Our Services
We are a full time surgical unit that covers a wide variety of veterinary surgical procedures
Orthopedic Surgical Procedures
Angular limb deformity refers to an abnormal growth pattern in a dog’s limbs, typically characterized by a bend or twist. This condition arises when a growth plate (the area of growing tissue near the ends of long bones) closes too early or grows unevenly, leading to misalignment of the bones. The most common types of angular limb deformities include carpal valgus (outward turning of the paws) and carpal varus (inward turning of the paws).
Amputation is a surgical procedure often performed to relieve pain and improve quality of life, especially in cases of severe injury or disease.
Arthroscopy in dogs is a minimally invasive procedure that allows veterinarians to examine and treat joint diseases directly. The procedure involves inserting a tiny camera through a small incision to visualize the joint, which can be done on various joints such as the elbow, shoulder, and knee. It is particularly useful for diagnosing and treating conditions like elbow dysplasia, osteochondrosis, and biceps tendon injuries.
The cruciate ligament in dogs, specifically the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), is crucial for stabilizing the knee joint (stifle) and preventing the tibia from sliding forward. Injuries to the CCL are common and can result from various factors such as activity, breed, age, and obesity. Treatment options for CCL injuries include conservative management, surgical interventions like TPLO, wedge osteotomy, lateral suture stabilization, and pain management approaches. It’s important to address CCL injuries promptly to prevent further complications like osteoarthritis.
Elbow dysplasia in dogs is a condition that involves several developmental abnormalities in the elbow joint, leading to pain and arthritis. It includes issues such as fragmented coronoid process, osteochondrosis, joint incongruity, and ununited anconeal process. Symptoms often include lameness, pain, and reduced range of motion in the affected elbow. Treatment options may vary from conservative management, such as weight control and physical therapy, to surgical interventions depending on the severity of the condition. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for maintaining a dog’s quality of life.
Femoral head and neck excision involves the surgical removal of the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) and the neck of the femur (the thigh bone). This procedure is typically indicated for dogs suffering from conditions such as: Severe hip fractures or dislocations: When other treatment options are not viable. Hip dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly, leading to arthritis and pain. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: A condition that causes the blood supply to the femoral head to be disrupted, leading to bone degeneration.
Fracture repairs in small animals can be repaired using a variety of techniques, depending on the specifics of the injury and the needs of the patient. Common options include pins, bone plates, external fixators, and casts or splints. Some fractures have to be repaired with a traditional open approach and others can be repaired using minimally invasive techniques that allow preservation of the blood supply and surrounding soft tissues.
Fracture repairs in dogs can be performed using both minimally invasive and open technique Minimally invasive methods, such as locking bone plates, and external fixation, are used to stabilize fractures with less disruption to surrounding tissues and blood supply. These techniques are particularly beneficial for young, growing dogs and those with growth plate fractures.
Open fracture stabilization, while more invasive, can be performed when minimally invasive methods are not suitable. The choice between these methods depends on the specific fracture, the dog’s age, and the surgeon’s expertise.
Joint reduction and stabilization procedures for dogs, such as open hip reduction using a toggle, are essential for treating hip joint luxation. These procedures involve surgical techniques to stabilize the hip joint, preventing further dislocation and restoring joint function.
OCD is an developmental disease of young animals in which articular (joint) cartilage fails to form properly, causing discomfort and lameness. Minimally invasive arthroscopy can be used to examine affected joints, remove cartilage flaps, and encourage the repair of defects with fibrocartilage.
Joint resurfacing for canine OCD lesions involves using synthetic cartilage plugs, to replace the damaged cartilage. These plugs are made from a biodurable polycarbonate urethane on the articular surface and molded onto a titanium mesh at the base. The procedure is minimally invasive and aims to allow bone ingrowth and fusion, providing a smooth joint surface for the affected joint.
Patella luxation, or a luxating patella, is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position in the groove of the femur. This condition is most common in small and toy breeds, and it can lead to pain, limping, and arthritis if left untreated. The severity of patella luxation is graded from 1 to 4, with grades 3 and 4 often requiring surgical intervention.
Patellar groove replacement (PGR) is a surgical procedure designed to address the condition of patellar luxation in dogs. It involves the implantation of a prosthetic groove onto the distal femur, creating a stable track for the patella to glide within, thereby restoring normal biomechanical function and reducing the risk of future luxations. This procedure is typically considered in cases where standard trochleoplasty procedures are not suitable or have previously failed. PGR offers an anatomically accurate and biomechanically strong reconstruction, often improving long-term outcomes in severe cases.
For dogs suffering from tendon and ligament injuries, there are several methods and treatments available to aid in the repair process.
Soft Tissue Surgical Procedures
Abdominal surgery in dogs involves a variety of procedures aimed at diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the abdominal cavity. The procedure may include spaying, neutering, foreign body removal, tumour removal, GDV surgery, intestinal resection, and cystotomy.
BOAS is a disorder commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and English Bulldogs. It results from anatomical abnormalities in the upper airway, including:
- Stenotic nares: Narrowed nostrils that restrict airflow.
- Elongated soft palate: An excessively long soft palate that partially blocks the trachea.
- Laryngeal collapse: Weakening of the laryngeal structures, leading to airway obstruction.
These anatomical changes are often present from birth and can worsen over time, leading to increased respiratory effort and associated health risks.
Gastrointestinal surgery in dogs involves the removal and reconnection of sections of the intestines or stomach. This procedure is performed to address issues such as damage, disease, or foreign bodies.
Laryngeal tieback surgery is a common procedure for dogs with laryngeal paralysis, a condition where the muscles controlling the larynx do not function properly. This surgery involves suturing a cartilage flap on one side of the larynx to keep it partially open, improving airflow and potentially reducing the need for more invasive treatment
Mass resection and oncologic surgery involves a comprehensive approach to the surgical removal of tumors, which can range from benign lipomas to malignant tumors. The procedure aims to diagnose the extent of cancer, restore function, and relieve pain. The surgical approach depends on the type and location of the tumor, with options including external mass removal, internal tumor removal, and wide resection for curative intent.
A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when there is a tear in the diaphragm, allowing abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity. This condition can be caused by trauma, such as being hit by a car, or congenital defects present at birth. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, lethargy, and abdominal distension. Treatment typically involves surgical repair, along with supportive care such as oxygen therapy and pain management. It’s crucial to seek veterinary care if you suspect your dog has this condition.
Urological and genitourinary surgeries are performed to address various urologic and genitourinary issues. These surgeries can include procedures such as urethrotomy, urethrostomy, and cystotomy, which are performed to create or bypass obstructions in the urinary tract or to treat conditions like bladder stones or prostatic disease.
Complex wound closure involves a range of techniques and considerations to ensure proper healing and function.
Help ‘Em Up Harness
Introducing the Help’EmUp Harness with “Hip Lift.” A complete shoulder and hip harness system that literally lifts the lives of aging or recovering dogs!
By placing a pair of handles where you can quickly reach them, this unique dog harness allows you to lend support at any time.