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Veterinary Surgery

Routine or complex, we're here for your pets.

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Our Surgical Team

Our highly skilled veterinary surgery team is here for you! Dr. Curry Keoughan, Dr. Raz Peress and Dr. Sarah Holman have dedicated years of their lives to providing expert care to your pets, so you know you’ll be in good hands.

Curry Keoughan Read More Raz Peress Read More Sarah Holman Read More A smiling bearded man with gray hair, wearing a black "Epic Specialty & Emergency Pet Care" shirt, stands against a plain white background—ready to help as your trusted emergency vet. A fluffy orange kitten with blue eyes sits outdoors among purple and pink flowers, reaching out with one paw. The background is filled with greenery and blurred plants. A man with short gray hair and a beard wearing a beige sweater stands indoors in front of a landscape photograph, perhaps at a Vet clinic or Pet ER, featuring grass, mountains, and a cloudy sky.

Guidance & Support Sometimes complex surgical cases are best handled by a board-certified surgeon. At Epic, we pride ourselves on our expertise, training, & advanced equipment required to perform more challenging procedures. Our goal is to support you and your pet throughout the surgery journey, while offering guidance and resources to ensure a smooth procedure and a swift recovery. A man with gray hair and a beard hugs a gray and white cat in what appears to be an Emergency Vet clinic. The cat looks directly at the camera. Two surgeons in blue scrubs and masks perform a surgery in an operating room. Medical instruments are on a tray nearby, and a monitor displays an internal view of the procedure.

Getting Scheduled Referral consultations are scheduled by appointment. We ask that you bring all relevant medical records or have your primary vet sent them over to us. Alongside a thorough examination by our surgeon, these medical documents will aid in the decision-making process that is best for your pet. Collaboration between the surgical specialist and your family veterinarian is key to achieving the best possible outcome for your pet. At Epic, we are proud to offer a wide range of soft tissue and orthopedic procedures, as well as endoscopic and thoracic surgeries. A senior brown dog rests under a gray blanket with its head on a pillow, front paws wrapped in bandages, and surrounded by colorful bedding as an emergency vet administers care, with an IV line visible by its leg. A close-up of an elderly golden retriever with a graying muzzle stands outside on green grass, the white fence blurred in the background—reminding us how important regular veterinarian check-ups are as our pets age.

What to Expect Following Surgery

After your pet undergoes surgery, it is important to expect a period of recovery that will include rest, monitoring, and attentive care. Your pet may feel groggy or disoriented due to anesthesia, and it could take a few hours to a few days for them to fully regain their energy. During recovery, we ask that you keep an eye on the surgical site for signs of infection or discomfort. Your pet will likely need to wear an e-collar to prevent them from licking or biting their incision site. This is very important as our pets’ mouths harbor bacteria. Many procedures entail very limited activity levels following surgery. Crating your pet or limiting them to small areas in the house is typically recommended for orthopedic procedures. It is very important to follow all discharge instructions closely to ensure an optimal recovery.

At the time of your discharge appointment, our staff will provide written post-operative care instructions from your surgeon for your pet. These will be reviewed with you by our discharge nurse prior to your pet going home. Medications, activity restrictions, and any questions you may have will all be discussed during this time. You will be sent home with a written copy of your pet’s discharge instructions. As always, we are available 24/7, 365 days a year should any questions or problems arise during your pet’s road to recovery.

Preparing for your pet’s surgery can feel overwhelming, and it is normal to have questions. This guide is designed to help you understand what to expect before, during, and after your pet’s procedure. Every patient is different, so your pet’s surgeon and care team may provide additional instructions based on their specific procedure, health status, and recovery needs.

At EPIC Specialty & Emergency Pet Care, early admission allows our veterinary team to safely prepare your pet for anesthesia and surgery. This includes a thorough pre-anesthetic exam, bloodwork, IV catheter placement, and development of a personalized treatment plan based on your pet’s specific medical needs.

As a 24/7 specialty and emergency veterinary hospital, we also care for urgent and critical cases, which can affect the timing of scheduled procedures. Some surgeries may also take longer than expected to ensure the highest level of precision and safety. We never rush procedures—your pet’s wellbeing always comes first.

Early admission ensures your pet is fully prepared, closely monitored, and receiving continuous care from the moment they arrive.

Because we are a specialty and emergency veterinary hospital, we cannot guarantee an exact surgery time. Emergency cases and patient needs can impact the daily schedule.

Our team will keep you informed throughout the day, and you are always welcome to call for updates on your pet’s status. If you would like, you can also request that a member of our anesthesia team call or text you when your pet is being anesthetized for their procedure.

