Our Services
Orthopedic Surgery
Soft Tissue Surgery
Arthroscopy / Laparoscopy
Bandaging / Casting
Rehabilitation & Athletic Conditioning
Bulldog Patients
Orthopedic Surgery
- Cranial Crucial Ligament (TPLO)
- Patella Luxation Correction (MPL/LPL)
- Fracture Repair
- Elbow FCP/UAP
- Hip Surgery (FHO)
- Hip Luxation
- Arthrodesis
- Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)
- OCD (Shoulder, hock, stifle)
- Ulnar Ostemotomy/Ostectomy
- Pin/Wire/Plate Removal
*Please call our office for pricing or additional surgical procedure inquiries.
Soft Tissue Surgery
- Amputation
- Mass Removal
- Cystotomy
- Gastropexy
- Ovariohysterectomy
- Parathyroidectomy
- Vulvoplasty
- Thyroidectomy
- Cryptochid Castration
- Perineal Urethrostomy
- Salivary Mucocele
- Ventral Bulla Osteotomy
- Anal Sacculectomy
- Perineal Hernia Correction
- Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA)
*Please call our office for pricing or additional surgical procedure inquiries
Arthroscopy
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Stifle Arthroscopy
Elbow Arthroscopy
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopic Ovariohysterectomy
Gastropexy
Cryptorchid Castration
Liver Biopsy
*Please call our office for pricing or additional surgical procedure inquiries.
Bandaging / Casting
Occasionally, surgery is not the most appropriate or the only option for an injury. All patients are evaluated by our board-certified surgeons, and a care plan is established for each individual patient. If bandaging or casting is required, our staff is well trained in appropriate bandage application and casting to be able to provide your animal with top notch care.
Bandaging & Casting Care
Keep the bandage clean and dry!
- Check the bandage and assess the two middle toes for swelling/spreading 2-3 times per day.
- Place a plastic bag or Glad Press-N-Seal around the bandage when your pet goes outside. Remove plastic bag when inside.
- Raise and secure any water in the cage to prevent stepping in the water bowl, which typically necessitates a bandage change.
- Do not re-apply the bandage yourself or have anyone but a veterinarian apply the bandage for you. Incorrect bandaging can cause serious damage and may result in complications leading to amputation or death.
- Your pet must wear an E-collar to prevent chewing or damage to the bandage.
Call a veterinarian if any of the problems below are noted:
- If the bandage is dirty, wet, or if there is strike-through (fluid or blood wicking from inside the bandage and visible on the outside of the bandage)
- If the bandage smells bad
- If there is swelling or spreading of the two middle toes
- If your pet seems painful or is concerned by the bandage (and was not previously)
Bandage FAQ
The bandage/cast on my pet smells bad. What should I do?
If you notice a strong odor coming from the bandage/cast, you should contact your primary care veterinarian, or our hospital, immediately. A strong/foul odor typically indicates soft tissue irritation, and the bandaged/casted area needs to be examined by a veterinarian.
What do I cover the bandage/cast with when we go outside?
We send home empty/dry fluid bags that make great covers for bandages/casts. You can also place glad press and seal on the bandage/cast, a shopping bag, a trash bag, or any type of water proof cover that can be easily removed once your pet comes back inside.
Animals’ toes sweat, so any covering on a limb (front leg, back leg) bandage/cast should be removed once the pet has returned to a safe and dry area.
What if the bandage/cast gets wet?
If your pets’ bandage/cast gets wet from water, environmental moisture, or licking/chewing, you should contact your primary care veterinarian, or our hospital, immediately. A wet bandage can dry and restrict the area it was applied to, thus making a very tight and uncomfortable bandage/cast. Also, prolonged moisture on a wound or skin will not allow for proper healing and may cause damage to healthy skin/tissue under the bandage/cast.
Why does my pet have to wear a cone/e-collar?
Licking/chewing of the bandage/cast will cause moisture to the soft padded layers of the bandage/cast. This moisture/wetness can dry and restrict the area it was applied to, thus making it very tight and uncomfortable. Also, prolonged moisture on a wound or skin will not allow for proper healing, and it may cause damage to healthy skin/tissue under the bandage/cast.
Why does my pet have to be exercise restricted while wearing their bandage/cast?
Exercise restriction is imperative to good bandage/cast care. The more your pet moves, the more likely they are to shift or cause movement to the bandage/cast. Bandages/casts are placed to immobilize an area, so more than advised exercise can cause the bandage/cast to shift, thus causing bandage sores.
My dog suddenly acts uncomfortable with the bandage/cast; what should I do?
If your pet has been wearing their bandage/cast with no issue, and suddenly will not use that limb or acts painful, you should contact your primary care veterinarian, or our hospital, immediately. This is an indication that something is uncomfortable under the bandage/cast, and it should be changed.
