Surgery Department

The surgery department at Southeast Veterinary Specialists (SVS) provides specialty care for animals in the disciplines of orthopedic, general and neurologic surgery. Patients are referred to SVS for a specific problem by their general practice veterinarian. The surgeons at SVS work closely with referring veterinarians to provide the best care possible for your pet.

Surgical Procedures

Some of the specialized surgical procedures offered at SVS include the following:

• Neurosurgery - Laminectomy, Ventral cervical decompression (Ventral slot), Spinal fracture stabilization and other procedures.

• Orthopedic surgery - Fracture repair, Cruciate ligament repair - traditional and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) techniques, Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), External skeletal fixation, Femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO), Corrective osteotomy and other procedures.

• Arthroscopy - Diagnosis and treatment of developmental and acquired joint diseases.

• Soft tissue surgery - Thoracotomy, Congenital heart defect correction, Portosystemic shunt, Gastric dilatation volvulus, Intestinal resection, Ectopic ureter correction, Cystotomy (bladder surgery), Splenectomy, Laryngeal surgery, Brachycephalic syndrome correction, Reconstructive surgery (skin grafts and flaps), Total ear canal ablation (TECA), Ventral bulla osteotomy and other procedures.

Diagnostic Services

Diagnostic services provided by the surgery department include the following:

• Radiographs
• Radiographic contrast procedures - myelogram, excretory urography, GI series
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection and analysis
• MRI
• CT
• Arthroscopy
• Upper airway endoscopy (larynx and trachea)

Operating Facility

The operating facility at SVS is designed for the advanced procedures that we perform. The principles of strict aseptic technique are practiced and the individual operating rooms are thoroughly disinfected daily.

Anesthetized surgical patients are monitored extensively. Patient ECG, blood pressure (non-invasive), ETCO2, pulse oximetry, body temperature and respiration are routinely recorded. Additional parameters that may be assessed if needed include blood gas and acid/base analysis, central venous pressure, invasive blood pressure via arterial catheterization, and coagulation profiles.

Rehabilitation

Our rehabilitation unit provides an aggressive approach to postoperative care after many orthopedic and neurologic surgeries. Robby Porter, our Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP), works closely with the surgeons to achieve the best possible outcome.

What is a diplomate?

When someone has the title "Diplomate, ACVS", it means that they have undergone extensive training in the field of veterinary surgery. The minimum amount of surgical training required after veterinary school is 4 years of internship and residency. It is important to seek a true board certified specialist when considering an advanced surgical procedure for your pet. While many veterinarians in general practice perform surgery, the added expertise provided by a diplomate can be an invaluable asset.

Hospitalization Information