Ovariohysterectomy (spay)/Castration (neuter)
These procedures involve removing the reproductive organs (uterus and ovaries in females or testicles in males). Not only do these procedures help with population control but they also provide prevention in animal disease. Spayed and neutered pets are subject to (1) less trauma (dog and cat fights, vehicular trauma) (2) a decrease in reproductive cancers (3) fewer undesirable behaviors (marking, aggression,etc) (4) fewer infectious diseases.
Mass removal
Any abnormal growth on your pet is considered a mass. These masses could be a benign mass or a malignant cancer. Removal of these masses and submission of the tissue to the laboratory are often recommended in order to provide your pet with the proper care.
Dental cleaning
This procedure involves cleaning the plaque from your pet's teeth. We also clean under the gingiva (gums) in order to keep the periodontal structures healthy. This procedure uses an ultrasonic scaler and therefore, general anesthesia is necessary. We also use this opportunity to inspect the oral cavity for any abnormalities.
Periodontal procedures (subgingival curretage, root planing, gingival flaps for extractions and deep cleaning)
There are certain instances when advanced periodontal procedures are required to save a tooth. These procedures are usually done in conjunction with dental cleaning or may be staged for a different time.
Oronasal Fistula repair
An oronasal fistula is an opening between the nasal cavity and the oral cavity. It is caused by periodontal and dental disease, trauma, cancer, etc. These fistulas are corrected by treating the primary cause (extracting infected teeth, removing the mouth cancer, etc) and then closing the fistula.
Dental extractions/ x-rays
Dental extractions are performed on diseased teeth. Sometimes teeth are mobile because of periodontal disease. In this case we will extract the mobile teeth. In other instances, teeth are extracted because they are fractured and the pulp chamber (where the nerve is located) is exposed. Dental x-rays are taken before and after extractions to confirm that the extraction is complete.
Fracture Repair
Fractures of long bones occur secondary to trauma or existing pathology (bone tumors). Various methods of internal fixation are used to repair fractures (pins, bone plates, screws). These methods are superior to casting or splinting because they provide a more rigid stabalization of the fracture. This in turn provides faster healing times.
Luxation Repair (joint dislocation)
Dislocation of joints usually occurs secondary to trauma. Occasionally the joint can be replaced under anesthesia without surgery. Bandaging the affected joint provides stability until the ligaments and joint capsule heals. However, some joints require surgery to stabilize the supporting structures so the joint will not dislocate again.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair
This injury is the most common injury of the rear limb in dogs. When the cruciate ligament is torn, it causes instability of the knee joint. This instability causes the dog pain and decrease function. Repair of this joint involves replacing the torn ligament with a synthetic ligament that mimics the function of the original ligament. The prognosis for these patients is very good. This injury occurs in dogs and cats.
Patellar Luxation Repair (dislocating knee-cap)
Patellar luxation is a frequent abnormality seen in dogs ( and occasionally cats). It occurs secondary to the abnormal development of the groove where the patella rest. When the groove is shallow, the patella "slips" out of the groove and usually moves medially (to the inside of the knee). This luxation causes pain, and abnormal function of the limb therefore the animal will limp or "bunny-hop". Surgical correction, including a trochleoplasty and tibial crest transposition, is usually needed to correct the lameness and resolve the pain.
Amputations
There are certain instances when amputation of the forelimb or rear limb may be necessary. Cancer (tumors) of the limb or severe fractures are reasons we may recommend amputation. Most dogs and cats do very well with limb amputation and are ambulatory (walking) before they leave the hospital. Aggressive pain management is instituted before, during and after these surgeries to ensure the patient is comfortable.
Abdominal Exploratory
Exploration of the abdomen is used as a diagnostic tool and a method of treatment. There are instances when abdominal x-rays or ultrasound do not reveal the diagnosis and surgical exploration of the abdomen is warranted. Other times, the diagnosis has been made and exploration of the abdomen results in resolution of the problem( removal of foreign bodies that are swallowed, liver biopsies, tumor removals, etc).
Splenectomy
The spleen is a very vascular (full of blood vessels) organ that is located in the abdominal cavity. When it becomes diseased ( cancer, trauma from being hit by a car), the animal can begin to bleed internally. Removal of the spleen via a laparotomy (surgical opening of the abdomen) is often necessary to remedy the problem.
Oncological surgery (tumor removal)
Malignant tumors can occur on the surface of the body or internally. Surgical removal of these tumors is often the first step of cancer therapy. Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be recommended in conjunction with surgical tumor removal to eradicate the cancer.
Gastrointestinal surgery ( Foreign body removal, Resection/Anastomosis, Intussusception)
Gastrointestinal obstruction occurs secondary to foreign bodies that are ingested. Occasionally the obstruction can lead to death of the intestine and the intestine is removed and repaired (resection/anastomosis). Foreign objects, infections, or parasites can also cause the intestine to fold upon itself and cause a blockage that must be relieved surgically (intussusception). Some foreign bodies, such as pennies, will not cause obstruction but can be fatal secondary to zinc toxicity from the digestion of the coin. The coins must be removed surgically to prevent this from occurring.