Why can’t I reapply the bandage/cast myself?
Improper application of a bandage/cast can restrict blood flow to the applied area, thus causing damage to the tissue underneath. If left untreated, this can result in irreversible damage to the area, and may require amputation if left untreated for too long.
Rehabilitation & Athletic Conditioning
A referral is needed from your primary care veterinarian for both rehabilitation and athletic conditioning. Because your primary care veterinarian knows your pet best, we rely on them to help us make sure your pet is healthy, or alert us to any special care your pet may need, prior to their evaluation with us. Your pets’ health and care are our number one priority.
After evaluating your pet, our trained staff will advise how many sessions would be best. Visits can be purchased individually or in increments of 10. A discount applies to each group of 10 sessions.
Packages
We are currently offering two different rehabilitation/conditioning packages.
Level 1 Package: includes twice a week visits, for three weeks
- Includes up to 3 modalities specifically chosen for your pet by our rehabiliation specialist.
- Includes a weekly examinationto monitor appropriate progression.
Level 2 Package: includes twice a week visits, for six weeks
- Includes up to 3 modalities specficially chosen for your pet by our rehabilitation specialist
- Includes a weekly examination to monitor appropriate progression.
Bulldog/Brachycephalic Patients
All brachycephalic patients are required to come in for a consultation prior to scheduling surgery. This is to verify that your pets’ airway and general health is appropriate if surgery is needed. While not all the brachycephalic breeds have trouble breathing, we take every precaution possible to be sure your pet will be safe in our care. At the consultation, the surgeon will send home oral medication that should be given on a specific schedule prior to surgery. The provided directions at the consultation must be followed to ensure the safety of your pet if anesthesia is required.
Referring veterinarians are encouraged to take three view chest radiographs and perform blood work on all brachycephalic breeds prior to submitting a referral.
*If your pet has no history of any airway distress, we are happy to discuss alternative accommodations with your primary care veterinarian prior to your consultation*
Payment for Services
Payment is due upon services rendered.
Specific procedures may require a deposit.
Please see the Payment Options page for payment options.
Pre-surgical FAQs
I made my appointment for a consultation and surgery on the same day. What should I expect?
Your pet can have surgery the same day as your exam after they have been evaluated by the surgeon. During your consultation, your pet is examined to establish a diagnosis, and a treatment plan is established. If surgery is a viable option for your pet, we will discuss all the risks associated with surgery, as well as rehabilitation after surgery. If you wish to pursue surgery, it will be done that day, and your pet will go home with you that night.
I don’t want surgery; can I still bring my pet in for an evaluation?
Absolutely! Please visit your primary care veterinarian for a full examination and referral to our office. Once the referral is received, we will contact you to set up an appointment. At your consultation, we will examine your pet and establish a diagnosis and treatment plan. This treatment plan will include surgical and non-surgical options.
How late can I feed my pet the night before surgery?
Please do not feed your pet after 10pm the night before surgery. Your pet may have water throughout the night, and they may have water the morning prior to their appointment.
My pet is on daily medications. Can I still give the medications the morning of my appointment?
- If we have advised you to give your pet specific mediations prior to their visit, those medications may be given in a small dab of peanut butter, a piece of cheese, or a pill pocket.
- If your pet is on daily medications prescribed by the primary care veterinarian, please contact our office to discuss which medications your pet should and should not take.
Why do I have to drop my pet off so early if you do surgery in the afternoon?
All consultations take place in the morning, and surgery takes place in the late morning and afternoon. Once your pet is admitted to the hospital, we will begin the necessary process to prepare them for surgery. This process includes, but is not limited to, assessing and gathering all vitals, giving preanesthetic oral medications which include an anti-anxiety, an anti-nausea, and a pain medication. We also place an IV catheter, run preoperative bloodwork, take preoperative radiographs, shave/prep the patient, sterilely prep the patient, sterilely prep the OR, and prepare all medications and paperwork for the patient.
My pet goes home with me the same day. Will they be able to walk?
Some of our patients walk out of the hospital, and some require assistance to the car. Regardless of your pet’s ability to walk, we will help you load them into your car. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member available at home to help you assist your pet into your home.
I want my pet to stay overnight. Can your animal hospital accommodate that?
Our animal hospital is unable to accommodate overnight patient care currently. Please call our office to discuss the best post operative care arrangements for your pet if you feel you will be unable to care for them at home after surgery.
How will I control my dog’s pain?
We have a wide variety of medications that are intended to reduce and control pre and post operative pain. The pain management process begins in the hospital with pre medications before your pet has surgery. We will also send you to the pharmacy with written prescriptions to fill prior to picking up your pet. These will be medications you can give your pet in the evening after surgery, if/when they are needed for pain control.
