Answers about minimally invasive companion animal surgery

Minimally invasive surgery refers to techniques that minimize incision size and overall trauma compared to traditional open surgery — including laparoscopy (abdominal surgery via small keyhole incisions with a camera), arthroscopy (joint surgery with a tiny scope), and endoscopy (scopes through natural openings or small incisions). The goal is the same as any surgery — treat the problem — but with far less disruption, typically meaning a safer procedure, less pain, and faster recovery.

Yes. Because there is less trauma — smaller incisions, less bleeding — companion animals often have a lower risk of complications like infections or wound healing issues. Every surgery carries some risk, but Dr. Pedraza's training and our advanced monitoring minimize it. We carefully evaluate each patient with blood work and imaging beforehand. If a minimally invasive procedure cannot be completed safely, we are prepared to convert to an open surgery to take care of the issue. Your companion's safety is our top priority.

Smaller incisions (often a few millimeters) mean less post-op pain and less pain medication. There's usually less bleeding and minimal scarring. Companion animals recover faster, often returning to normal appetite and activity sooner. Many procedures can be done as outpatient (same-day). Better camera visualization can also improve surgical precision and outcomes.

We perform minimally invasive procedures on a wide range of sizes, from small cats to giant-breed dogs, using appropriately sized scopes and instruments — including those designed for patients under 10 kg. Age isn't a strict limit either; senior companion animals often benefit because the gentler approach is easier on older bodies. Dr. Pedraza assesses each companion individually.

Common laparoscopic procedures include spays (ovariectomy), gastropexy for bloat prevention, cryptorchid neuter, liver/kidney/intestinal biopsies, bladder stone removal, and select advanced cases like cholecystectomy or adrenalectomy.

Instead of a single longer incision, we use 1–2 tiny keyhole incisions and a camera. This dramatically reduces post-op pain and recovery time while accomplishing the same goal.

Common reasons include chronic vomiting or diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, nasal congestion, recurrent urinary tract issues, suspected swallowed foreign objects, or suspicious imaging findings that need a closer look.

Yes — companion animals are placed under general anesthesia so they remain comfortable and still, allowing safe and accurate examination with the scope.

Arthroscopy is excellent for elbow dysplasia, shoulder OCD, suspected meniscal tears, and select chronic joint conditions. Early arthroscopy in young dogs can help prevent further joint damage.

Yes. Modern veterinary arthroscopes are as small as 1.9 mm, so even small companion animals can sometimes benefit, depending on the joint and condition.

Laser surgery instantly seals small blood vessels and nerve endings as it cuts, which often means less bleeding, less swelling, and reduced post-operative pain.

We use electrocautery and radiosurgery, vessel sealing devices (e.g. Ligasure), the harmonic scalpel, and coblation technology, choosing the right tool for each procedure.

Generally, no food after a designated time the evening before; water typically allowed until a couple of hours before admission. We'll let you know which medications to give or skip. For colonoscopy or lower GI endoscopy, extra prep may be needed.

It depends on the procedure. Many minimally invasive procedures are outpatient — companion animals go home the same day. For more involved surgeries we may keep your companion overnight for monitoring.

Expect rest and activity restriction for about 7–14 days, careful incision care with an e-collar or recovery shirt, pain medications (and sometimes antibiotics), a lighter diet for a day or two, and a follow-up around 10–14 days post-op.

Cost varies by procedure and equipment. A minimally invasive option may have a slightly higher base cost, but many companion families find the value worthwhile: faster recovery, fewer complications, less pain medication, and quicker return to normal life. We provide clear estimates and discuss options before scheduling.

Call us or use the online booking form. We'll coordinate any necessary medical records or imaging beforehand. For straightforward elective cases (like a laparoscopic spay in a healthy young companion), we can sometimes combine consult and procedure on the same day.