Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Care Center

Dermatology is a field within veterinary medicine that focuses on the treatment or management of conditions relating to a pet’s skin, ear, hair, and claws.  

As the largest organ in cats and dogs, there is no surprise that skin-related visits are some of the most common appointments at primary care clinics. From allergies to infections, the list of potential dermatological problems in pets is extensive. Skin-related symptoms can also be a sign of an underlying internal condition.

Thankfully, most dermatological conditions in pets can be fully cured or well managed given that you seek help early, regularly meet with a veterinarian, and follow your pet’s recommended treatment plan at home. 

Internal Medicine is a specialty branch of veterinary medicine involving the treatment and management of more complex conditions affecting pets’ internal organs that often coincide with chronic illnesses. Conditions that cannot be effectively managed by your family veterinarian alone will often receive a consult or be referred to an internal medicine specialist to receive a second opinion or to pursue more advanced care options.

When a disorder of the eye fails to respond to general treatment or if advanced equipment is required, our specialized eye care teams are here to help.

Surgery covers a vast sub-sect of veterinary medicine, from routine spay and neuter to complex orthopedic and soft tissue procedures. Within our Thrive Pet Healthcare network, you can access surgical services on both the primary care and specialty level so whatever your pet’s surgical needs, our trusted veterinarians and surgical specialists are here for you. 

Radiology encompasses a diverse range of diagnostic imaging including X-ray, Ultrasound, and MRI. We utilize the most up-to-date, cutting-edge technology operated by specially trained veterinary professionals.

Our Veterinary Radiologists have additional education, training, and experience in the field, enabling them to work seamlessly with primary, specialty, and emergency care clinicians to provide advanced image interpretation on acute and complex medical cases.

Thrive Pet Healthcare is a nationwide network of veterinary hospitals, with some locations offering veterinary neurology for dogs and cats. Read more. 

Our community’s outstanding orthopedic veterinarians and surgeons use breakthrough research within the field to implement advanced therapies, such as CrCL surgeries like TPLO surgery, fracture repair, and innovative devices. These are all designed to help improve or conserve your pet’s mobility following traumatic accident, illness, or age-related condition.  

Pet owners commonly refer to CrCL surgery as an ACL surgery, however CrCL surgery is the medically accurate term. ACL surgery is the human equivalent treatment.

A common form of cruciate or knee surgery is TPLO surgery. Your pet’s orthopedic veterinarian will be able to help decide which type of CrCL surgery is ideal for your pet. It's important to note that these surgeries are commonly referred to by pet owners as ACL surgery, however CrCL surgery is the medically accurate term. ACL surgery is the human equivalent treatment.

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TPLO surgery changes the angle between the thigh bone and the shin bone. The goal is to lessen how much the tibia shifts forward during a stride and it is achieved through an incision, rotation of the tibia, and then insertion of a bone plate. TPLO surgery helps create a stifle (knee) that is stable without the torn cruciate ligament. The medial meniscus is also evaluated at the time of surgery and if torn removed. At times, a releasing incision of the meniscus is done to help prevent a future tear.