How will I remember all this information?
Every pet goes home with thorough discharge instructions. Discharge instructions include all medications being sent home, if/when to give those medications, and how to reach your surgeon after hours. These discharge instructions will be emailed to you prior to picking up your pet from surgery. It is strongly encouraged that you read the discharges prior to picking up your pet so we can help you through any additional questions you may have.
Post Surgical FAQs
My pet isn’t crate trained, but they’re not allowed to sleep in the bed with me. What should I do?
If your pet isn’t crate trained, post orthopedic surgery is NOT the appropriate time to start! Your pet should remain in a small area of the house where they are not allowed to run, jump, or get on furniture. Examples of small safe areas of the home include a half bath, laundry room, spare bedroom without furniture, or a gated off corner in any room in your house. If your pet typically sleeps in bed with you, we recommend putting your mattress on the floor so you can sleep together. If you’re unable to put your mattress on the floor, an air mattress for the duration of your pets’ recovery may be the best way for everyone to get a good night’s sleep!
My pet is potty trained. Why did they wet themselves the night after surgery?
While your pet was in our care, they had an IV catheter and received their daily amount of fluids. They also received pain medications to keep them comfortable throughout surgery. Between being relaxed from the pain medications and having plenty of fluids, it is normal for your pet to have an accident while they’re sleeping. This should not continue longer than a night or two after surgery. We suggest you line any recovery area for your pet with pee pads for the night following surgery!
My pet is an avid eater. They aren’t interested in any food or water. What should I do?
- Please do not feed your pet the night after surgery. Anesthesia takes a full 24-48 hours to process through your pets’ body. We do not want them to eat and aspirate on any food or water. If your pet isn’t interested in food or water the morning after surgery, that is completely normal. Even the chow hounds among us can get a queasy belly after anesthesia, making us not want to eat.
- Try feeding your pet something extra tasty to encourage them to eat again. Examples of extra tasty safe foods include boiled chicken, low sodium chicken broth over their food, wet food, scrambled eggs, or lunch meat. Remember that your pet also received their daily allotment of fluids through their IV catheter while they were in our care, and they simply may not feel thirsty. Low sodium chicken broth mixed into some water can often encourage them to drink.
Is the price of rechecks or recheck radiographs included in the cost of surgery?
Rechecks are not included in the cost of surgery because they are scheduled on an as needed basis, according to each patient. Recheck radiographs are not included in cost of surgery either to allow patients to return to their primary care veterinarian if that is more convenient.
How do I know if my pet is in pain?
Examples of pain after surgery can include panting, licking their lips, inability to get settled, pacing, whining/crying, and aggressive behavior. Please try to calm and help them get laid down if they aren’t acting aggressively. If they’re panting, be sure they aren’t covered in blankets and aren’t getting too hot. Please keep in mind that they may also have to urinate or defecate, so a bathroom trip may be in order. If you have tried to soothe your pet and are sure they don’t have to use the bathroom, your pet may need the additional pain or anxiety medications that were sent home.
When do I know to give my dog pain medications?
All medication descriptions and administration times are listed on your discharge instructions. Please verify if a specific medication needs to be given with a meal or not prior to giving any medication to your pet.
My pet is whining and crying once home from surgery. Are they okay?
Anesthesia can cause animals to become dysphoric. Dysphoric behavior means they’re uneasy, anxious, and display agitated behavior. Dysphoria is often displayed in acts of howling, barking, whining, panting, and other forms of vocalizing. This is completely normal. If your pet was prescribed anti-anxiety medications, you may try that to see if it helps. However, your pet may just need to get it out of their system and allow the anesthesia to run its course. You pet should not do this beyond the first night after surgery.
I have a fenced in back yard. Why do I need to leash walk my pet?
Your pet should always be on a leash during recovery to avoid them trying to chase a bird, squirrel, rabbit, or trying to play with any housemates. Even the best pets still get excited to chase or play. When they’re not on a leash, you cannot stop them if they try to run.
My pet hates the cone. I got them an inflatable donut e-collar. Is that okay?
We recommend your pet wears the cone that we provide after surgery. The blow-up donut cones are easy for pets to roll their neck over and lick their incision. When pets lick their incision, they run a very high risk of getting their surgical site infected, which may lead to additional surgery.
I brought my dog home from surgery and they’re breathing slowly and not wanting to get up. What do I do?
After surgery, it is okay if your dog goes home and lays down. They are often still sleepy from the anesthesia and pain medications that they received while in our care. You should still be able to rouse your pet by gently petting them and saying their name. If you are concerned that your pet is too sedate, please contact your surgeon. Their phone number can be found on the last page of your discharge instructions.