We will contact you as soon as your pet’s procedure is complete. While timing may vary, every patient receives individualized attention, careful monitoring, and the highest standard of care before, during, and after surgery.

Discharge timing after pet surgery depends on your pet’s specific procedure, overall health, and recovery from anesthesia. At EPIC Specialty & Emergency Pet Care, some patients are able to go home the same day, while others may require one or multiple nights of hospitalization for continued monitoring, pain management, and supportive care.

As a 24/7 specialty and emergency veterinary hospital, our team closely monitors your pet’s vital signs, comfort level, and recovery progress to ensure they are safe and stable before discharge. We never rush this process—your pet must be fully awake, comfortable, and meeting medical criteria before going home.

Once your pet is ready for discharge, we will contact you to schedule a pickup time and review detailed at-home care instructions, including medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up recommendations.

Our priority is a safe recovery and smooth transition home, so you can feel confident continuing your pet’s care.

In most cases, pets can eat after surgery once they return home but patient specific feeding instructions will always be included in your discharge instructions. For most patients, we recommend starting with small amounts of food and water the evening after anesthesia.

Anesthesia can increase the risk of nausea and vomiting in some pets. Offering smaller, more frequent portions helps reduce the chance of stomach upset and allows you to monitor how your pet is tolerating food and water. It’s also normal for some pets to have a decreased appetite for a couple of days following anesthesia.

Some procedures and medical conditions require specific feeding instructions, including temporary diet changes or restricted intake. Please carefully follow your pet’s discharge instructions, and don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions.

As a 24/7 specialty and emergency veterinary hospital, we are always available if you have any post-operative concerns. If anything seems unusual or you’re unsure about your pet’s recovery, we strongly recommend calling so our team can guide you and ensure your pet stays on track for a safe recovery.

It is common for pets to have a delay in bowel movements after surgery. Factors such as anesthesia, fasting, pain medications, decreased appetite, and changes in routine can all slow normal gastrointestinal function.

At EPIC Specialty & Emergency Pet Care, we typically expect that your pet may not have a bowel movement for a few days following surgery. As long as your pet is otherwise comfortable, eating small amounts, and not showing signs of distress, this can be a normal part of recovery.

However, if your pet is straining, showing signs of discomfort, vomiting, has a swollen abdomen, or has not had a bowel movement within a few days, we recommend contacting our team. Some patients may require additional support or treatment to help regulate their digestion.

As a 24/7 specialty and emergency veterinary hospital, we are always available for post-operative questions or concerns. If you are unsure about your pet’s recovery, it is always best to call so we can provide guidance and ensure everything is progressing safely.

Mild redness, swelling, or bruising around a surgical incision is common in pets after surgery and can be a normal part of the healing process. At EPIC Specialty & Emergency Pet Care, we expect some inflammation in the first few days as your pet’s body begins to heal.

The incision should remain clean, dry, and closed, with only minimal redness or swelling. You may also notice a small amount of clear or pink-tinged discharge early in recovery.

It is very important that your pet does not lick, chew, scratch, or bite at the incision site. Even a small amount of licking can introduce bacteria, cause irritation, and lead to infection or incision breakdown. An e-collar (cone) or other protective device should be used at all times as recommended.

Activity restriction is also critical for proper healing. Running, jumping, rough play, or excessive movement can place tension on the incision, leading to swelling, delayed healing, or complications such as opening of the surgical site. Please follow all discharge instructions regarding restricted activity, leash walks, and crate rest if advised.

However, increasing redness, significant swelling, heat, pain, foul odor, or discharge (especially yellow, green, or pus-like) may be signs of infection or complications. As a 24/7 specialty and emergency veterinary hospital, we are always available if you have concerns about your pet’s incision or recovery. If you are concerned about your pet’s incision post-operatively, we recommend sending a high-quality image (good lighting, still image) to surgery@epicvetcare.com so our team can take a look. Early evaluation helps ensure proper healing and the best outcome for your pet.

Proper preparation helps ensure a safe procedure and smooth recovery for your pet. At EPIC Specialty & Emergency Pet Care, we provide individualized instructions based on your pet’s specific procedure and medical needs, but there are several general guidelines to follow to help set your pet up for success prior to surgery and into recovery. You are an essential part of your pet’s care team!

In most cases, your pet will need to fast prior to anesthesia. This typically means no food after 10 PM the night before surgery, while water may be available overnight and removed the morning of surgery unless otherwise instructed. Some patients, including very young pets, diabetic patients, or pets with certain medical conditions, may require different fasting instructions. Please follow the specific instructions provided by our team.

