Specialty Surgery

Advanced surgery at Thrive Pet Healthcare includes any procedure that goes above and beyond what is typically accessible at the primary care level. These surgeries tend to be more clinically complex and require specialized equipment and/or surgical training to perform. Sometimes, these types of procedures also require intensive care, hospitalization, and collaboration with other specialists to ensure the best outcomes.

Our specialty teams work closely with referring primary, specialty, and emergency care veterinarians to ensure their clients can access advanced surgical care for their pets in cases of acute or chronic illness and injury. Communication between all caregivers and the pet parent is our top priority.

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Advanced Surgical Services

Surgery is split into three main categories within veterinary medicine: soft tissue surgery; orthopedic surgery; and neurologic surgery.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Veterinary soft tissue surgery consists of procedures performed on any body part other than the bones, joints, muscles, or nervous system. Most often, soft tissue surgery is concerned with treating conditions affecting internal organs (like foreign body ingestion and removal), removal of tumors, and repair of tissue trauma (e.g., bite wounds or internal bleeding).

Working alongside other specialists and emergency departments, our highly skilled surgery specialists provide advanced care to treat acute and chronic soft tissue conditions and injuries to give pets a greater chance of survival and improved quality of life.

Orthopedic Surgery

Veterinary orthopedic surgery focuses on treating chronic conditions and acute damage to the bones, joints, and muscles. Specialized veterinary surgeons and board-certified sports medicine and rehabilitation specialists work to tackle complex orthopedic conditions to help remove or medicate movement discomfort and immobility in pets and large animals. Common diseases treated include ACL tears, hip dysplasia, and osteoarthritis.

Our community’s outstanding surgeons utilize breakthrough research within the field to implement advanced regenerative therapies, surgical procedures, and innovative devices designed to help improve or preserve your pet’s mobility following a traumatic accident, illness, or age-related condition.

Neurosurgery

Working alongside veterinary neurologists, our surgical specialists perform advanced procedures to help treat conditions of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. When a neurologic injury or disease requires surgical intervention, our highly qualified veterinary surgeons are here to join your pet’s treatment team, providing state of the art care to help treat or manage the condition.

Learn More About Veterinary Neurology

Post-Surgical Care for Pets

After your pet has recovered sufficiently from surgery and can be discharged, a surgical team member will meet with you to go over home-care instructions. Depending on the procedure performed, these instructions may include:

Incision care

As the incision heals, it is important to prevent your pet from licking or scratching the area as this may lead to infection, wound breakdown, or other complications. Pets are typically sent home in an Elizabethan-collar (or equivalent device) to help keep them from being able to reach the area. Call your veterinarian if you need assistance with incision care, collars, or other protective devices.

Exercise

As your pet heals and recovers, exercise restriction is usually recommended. The length of movement restriction can vary significantly for each pet. During discharge, the surgery team will go over the specifics of your pet’s exercise limitations with you. Please keep in mind that recommendations may need to be adjusted during your pet’s recovery process.

Medication

Your pet may be sent home with medication(s) to aid in their recovery. These may include pain relieving medication, anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, and/or others. It is important that you give all medications as directed. Please let the surgery team know if you are unfamiliar with or unable to give any of the medications.

Suture Removal

Sutures (stitches, staples) are typically ready to be removed 10 – 14 days after surgery. The surgery team will provide specific recommendations for your pet’s suture removal as these can vary significantly among patients. Unless dissolvable sutures are used, a suture/staple removal appointment will need to be scheduled with the surgical team or with your primary veterinarian.

Bandages

Your pet may be sent home with a bandage, which will require strict monitoring at home to avoid complications. Bandage changes are generally required every 5 – 7 days, which can be completed during follow-up visits with your surgical team. If bandages become wet, soiled, or damaged in any way, they should be changed as soon as possible. In the event you need support changing a bandage, visit your local veterinarian.

What to expect at your pet’s first Surgery appointment:

Unless your pet is undergoing emergency surgery, you will typically have a surgical consultation at the specialist’s hospital prior to the procedure. This appointment gives both you and the surgeon an opportunity to discuss your pet’s condition, run through the surgical treatment option, and ask any questions.

1. Medical History & Examination

Upon arrival at your pet’s surgical consultation, you will typically meet with a nurse who will gather a comprehensive overview of your pet’s history and condition. You will then meet with the surgeon who will perform a physical examination on your pet, ask follow-up questions related to information in your pet’s referral file, and then recommend treatment options or request further diagnostic testing to be performed if needed.

2. Additional Diagnostics

To accurately diagnose your pet’s condition and optimize treatment recommendations, additional diagnostics (e.g., blood work, radiographs, ultrasound) may be recommended. While not always needed, your pet will typically need to fast the night before their visit in case sedation is needed.

3. Treatment Planning

Following initial evaluation, your pet’s surgical team will work with you to develop the best treatment plan, taking multiple factors into consideration. Our specialists appreciate the opportunity to partner with you and your primary care veterinarian to provide optimal care for your pet. Just like when you see a surgery specialist for a non-emergent issue, a surgical procedure is usually scheduled for another day. However, sometimes we can accommodate same-day surgery to avoid additional travel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Specialty Surgery

A veterinary surgeon is a veterinarian who has successfully completed their veterinary training, passed the national veterinary boards (NAVLE), and then elected to undergo additional training. Specialty training includes a minimum of a 1-year internship followed by a 3-year residency program that meets the guidelines established by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Board-certification requires publication of a research project and completion of a rigorous examination. If a veterinarian is “board-certified” in veterinary surgery, you will see “DACVS” after their name. This information can be found on the hospital’s individual location page.

Treatment costs vary widely. Your team will create a cost estimate at your pet’s appointment and will keep you updated throughout your pet’s stay should invoice changes be recommended by the doctor.

We understand it can be stressful to have your pet in the hospital and we value the bond you share. While each of our hospitals has different visitation policies, most offer flexible visiting hours to allow time with your pet.

Depending on the procedure performed, visits on the day of surgery may not be recommended as it can interfere with recovery from anesthesia and may cause undue stress for your pet. We encourage you to discuss visitation options with your local hospital’s team.

Specialty Surgery

Advanced Surgical Services

Soft Tissue Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery

Neurosurgery

Post-Surgical Care for Pets

Incision care

Exercise

Medication

Suture Removal

Bandages

What to expect at your pet’s first Surgery appointment:

1. Medical History & Examination

2. Additional Diagnostics

3. Treatment Planning

Frequently Asked Questions About Specialty Surgery

What is a veterinary surgery specialist?

How much does surgery cost?

Can I visit my pet after surgery?

Specialty Surgery

Advanced Surgical Services

Soft Tissue Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery

Neurosurgery

Post-Surgical Care for Pets

Incision care

Exercise

Medication

Suture Removal

Bandages

What to expect at your pet’s first Surgery appointment:

1. Medical History & Examination

2. Additional Diagnostics

3. Treatment Planning

Frequently Asked Questions About Specialty Surgery

What is a veterinary surgery specialist?

How much does surgery cost?

Can I visit my pet after surgery?