Surgical Declawing in cats
There are certain instances when it is necessary to declaw (surgical amputation of the 3rd phalanx of each digit) your indoor cat. The surgery is done under a general anesthetic. Amputation of the third phalanx of each digit (forelimbs only) is performed. A surgical grade glue is used to close the amputation sites. At other times sutures are used. Sometimes, bandages are used to reduce the chance of bleeding after surgery. Cats are kept in the hospital overnight. Declawing your cat is a decision that should be made under the counsel of your veterinarian. Once cat's are declawed, it is recommended that they do not go outdoors (unless supervised). By declawing them, we have taken away a portion of their defense mechanism and they are more prone to injury.
Dewclaw removal and Tail Docking in puppies
Breed standards have driven the desire for most pet owners to request dewclaw removal and tail docking of puppies. Exceptions include performance dogs that are used in heavy brush or thick terrain. Trauma to dewclaws can be experienced and therefore need removal. Tail docking (amputation) and dewclaw removal are typically done at 3-4 days of life of the puppy. If this window of time is missed, then we allow the puppy to mature to 6 months of age and perform the surgery under a general anesthetic. Of course, recovery from the surgery (suture care, confinement) is more involved as the pet matures.
Cystotomy for Bladder stones or Tumor removal
A cystotomy is a surgical incision into the bladder. This surgery is indicated if bladder stones are discovered. Some bladder stones are amendable to dissolution with special diets while other stones must be removed surgically. If a tumor is suspected in the bladder, a cystotomy is performed to remove the tumor. The cystotomy is performed through a laparotomy incision (incision into the abdomen).
Perineal Urethrostomy (Blocked Urethral surgery)
The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside world. As the urethra gets closer to the outside world, it gets more narrow. There are certain instances when the urethra becomes obstructed and surgery is indicated to relieve the obstruction. In dogs, this is typically secondary to the passage of small bladder stones. The stones get stuck in the urethra and obstruct urine outflow. When this happens, surgical removal of the stone is indicated. Since this obstruction occurs as the urethra is narrowing, a special urethral hole (urethrostomy) is made in the wider portion of the urethra. This is done to prevent recurrence. The same procedure is performed in cats; however, the pathology is different in cats. This malady is much more prevalent in males than females because the urethra of the male is more narrow than the female.
Vaginal Prolapse
Vaginal prolapse is the protrusion of the vaginal tissue through the vulva. This can occur in female dogs during estrous cycles (heat cycles), parturition (labor) or post-parturition. Manual replacement of the hyperplastic vaginal tissue is possible but re- prolapse is common. Surgical replacement or ovariohysterectomy( spay) are sometimes indicated in these animals.
Vaginal Ring Strictures
Malformation of the vestibulovaginal junction (where the vagina meets the urethral opening) can result in disease. The most common symptoms occur in young female dogs and include inappropriate urination, recurring urinary tract infections, vaginitis or pain when breedeing. Opening of this malformation corrects the problem. This can be done by digital dilation (under sedation) or by resecting the membrane under general anesthesia.
Caesarian Section
Parturition is the act of giving birth. During parturition, puppies or kittens may not advance into the birth canal in the appropriate time frame and caesarian sections are indicated. Timing of the caesarian section is very important in order to prevent puppy or kitten death. The surgery involves a laparotomy (incision into the abdomen) and then an incision into the uterus to retrieve the neonate. As soon as the mother recovers from the anesthesia, the puppies/kittens are allowed to nurse.
Aural (Ear) Hematoma Repair
The pinna of the ear is the ear "flap". Sometimes the pinna becomes swollen and fluid filled. This is called a hematoma. The hematoma (blood filled pouch) usually occurs secondary to the pet shaking his/her head (secondary to ear infections) or due to trauma to the pinna. Blood vessels in the pinna will break and bleed. Occasionally you will see hematomas secondary to a bleeding disorder. Non-surgical drainage of the ear is occasionally suggested but recurrence is common. Surgical drainage is the typical recommendation and is usually curative of the problem. The underlying cause of the hematoma is also identified and treated.
Lateral Ear Canal Resection
The ear canal of the dog and cat are made of 2 canals: vertical canal and horizontal canal. The vertical canal leads to the horizontal canal which leads to the tympanic membrane (ear drum). Occasionally we will have tumors that will grow in the vertical canal only. This tumor will obstruct the canal. Removal of the tumor and the vertical ear canal allows the pet to maintain a healthy horizontal canal and to hear better.
Eyelid Tumor Removal
Small tumors can form on the eyelids of your pets. These tumors are usually benign but can be malignant(cancer). The tumor may grow in size and begin to irritate the cornea. Surgical removal of these tumors prevents corneal damage and allows us to get a biopsy and a diagnosis.
Pyometra
Pyometra is an infection of the uterus. The pyometra may be closed or open. Open pyometras result in active drainage of the infection from the vulva of the female pet. Closed pyometras do not drain. Pets become very sick from these infections and surgical removal of the uterus (spay) is typically indicated. If the female is a valuable breeding animal, hormonal injections can be given to encourage the expulsion of the infection. This treatment is reserved for special circumstances and the life of the female is always held above maintaining the breeding capacity.
Routine Wellness Exams
Vaccinations
Puppy and Kitten Exams
Medical Services
Surgical Services 
Diagnostics