Columbus Spay and Neuter & Soft Tissue Surgery at PAWS
At PAWS Veterinary Care, we provide a comprehensive range of soft tissue surgery services for dogs and cats–from routine spay and neuter in Columbus, Ohio, to specialized procedures like GI surgery and mass removals. Every surgical patient receives a customized anesthetic plan, continuous monitoring by a licensed veterinary technician, and thorough pre- and post-operative care. Our goal is to make surgery as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible for your pet–and for you.
Soft Tissue Pet Surgery Services We Offer
Spay and Neuter
Spaying prevents unwanted pregnancies, eliminates the risk of pyometra (a life-threatening uterine infection), and significantly reduces the risk of certain cancers. Neutering reduces the risk of testicular cancer and some prostate conditions. At PAWS, our Columbus spay and neuter service delivers the highest level of care and attention–including pre-surgical bloodwork, advanced monitoring equipment, and a dedicated licensed technician present from start to finish.
Mass Removals
Lumps and bumps are common in dogs and cats. While many are benign, others require prompt attention. Our team can evaluate, biopsy, and surgically remove masses (including eyelid mass removals) to protect your pet's health and provide peace of mind. We recommend not waiting on new or changing growths, as early removal is typically simpler and safer.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgery
Pets are notorious for eating things they shouldn't. When a foreign object becomes lodged in the stomach or intestines, surgery is often necessary and urgent. Our veterinarians are experienced in gastrotomy and enterotomy procedures (surgical removal of obstructions from the stomach and intestines), and we treat these cases with the urgency they require.
Bladder Surgery (Cystotomy)
Bladder stones are a painful and surprisingly common condition in dogs and cats. When stones cannot be managed with diet or medication alone, a cystotomy (surgical removal of bladder stones) is the most effective solution. This is typically a planned procedure, and our team will walk you through everything you need to know beforehand.
Pyometra (Uterine) Surgery
Pyometra is a serious, life-threatening uterine infection that can affect any unspayed female dog or cat. It typically develops after a heat cycle and requires emergency surgery to remove the infected uterus, which is one of the reasons we strongly recommend spaying female pets. Pyometra surgery is one of the most common urgent care procedures we offer at PAWS.
What to Expect: Your Pet's Surgical Experience at PAWS
Before Surgery
Before any procedure, your pet will receive a pre-surgical consultation and physical exam. We perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork the morning of surgery to confirm your pet is a safe candidate for anesthesia. Depending on the case, we may also recommend additional diagnostics such as X-rays or ultrasounds. You'll receive clear pre-operative instructions, including fasting guidelines, so you know exactly how to prepare.
The Day of Surgery
A licensed veterinary technician will monitor your pet's anesthesia, from the moment care begins to the moment they wake up from surgery. We use the same state-of-the-art monitoring equipment found in human medicine and tailor each anesthetic plan to your pet's health status, age, and needs. You'll receive a call from our team to notify you when your pet is waking up. Most procedures are outpatient, which means your pet can typically return home with you the same day.
After Surgery
Following aftercare instructions makes a big difference in your pet's recovery. That’s why every patient goes home with a detailed written discharge summary, which we’ll review with you in person at pickup. Your pet may need pain medication during recovery, and some of their physical activities may need to be restricted. For example, it’s important to prevent your pet from licking or chewing their incision, which can lead to surgical site infections. If you have any questions during recovery, our team is always here to provide support.
Why Choose PAWS for Cat and Dog Surgery in Columbus
State-of-the-Art Monitoring
Dedicated Licensed Technicians
Gold Standard Techniques
We use advanced anesthetic monitoring equipment and individualized anesthetic protocols for every surgical patient–the same standard of care you'd expect in human medicine.
A licensed Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is assigned exclusively to your pet throughout their entire procedure, focused solely on their safety and comfort.
We practice modern, progressive veterinary medicine. Our team stays current on best practices and applies them to every patient.
Transparent Communication
From pre-surgical consultation through discharge, we keep you informed every step of the way.
Referral When It Matters
We know our scope and refer to board-certified specialists for orthopedic, thoracic, and other advanced procedures that fall outside general practice. Your pet's safety always comes first.
How Much Does Soft Tissue Surgery for Pets Cost?
The average cost of veterinary soft tissue surgery varies. It depends on factors like the complexity of the procedure, your pet's size and age, and whether additional diagnostics are required. For example, routine procedures like spays and neuters are some of the most affordable soft tissue surgeries. Pet insurance may help cover a portion of your costs.
At PAWS, we believe in transparency when it comes to pricing. During your consultation about your Columbus dog surgery or cat surgery, we'll discuss the recommended procedure and provide a tailored estimate so you know what to expect before moving forward.
Did You Know?
Nine out of ten post-surgical complications we see are caused by one thing: pets licking their incision.
As tempting as it is to ditch the cone of shame, it's one of the most important parts of your pet's recovery. A little patience with the cone goes a long way toward keeping your pet safe, comfortable, and healing on schedule!
"Soft tissue surgery covers a huge range of procedures, from routine spays and neuters to urgent GI surgeries. No matter the complexity of the case, every patient at PAWS receives individualized anesthetic care, dedicated monitoring, and a team that treats them like family."
— Dr. Rob Harney, Co-Founder and Veterinarian
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog and Cat Surgery in Columbus
Most healthy pets tolerate surgery well, but candidacy depends on their individual health status. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork helps us identify any conditions that could affect anesthesia. Older pets or those with underlying health conditions may need additional diagnostics, like chest X-rays, before we proceed. Age alone is not a disqualifier–a healthy senior pet may be a safer surgical candidate than a younger pet with unmanaged health issues.
Yes. Spay and neuter in Columbus, Ohio, is one of our most frequently performed procedures. We treat every spay and neuter with the same level of care and anesthetic monitoring as more complex procedures–because even routine surgeries deserve a thorough, attentive approach.
Timing recommendations have evolved and can vary based on your pet's species, breed, and size. We're happy to discuss the latest guidelines and help you decide the right time for your individual pet during a wellness visit or consultation.
Soft tissue surgery refers to procedures involving organs, the GI tract, skin, masses, and other non-skeletal structures. Orthopedic surgery involves bones, joints, and ligaments (such as ACL repairs).
Most soft tissue surgeries at PAWS are outpatient procedures, meaning your pet goes home the same day. In the rare case that overnight monitoring is needed, we will discuss transfer to an appropriate facility that provides overnight care, since we don’t provide overnight staffing or care at PAWS.
We'll provide specific pre-operative instructions at your consultation. In most cases, pets must be put on a fast (not given food) the night before surgery. On the morning of the procedure, we perform a pre-anesthetic exam and bloodwork before moving forward. We know surgery can be stressful, and our team will make sure you have everything you need to feel prepared.
Schedule Your Pet's Surgical Consultation Today
Ready to take the next step in your pet's care? Contact PAWS today to schedule a consultation for cat or dog surgery in Columbus. Our experienced team is here to answer your questions, guide you through every step of the process, and ensure your pet receives the safe, compassionate care they deserve.
Location & Hours
PAWS Veterinary Primary Care 8321 North High Street Columbus, Ohio 43235
Phone: (614) 647-2499
Email: info@pawsvetprimarycare.com
Hours: Open daily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM CLOSED WEDNESDAYS + WEEKENDS