Experienced Surgical Care, Supported by In-House Technology
Successful surgery starts with an experienced veterinary team and the ability to make informed decisions about each patient’s care. Pets Furst Urgent Care is led by Lawrence Rebbecchi, VMD, who brings more than 30 years of experience as a veterinarian and practice owner, alongside a team of veterinarians and veterinary professionals experienced in urgent, medical, and surgical care.
Our Langhorne animal hospital also gives our team access to diagnostic and monitoring technology that supports patients before, during, and after surgery. This includes:
- Digital X-ray technology for detailed imaging when a pet’s condition requires a closer look
- An in-house laboratory for blood chemistry panels, complete blood counts, urinalysis, and other testing, with many results available within 30 minutes
- Anesthesia monitoring equipment used to track important vital signs throughout surgical procedures
- A dedicated surgical environment and sterile instrumentation for performing soft tissue procedures
What Cat and Dog Surgeries Do We Offer?
Pets may need surgery for many different reasons, ranging from preventive care to treatment for injuries, dental problems, abnormal growths, and other medical conditions.
Our surgical services include:
By spaying or neutering your cat or dog, you help control the pet population and support your pet’s long-term physical and behavioral well-being.
We expertly remove lumps, growths, and tumors and provide any additional treatment if necessary to prevent infection and discomfort and promote healing.
If your pet is suffering from advanced dental disease or a damaged tooth, our veterinary team can safely perform extractions to alleviate pain and restore their oral health.
From torn toenails to extensive lacerations, our skilled veterinarians are well-equipped to repair an array of wounds.
What to Expect on Your Pet’s Surgery Day
Knowing what happens throughout the day can make the process easier to navigate.
When your pet arrives, our team will review their health, confirm the planned procedure, and complete any necessary pre-surgical testing. We will also answer questions you have before the procedure begins.
Your veterinarian performs the procedure while trained veterinary team members monitor your pet throughout anesthesia. We use sterile surgical instruments and established surgical protocols designed to reduce complications and support safe care.
Once the procedure is complete, your pet will move into recovery and remain under observation as they wake from anesthesia.
Before your pet goes home, we will explain their post-operative care plan and let you know what to expect during the first hours and days of recovery.
How Long Does It Take a Dog or Cat to Recover From Surgery?
Recovery time varies widely depending on the procedure. A pet recovering from a routine spay or neuter will have different needs than one recovering from a wound repair or more involved soft tissue surgery.
Your veterinarian will provide instructions specific to your pet, which may include:
- Limiting running, jumping, and strenuous activity
- Keeping the incision clean and dry
- Preventing licking or chewing at the surgical site
- Using an Elizabethan collar or another protective device when instructed
- Giving prescribed medications according to directions
- Monitoring appetite, energy level, and the incision
- Returning for a follow-up visit when recommended
Even when your pet begins acting like themselves again, their surgical site may still be healing. Continue following your veterinarian’s activity restrictions until they tell you your pet can return to normal activity.
What Does a Normal Surgical Incision Look Like?
Some mild redness, swelling, or bruising can occur during the early stages of healing. The incision should generally remain closed and gradually improve.
Call our veterinary team at (215) 755-1000 if you notice changes that concern you, particularly:
- Increasing redness or swelling
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Discharge, pus, or an unpleasant odor
- An incision that begins to open
- Significant tenderness
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe weakness or collapse
- Refusal to eat accompanied by other concerning symptoms
When you are unsure whether something is normal, calling your veterinarian is the safest next step.
If your cat or dog may need surgery, call us to schedule an evaluation or discuss your pet’s care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat & Dog Surgery
Pre-surgical bloodwork is commonly recommended because it provides information about your pet’s health before anesthesia. It can help identify concerns involving organs, blood cells, or other factors that may affect the surgical plan. Your veterinarian will recommend testing based on your pet’s age, medical history, health, and procedure.
Fasting instructions can vary depending on your pet’s age, health, medications, and procedure. Follow the instructions provided by our veterinary team rather than making changes on your own. If your pet accidentally eats before surgery, let us know.
Anesthesia always carries some degree of risk, but veterinarians take several steps to evaluate and reduce those risks. Pre-surgical examinations, appropriate diagnostic testing, individualized anesthesia protocols, and continuous monitoring all help support your pet throughout the procedure.
Many pets remain tired or quieter than usual for several hours after returning home. Some may need additional time to return fully to their normal routine. We will explain what you can expect based on your pet’s procedure and let you know which changes warrant a call.
Your pet may need an Elizabethan collar or another veterinarian-approved protective device to prevent licking and chewing. Even brief access to an incision can irritate the area, remove sutures, or interfere with healing, so follow the protective-wear instructions your veterinary team provides.
That depends on the procedure and how your pet is healing. Most pets require some period of restricted activity after surgery. Your veterinarian will give you a recovery timeline and let you know when walks, stairs, jumping, play, and other activities can gradually resume.
Call your Pets Furst Urgent Care veterinarian promptly at (215) 755-1000. An open incision may require examination and additional treatment. Prevent your pet from licking or chewing the area and follow the veterinary team’s instructions about what to do next.
At Pets Furst Urgent Care, we strive to provide more affordable options for owners who love their pets, but struggle with the cost of care in an emergency setting