anesthetic plan for each patient based on their age, weight, breed, health status, and the nature of the procedure being performed.

Continuous Monitoring

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Your pet is monitored continuously throughout every surgical procedure. We track heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature from the moment anesthesia is administered to full recovery. A dedicated team member is with your pet at all times.

Pain Management

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We use multimodal pain management protocols before, during, and after surgery to keep your pet as comfortable as possible throughout their recovery. Effective pain control isn't just about comfort—it also supports faster, smoother healing.

Post-Operative Care and Instructions

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Before your pet goes home, we'll make sure you have everything you need for a successful recovery. We'll walk you through activity restrictions, incision monitoring, medication administration, and signs to watch for—and we're always available to answer questions as your pet heals.

What to Expect Before, During & After Surgery

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Before Surgery

You’ll receive clear pre-surgical instructions, including fasting requirements and what to expect on the day of the procedure. We encourage you to ask any questions you have before your pet’s surgery—we want you to feel fully informed and confident going in.
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On the Day of Surgery

Your pet will be checked in, examined, and prepared for their procedure by our surgical team. Anesthesia will be administered, and your pet will be monitored throughout. Most routine soft tissue procedures allow your pet to go home the same day.
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After Surgery

Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and let you know what’s normal versus what warrants a call back to the clinic. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor healing and remove sutures if needed.

Pet Soft Tissue Surgery FAQs

How do I know if my pet needs surgery?

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Your veterinarian will recommend surgery when it's the most appropriate course of treatment for your pet's condition—whether that's a planned procedure like a spay or a more urgent situation like a foreign body obstruction. We'll explain our reasoning clearly and discuss all available options so you can make an informed decision for your pet.

Is surgery safe for my pet?

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All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk, but modern veterinary surgery is very safe when performed by an experienced team with proper monitoring and anesthetic protocols. We take every precaution to minimize risk, and we'll discuss any specific concerns related to your individual pet before proceeding.

Will my pet need to stay overnight?

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Most routine soft tissue procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing your pet to go home the same day. More complex procedures or pets requiring additional monitoring may need to stay longer. Your veterinarian will let you know what to expect for your pet's specific procedure.

How long is recovery after soft tissue surgery?

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Recovery time depends on the nature and extent of the procedure. Many pets bounce back relatively quickly from routine surgeries, while more complex interventions may require several weeks of restricted activity and careful monitoring. We'll give you a realistic expectation of recovery at your pet's discharge appointment.

What should I watch for at home after my pet's surgery?

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Key things to monitor include the incision site for swelling, redness, discharge, or opening; your pet's appetite and energy level; any signs of pain or discomfort; and whether your pet is interfering with the incision. Contact us promptly if you notice anything that concerns you—we'd rather hear from you than have you wait on something that needs attention.

Do you perform emergency surgeries?

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Yes. While we prefer to plan procedures in advance, our team is prepared to perform emergency soft tissue surgery when urgent situations arise. If you believe your pet needs emergency surgical care, please call us immediately at (817) 598-0886.

Skilled Surgical Care, Close to Home

Knowing your pet is in experienced surgical hands—without having to travel to an unfamiliar specialty facility—makes a difficult situation a little easier to navigate. At Foland Veterinary Services, our veterinary surgery team brings skill, careful preparation, and genuine compassion to every procedure we perform. From routine spays and neuters to urgent interventions and complex soft tissue cases, dogs and cats throughout the greater Weatherford area receive the attentive, individualized surgical care they deserve—right here in the clinic their families already know and trust.