Be sure to let our team know about any medications your pet is currently taking as some may need to be continued, adjusted, or temporarily paused before surgery. As a 24/7 specialty and emergency veterinary hospital, our team is always available to support you before, during, and after your pet’s procedure. If you have any questions while preparing for surgery, we strongly encourage you to call so we can help ensure everything goes smoothly.dosage, frequency, and last administered dose. Our hospital carries most common medications, but if your pet requires anything specific that we do not have in stock, we will notify you in advance so you can bring it for drop-off. It is also important to inform us of any recent changes in your pet’s health, appetite, or behavior prior to admission.

Arrive on time for your pet’s scheduled drop-off so our team can complete the pre-operative exam, review consent forms, and answer any questions you may have. Bringing a list of questions or concerns is always encouraged.

Please also plan ahead for your pet’s recovery at home by preparing a quiet, comfortable space for rest, and ensuring you have any prescribed medications, an e-collar (if needed), and a plan to limit activity during recovery.

Please follow the medication instructions provided by our team prior to surgery. Some medications should be given the morning of surgery, while others may need to be skipped or adjusted. If you are unsure, please call us before giving any medication. When your pet is admitted, please let us know the name of each medication, dose, frequency, and the last time it was given.

As a 24/7 specialty and emergency veterinary hospital, trained veterinary professionals are in the hospital at all times to provide continuous monitoring and care.

Overnight patients are closely supervised by our experienced veterinary nurses, who are trained in post-operative and critical care monitoring. They regularly assess vital signs, pain levels, incision sites, comfort, and overall recovery status throughout the night.

A veterinarian is also in the hospital at all times to oversee patient care, manage any changes in condition, and provide medical treatment as needed. This ensures your pet receives immediate attention and appropriate care throughout their entire stay.

We understand how important it is to know your pet is safe and well cared for while hospitalized. Our team is dedicated to providing attentive, compassionate monitoring and support every step of the way, including overnight care.

Yes. Our team will keep you updated throughout your pet’s stay. Update timing may vary depending on the hospital schedule, emergency cases, and your pet’s recovery status, but we will contact you with important changes and once your pet’s procedure is complete. You are also welcome to call for updates. If our team is actively caring for patients when you call, we may need to call you back as soon as we are available.

At EPIC Specialty & Emergency Pet Care, our discharge process is designed to ensure you feel fully informed and confident in caring for your pet at home after surgery or hospitalization.

At the time of discharge, one of our team members will review your pet’s written discharge instructions, demonstrate any necessary care items (such as bandage care, oral medication administration, e-collar use, or mobility support), and go over all prescribed medications including dosing, timing, and administration. We will also answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel comfortable with your pet’s recovery plan.

If needed, we can schedule any recommended recheck appointments at the time of discharge. Otherwise, you are always welcome to call us later to schedule follow-up care or to discuss any concerns that arise during the recovery process.

We understand that having a sick or injured pet can be stressful. As a 24/7 specialty and emergency veterinary hospital, our goal is to support both you and your pet through every step of recovery and provide the highest level of compassionate care. Thank you for trusting EPIC with your pet’s care—we look forward to seeing them heal and return to their normal life with you.

An e-collar, also known as an Elizabethan collar or “cone,” is an essential part of safe post-operative recovery for most pets. At EPIC Specialty & Emergency Pet Care, we strongly recommend e-collar use after surgery to protect the incision and promote proper healing.

The cone prevents your pet from licking, chewing, or scratching at the surgical site. Even brief licking can introduce bacteria, cause irritation, and lead to infection or opening of the incision (dehiscence). In more serious cases, this can result in delayed healing or the need for additional treatment or surgery. While it may seem uncomfortable at first, consistent e-collar use significantly reduces complications and helps ensure a smooth, uncomplicated recovery. Although the e-collar may take some adjustment, consistent use is one of the most important ways to prevent avoidable complications and support proper healing. There are alternative options such as soft collars, inflatable collars, or recovery suits; however, not all alternatives provide the same level of protection for every procedure or patient. It is very important to discuss any alternatives with your veterinarian before substituting an e-collar, as the safest option will depend on your pet’s surgery and individual needs.

If you have concerns about fit or your pet’s comfort, our team is happy to help adjust or recommend the best option to keep your pet safe while they heal.

Activity restriction is a critical part of your pet’s recovery after surgery and helps ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome. At EPIC Specialty & Emergency Pet Care, the length of restriction will vary depending on the type of procedure performed and your pet’s individual healing progress.

