Surgery

Orthopedic and Joint Surgery

Healing of broken bones depends on proper re-alignment of fracture fragments and rigid immobilization during the healing period.  One of the ways veterinary surgeons accomplish this is through the use of bone plates.  Member hospitals are able to provide a full range of orthopedic services for the surgical and medical management of bone and joint disorders.  This includes stainless steel implants for traumatic fracture repair.

Another orthopedic disorder is rupture of the cranial cruciate ligment.  The tearing of this ligament allows the femur (thigh bone) to slide back and forth over the tibia (shin bone).  The rupture first causes pain, then abnormal wear and tear of the joint, leading to arthritis.  This sequence of events occurs most frequently in overweight, middle-aged to older dogs.  Surgical repair of the joint is an option to discuss with your veterinarian.

Laser Surgery

Laser surgery can replace the scalpel in many surgical procedures.  The pet feels less pain post-operatively since laser energy seals nerve endings.  There is less bleeding because the laser seals small blood vessels during surgery.  There is less swelling since laser energy does not crush, tear or bruise the tissue.

Lasers have been successfully used on humans for over 30 years.  A laser is ideal for a wide variety of surgical procedures such as removal of cysts, tumors or warts anywhere on the skin.  Laser surgery is also used for internal procedures such as cruciate rupture repairs, spays, neuters and removal of tumors from inside the animal.

SPCA and Humane Society Spay and Neuter Program

A neuter (castration) is the surgical removal of the male reproductive organs which involves removal of both testicles.  A spay (ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical removal of the female reproductive organs which involves removal of the two ovaries, the uterine horns and the body of the uterus.  These operations are chiefly indicated to help control the pet population by preventing pregnancies and reducing unwanted or unplanned litters of puppies and kittens.  When adopting an animal from the SPCA or the Humane Society, one of the benefits of the adoption is that the cost of either procedure is shared between the SPCA or Humane Society, the veterinary hospital and the adopter.  This shared cost is an incentive to find homes for these animals and prevent subsequent litters.

Other benefits of having your male pet neutered is that it can help prevent or curb inappropriate behaviors such as urine marking, territorial aggression and roaming, and markedly decreases the risk of acquired conditions of the male reproduction system such as prostate disorders and testicular cancer.  Female pets benefit also from being spayed as it can prevent heat (estrus) cycles from occurring, removes the chance of an infected uterus (pyometra) and dramatically reduces the chance of acquiring mammary (breast) cancer.

These procedures are performed frequently and are associated with a low level of risk to the animal.  The pets are first thoroughly examined to ensure that they are healthy and that there are no contraindications to having anesthetic and surgery.  Other options can be discussed with your veterinarian to reduce the risks of complications even further.