Pet Surgery Success Stories | Holly Vet Clinic Kenmore (Seattle–Kirkland)

Pet Surgery Success Stories

Real cases treated by our surgical team — foreign body removal (string), soft-tissue tumor surgery, cystotomy for bladder stones, tail amputation, emergency pyometra, and more. Photos, outcomes, and client reviews included.

Emergency & Referral Friendly Kenmore • Kirkland • Seattle Advanced Anesthesia & Monitoring
Emergency Referral • Cat Linear Foreign Body

Percy Blackfoot — Linear Foreign Body (String) Removal

String (“linear foreign body”) removed safely with a smooth recovery.

Species: Feline
Procedure: Enterotomy / Gastrotomy
Referral: Local emergency hospital
Outcome: Excellent — back to normal appetite & play

Percy arrived as an urgent referral after ingesting a long piece of string. Our team stabilized him, performed diagnostics, and proceeded with foreign body removal surgery. The string was retrieved and the GI tract was inspected and lavaged thoroughly.

Searching for cat string surgery or linear foreign body removal near Kenmore/Kirkland? We offer rapid workups, expert surgery, and careful post-operative management.
Soft-Tissue Oncology

Baron — Life-Saving Mast Cell Tumor Removal

Very large, necrotic, hemorrhagic mast cell tumor successfully excised after an ER had quoted $10,000.

Species: Canine
Procedure: Wide tumor excision
Referral: Local emergency hospital
Outcome: Excellent — clean closure, smooth recovery

We planned wide margins, hemostasis strategies, and layered closure. The mass was removed and submitted for histopathology. Baron recovered well with multimodal analgesia and attentive after-care.

Client Review

“Great place to help my dog due to a serious mass. Very professional. The vets at this clinic are really professional and patient, and they’ll explain everything about your pet’s condition to you. If you ever need surgery for your dog, I definitely recommend choosing this clinic first. Don’t go to an emergency room because they really can’t do much. Dr. Yong at this clinic is also super patient, and surgical skills are excellent.”
Urology • Cystotomy

Malibu — Cystotomy for Bladder Stone Removal (French Bulldog)

Obstructive cystolith removed; rapid return to comfort and normal urination.

Species: Canine
Procedure: Ventral cystotomy & bladder lavage
Outcome: Excellent — immediate relief
Prevention: Diet plan & follow-up urinalysis

Diagnostics confirmed a significant bladder stone. We performed a ventral cystotomy, thoroughly lavaged, and closed in layers. Malibu recovered smoothly with analgesia and monitoring.

Orthopedics/Soft-Tissue • Tail

Clyde — Tail Amputation for Happy Tail Syndrome

Chronic bleeding & trauma resolved with caudectomy and layered closure.

Species: Canine
Indication: Recurrent “happy tail” hemorrhage
Procedure: Tail amputation (caudectomy)
Outcome: Pain-free recovery; wound healed well

For severe, recurrent “happy tail,” amputation prevents ongoing injury and infection. Clyde recovered smoothly with pain control, bandage care, and activity restriction.

Dentistry

Stanley — Recovery from Advanced Dental Disease

Comprehensive dental procedure restored comfort and appetite.

Stanley, a 4-year-old British Shorthair, arrived after emergency testing for anorexia. Dental surgery addressed painful disease and he quickly regained energy and appetite.

Client Review

“Amazing Vet! Kind, thorough, and fair pricing (which is so hard to find). Dr. Yong gave so much personal attention to our cat and offered rational and genuine advice. We brought in a sick kitty — who is now thriving. Thank you to Dr. Yong and all the great staff at Holly Vet Clinic🐾”
Emergency • Linear Foreign Body

Makalani — Life-Saving Surgery for Linear Foreign Body

String anchored under the tongue and through the intestines; treated with emergency surgery and supportive care.

We removed the foreign body and addressed associated complications. After brief postoperative ileus requiring follow-up, Makalani recovered and returned to normal life.

Client Review

“With the expert care by Dr. Yong and his phenomenal staff, Makalani is alive and well and will have his 12th birthday in June. Mahalo and Aloha to Dr. Yong and the team at Holly Vet Clinic.” — Bev Ka'ne & Makalani
Emergency • Pyometra

Diamond — Life-Saving Emergency Pyometra Surgery

Critical uterine infection treated with emergency ovariohysterectomy and critical care.

Unspayed female cats and dogs can develop pyometra—rapid recognition and surgery are essential. Diamond recovered fully with post-op monitoring and support.

Client Review

“Dr. Yong went above and beyond to get Diamond in right away, performed lifesaving surgery, and provided compassionate care throughout. We’re forever grateful.”
Emergency • Foreign Body

Luna — Multiple Gastrointestinal Obstructions

Urgent foreign body surgery led to a full recovery—just in time for the holidays.

Young dogs may ingest fabric or toys, causing dangerous obstructions. We performed emergency surgery and careful after-care; Luna made a complete recovery.

Client Review

“Highly professional and truly caring. They saved my 10-month-old puppy against all odds—now she’s playful and enjoyed her first Christmas with us. We’re forever grateful and will recommend them to everyone!”
Reconstruction • Tail

Zuki — Tail Injury Repair, Amputation Avoided

Severe tail injury repaired with advanced wound management and surgery.

Despite exposed nerves and a prior amputation recommendation, our team reconstructed Zuki’s tail, preserving function and appearance. Post-op healing progressed well.

Client Review

“Wonderful experience – transparent pricing, got us in next day, staff and Dr. were quick, understanding, and explained everything. They took great care of our anxious rescue Husky. Highly recommend!”
Emergency • Foreign Body

Darcy — Multiple Gastrointestinal Obstructions (Cat)

Combined gastrotomy and enterotomy restored normal digestion and comfort.

We safely removed obstructive material via gastric and intestinal surgery. Darcy recovered well with multimodal analgesia and supportive care.

What is a linear foreign body (string) in cats?

A long object (string/thread) can anchor in the mouth or pylorus and cause the intestines to bunch, risking perforation. Treatment often requires surgery.

How quickly should a suspected foreign body be treated?

Immediately—complications escalate rapidly. If your pet is vomiting, lethargic, or not eating, call us for urgent evaluation.

What is a cystotomy?

A surgical opening of the bladder to remove stones and flush debris. Prevention includes diet changes and periodic monitoring.

When is tail amputation recommended?

For severe trauma or chronic “happy tail” with repeated bleeding/infection, amputation can restore comfort and prevent complications.