Veterinary Pet Surgery

At Wewoka Animal Hospital, we understand that the decision to schedule surgery for your pet can feel overwhelming. Whether your pet needs a routine spay or neuter, emergency surgery, or advanced orthopedic care, our experienced veterinary team is here to guide you every step of the way. We are committed to providing safe, high-quality surgical care with a strong focus on pain management, comfort, and recovery.

Our fully equipped surgical suite, advanced monitoring technology, and caring staff ensure that your pet receives the best possible treatment in a supportive environment.

We perform a wide range of soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries at our Wewoka animal hospital. Our team has the skill and experience to handle everything from routine procedures to complex operations.

Some of the surgeries we commonly perform include:

• Spay & Neuter (Sterilization)
• C-Section (Cesarean section)
• Surgical Artificial Insemination
• Tumor & Mass Removal
• Foreign Object Removal (from stomach or intestines)
• Cherry Eye Repair
• Cystotomy (bladder stone removal)
• Amputation (for trauma or disease)
• Gastropexy (to prevent stomach torsion in large dogs)
• Splenectomy (spleen removal)
• Exploratory Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Ophthalmic Surgery (for eye conditions)
• Oncologic Surgery (cancer-related surgeries)
• Orthopedic Surgery (see section below)
• Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy

Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) are some of the most common and important procedures we perform. These safe, routine surgeries provide lasting health, behavioral, and community benefits—helping pets live longer, healthier lives while also reducing pet overpopulation.

Why Spaying or Neutering Is Important

Beyond preventing unexpected litters, spaying and neutering protect your pet from certain diseases, reduce problematic behaviors, and may even lower long-term veterinary costs by preventing serious medical issues. These surgeries are performed under general anesthesia with full monitoring by our trained team, and most pets recover quickly with minimal downtime.

Benefits of Spaying Your Female Pet

• Prevents unwanted pregnancies and heat cycles
• Eliminates risk of life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra)
• Significantly reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancer, especially when done before the first heat
• May reduce anxiety, restlessness, and hormonal mood swings

Benefits of Neutering Your Male Pet

• Decreases aggressive, dominant, or territorial behavior/li>
• Reduces roaming and marking tendencies
• Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer
• Lowers the chance of prostate enlargement and infection
• Can promote a calmer, more focused temperament

When Should My Pet Be Spayed or Neutered?

We typically recommend spaying or neutering around 6 months of age, though the ideal timing may vary depending on your pet’s breed, size, and overall health. Large-breed dogs, for example, may benefit from delayed sterilization for orthopedic reasons. Our veterinary team will help guide you on the best age for your individual pet.

Why Orthopedic Surgery Matters for Your Pet

Orthopedic surgery isn’t just about repairing bones—it’s about restoring your pet’s quality of life.

When a joint, bone, or ligament is damaged, it can lead to chronic pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility. Left untreated, these conditions can worsen over time and may result in muscle loss, joint degeneration, or permanent disability. In some cases, pets begin to compensate for pain by favoring one limb, which can put stress on other parts of the body and create additional problems.

Surgical intervention allows us to correct structural issues at the source—helping your pet move comfortably, reduce pain, and return to their normal activities.

By addressing orthopedic problems early with appropriate surgical care, we can:

• Relieve pain and discomfort
• Prevent long-term joint damage
• Promote proper healing and alignment
• Help your pet regain strength and function
• Improve their overall quality of life

Whether your pet is young and growing or aging with arthritis, orthopedic surgery can be a life-changing step toward a happier, healthier future.

Does My Pet Need Orthopedic Surgery?

Signs your pet may be suffering from an orthopedic issue include:

• Limping, stiffness, or lameness
• Difficulty rising, jumping, or climbing stairs
• Audible joint “clicking” or popping
• Swelling, bruising, or a visibly misaligned limb
• Changes in activity level or reluctance to play
• Sensitivity to touch or vocalizing when moving

If you notice any of these symptoms, an orthopedic evaluation can help determine the cause and whether surgery or another treatment is appropriate.

Common Orthopedic Surgeries We Perform

• TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy):
  A gold-standard surgery for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears in dogs. This procedure changes the biomechanics of the knee to stabilize the joint without needing the ligament, offering excellent recovery and long-term function.
• Fracture Repair:
  Surgical stabilization of broken bones using pins, screws, plates, or external fixation. Common after trauma or accidents.
• Cruciate Ligament (ACL/CCL) Repair:
  Stabilizes the knee joint following ligament rupture—common in active and aging dogs.
• Luxating Patella Repair:
  Corrects a kneecap that slips out of place, especially common in small breeds.
• Hip Surgery (e.g., FHO):
  Treats hip dysplasia or dislocations to reduce pain and improve function.
• Tendon & Ligament Repair:
  Reattaches or reconstructs damaged soft tissues to support joint stability.
• Amputation:
  In cases of irreversible trauma or disease, limb removal can provide comfort and maintain quality of life.

If your pet is struggling with movement or seems to be in pain, schedule a consultation so we can evaluate their condition and recommend the best treatment options.

At Wewoka Animal Hospital, we offer professional ear cropping services for select breeds as a cosmetic procedure performed under strict surgical standards. Dr. Nenninger has extensive experience in breed-specific ear cropping on American Bullies, Cane Corsos, Dobermans, Schnauzers, and more, and performs these procedures with precision, safety, and care.

Ear cropping is available by appointment only on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and is typically performed when puppies are between 8–12 weeks of age, depending on the breed and size.

Our ear cropping service includes:

• Pre-surgical consultation to determine if your pet is a good candidate
• General anesthesia and comprehensive surgical monitoring
• Post-operative pain management and care instructions
• Follow-up visits and bandage changes, if required

We understand this is a personal choice for many pet owners, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery, and long-term care.

Note: Ear cropping is a time-sensitive procedure and must be scheduled early in your puppy’s life. Contact us as soon as possible to secure your consultation and surgery date.

Your pet’s safety and comfort are our top priorities. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Pre-Surgical Exam & Bloodwork: We evaluate your pet’s overall health to ensure they are a good candidate for anesthesia.
2. Anesthesia Monitoring: Your pet will be closely monitored by our trained team throughout the procedure.
3. Pain Management: We use a combination of medications to keep your pet comfortable during and after surgery.
4. Post-Surgical Recovery & Instructions: You’ll receive detailed care instructions to help your pet heal smoothly at home.
5. Follow-Up Care: We’ll schedule rechecks and be available to answer any questions during recovery.

Whether your pet needs a routine spay/neuter or a more advanced orthopedic procedure, the caring team at Wewoka Animal Hospital is here to help. We offer compassionate, skilled surgical care using the latest techniques and technologies.

Use our easy online booking tool or give us a call to schedule your pet’s surgical consultation appointment today.