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Surgical Services

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We provide many surgical services at our clinic, ranging from routine to advanced procedures. Because we want to ensure that our patients receive the best possible outcome, we occasionally refer them to specialists (board-certified veterinary surgeons) to perform complex operations when advanced equipment or training will be beneficial. We take every precaution so that your pet receives the highest-quality care. We perform a physical exam and preanesthetic testing before surgery, monitor your pet during surgery, and provide appropriate pain medication to keep your pet comfortable during recovery.

Gastropexy

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Large and giant breed dogs, especially ones with deep chests such as Great Danes, Standard Poodles, Labradors and Golden Retrievers, are at increased risk for a life-threatening condition called GDV.

However, GDV can occur in ANY breed of dog—even a Chihuahua.

GDV= Gastric Dilatation & Volvulus or BLOAT

The stomach can become bloated if a dog eats or drinks and then runs around a lot, causing gas to build up in the stomach. It can happen if they eat a lot of certain foods, like bread. It can also happen for no apparent reason at all.

The bloated stomach expands and flips over—causing severe pain, compromised blood vessels and often, death.

The main clinical sign is a dog that is trying to vomit but not bringing anything up.

A surgical procedure called a Gastropexy can be done to help PREVENT this horrible condition. During this surgery, the stomach wall is tacked to the interior body wall so that it cannot twist or flip over. The stomach might still fill up with gas, but the life-threatening twisting or volvulus should not occur.

Dr. Amey is one of the few veterinarians in this area that regularly performs this preventive surgical procedure.

This preventive surgery can be done anytime but is usually offered at the time of spay or neuter so that your pet needs only one anesthetic.

GASTROPEXY SAVES LIVES! Talk with us about the risk of GDV in your pet.

October 20, 2017
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Spaying

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Spaying your pet has many benefits. The procedure, which prevents female animals from becoming pregnant and reproducing, can help your dog or cat live a longer, healthier life. Spaying will not change your pet’s personality.

By spaying your female pet, you’re protecting her against potentially deadly diseases, including bacterial infections, reproductive tract diseases, and several types of cancer. You also won’t have to worry about her going into heat. This means avoiding the mess that often accompanies the heat cycle in female dogs and the pacing and crying that happens with female cats. In addition, spaying your pet will help control the dog and cat overpopulation problem, keeping more animals out of shelters.

Spaying, which involves removing the ovaries and uterus, is a surgical procedure and does need to be performed with the pet under anesthesia. We follow strict protocols and continually monitor your pet’s vital signs to help ensure her safety. Please see the descriptions under Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring for more information on how we optimize your pet’s safety under anesthesia.

To set up an appointment to have your pet spayed or to learn more about this procedure, call or visit our clinic. If you are struggling with the decision of whether to spay your pet, please call us so we can discuss your concerns.

May 16, 2011
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Neutering

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Neutering your pet has many benefits. The procedure, which prevents male animals from reproducing, can help your dog or cat live a longer, healthier life. Neutering will not change your pet’s personality.

New research suggests there may be benefit in waiting until 18mo- 2 years of age to neuter certain large and giant breeds of dogs. (Golden Retrievers, for example). Speak to us about the pros and cons of delaying the age of neutering.

By neutering your pet, you’re reducing or eliminating his risk for prostate and testicular cancer, as well as sexually transmitted diseases. Neutering will also reduce or eliminate undesirable and embarrassing behaviour, including roaming, fighting, humping, and spraying. In addition, neutering your pet will help control the dog and cat overpopulation problem, keeping more animals out of shelters.

Neutering, which involves removing the testicles, is a surgical procedure and does need to be performed with the pet under anesthesia. We follow strict protocols and continually monitor your pet’s vital signs to help ensure his safety. Please see the descriptions under Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring for more information on how we optimize your pet’s safety under anesthesia.

To set up an appointment to have your pet neutered or to learn more about this procedure, please call or visit our clinic. If you are struggling with the decision of whether to neuter your pet, please call us or stop by so we can discuss your concerns.

May 16, 2011
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Soft Tissue Surgery

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We perform many types of soft tissue surgeries at our clinic. Soft tissue surgeries are those that are not associated with bone. These surgeries can provide many benefits to pets.

Probably the most common soft tissue surgery performed on pets is the removal of masses, or lumps. Most of these masses, once removed and tested, are found to be benign (nonharmful); however, occasionally they are more serious. Early removal and accurate diagnosis of a lump is necessary to improve the outcome in your pet if the mass is cancerous.

Surgery can also help resolve several problems related to the eyes. Tearing in your pet’s eyes can mean an infection is present or may be a sign that the cornea (outer layer of the eye) has been damaged. Surgery may allow the cornea to heal faster with less scarring, improving your pet’s ability to see. In some pets, the eyelashes may actually damage the cornea. Surgical intervention improves comfort in these pets, reduces the chances of corneal scarring, and enhances the pet’s vision in the long term.

Please contact us if you’d like to discuss how soft tissue surgery might be able to help your pet.

May 16, 2011
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