In general, orthopedic procedures (such as cruciate ligament repair or fracture repair) often require strict activity restriction for approximately 6–12 weeks. Soft tissue procedures typically require a shorter recovery period, usually around 2–3 weeks.

During this time, activities such as running, jumping, rough play, and off-leash activity must be avoided to prevent complications like delayed healing or surgical site disruption. Controlled leash walks and strict rest are often recommended.

Your veterinarian will review specific activity guidelines with you during your initial consultation and again at recheck appointments. These visits are important to assess healing progress and adjust activity recommendations as your pet recovers.

As a 24/7 specialty and emergency veterinary hospital, our team is always available to answer questions and support you throughout your pet’s recovery.

Please contact us right away if your pet is unable to settle, seems painful despite medications, has repeated vomiting or diarrhea, refuses food for more than 24 hours, is extremely lethargic, has difficulty breathing, has pale gums, collapses, removes or damages their e-collar, opens or irritates the incision, develops significant swelling, or has any concerning discharge or odor from the incision. If you are unsure whether something is normal, it is always best to call.

It is very important that your dog’s incision remains clean and completely dry for at least the first two weeks following surgery. At EPIC Specialty & Emergency Pet Care, we recommend avoiding swimming, bathing, and any water exposure during this initial healing period to reduce the risk of infection and incision complications.

After this timeframe, whether your dog can safely return to swimming depends on the type of procedure performed and how well the incision has healed. Some patients may need a longer restriction period, especially after orthopedic or more complex surgeries.

At your pet’s recheck appointment, our veterinary team will evaluate healing and provide clear guidance on when and how activity, including swimming, can safely be resumed.

If your dog loves the water, our goal is always to get them back to their normal lifestyle as safely and quickly as possible while prioritizing full recovery and long-term health.

Yes. At EPIC Specialty & Emergency Pet Care, we believe in close collaboration with your primary care veterinarian to ensure continuity of care for your pet.

Your primary veterinarian will receive a complete copy of your pet’s medical records following their consultation, surgery, and any recheck appointments. This includes diagnostics, surgical reports, treatment plans, and discharge instructions.

In addition, many of our local referring veterinarians are connected through our secure referral portal, which allows them to follow their patients’ progress during hospitalization in real time.

This coordinated approach helps ensure seamless communication between your veterinary care team and supports the best possible outcome for your pet before, during, and after their specialty or surgical care.

General Disclaimer

At EPIC Specialty & Emergency Pet Care, we are a 24/7 specialty and emergency veterinary hospital, and our team is always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your pet’s care.

We understand that surgery and hospitalization can be stressful, and our goal is to make the process as smooth, transparent, and supportive as possible for both you and your pet. You are a very important part of your pet’s care team, and your involvement plays a key role in their comfort, recovery, and overall success.

If at any time you have questions—before, during, or after your pet’s visit—please do not hesitate to call us. We are always here to help and are honored to be trusted with your pet’s care.

A clean, modern facility with experienced care and exceptional staff! I couldn’t be happier with the treatment my pet received from Byron and Dr. Curry. Their expertise is matched by their genuine love for animals which is exactly what every pet owner hopes for. Even after we left, their team continued to be attentive, ensuring my dog and I had everything we needed for his surgery recovery.

We rushed our beloved dog Rio to Epic. Dr. Curry and his team performed surgery on Rio the same day.... saving his life. Rio is home and completely recovered and enjoying life with his brother Cash. Thank you so very much "Team Epic" for your passion and care of our animals. May you all have much success going forward.

Each staff member I encountered was friendly and knowledgeable and clearly loves animals. We were able to get X-rays fairly quickly and determine he did need surgery to remove the sock. The staff was thorough in discussing costs and variables that would affect cost and the on call surgeon, Dr. Peress, was able to come in quickly and kept us updated. These are the “oh no” moments that you never want to think about but I was so grateful for the Epic staff who was able to put us at ease and take great care of our dog.

Dr. Curry is truly the best! We feel so lucky he is in St. Petersburg now because we would have driven anywhere in the state for him. He’s taken care of our golden retriever from puppyhood and continues to provide amazing and personable care for him.

Personal Care A minimalist, purple and white graphic of a dog standing on a curved surface, with a stylized background shape, ideal for Emergency Vet or Pet ER branding. Large, lavender-colored quotation marks on a light gray background evoke a calm atmosphere—perfect for a Vet clinic, Pet ER, or any veterinarian-themed design.