Advanced 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 or require specialized equipment and/or surgical training to administer. Advanced surgeries are often performed by surgical specialists who have completed a rigorous residency program within the field of practice.

Our surgical 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.

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Advanced Surgical Services

Surgery is split into three main categories within veterinary medicine, soft tissue surgery, orthopedic surgery, and neurological surgery.

Soft Tissue Surgery

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

Working alongside other specialists and emergency departments, our highly skilled specialized surgeons 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 of animals. 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 domesticated pets and large animals.

Our network’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 conditions.

Neurosurgery

Working alongside veterinary neurologists, our surgical specialists perform advanced procedures to help treat conditions of the brain, spine chord, and peripheral nerves. When a neurological injury or disease requires surgical intervention, our highly qualified veterinary surgeons are here to join the 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 to 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 break down, or other complications. Pets are typically sent home in an E-collar (or equivalent device) to help keep them from being able to reach the area.

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 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 between patients. Unless dissolvable sutures are used, a suture/staple removal appointment will need to be scheduled with the surgical team.

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.

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 clinic 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 some 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.

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, you will typically need to take away your pet’s food the night before their visit incase sedation is needed to perform any of these tests.

3. Treatment Planning

Following initial evaluation, your pet’s surgical team will work with you to develop the best treatment plan, taking all factors into consideration. Our specialists appreciate the opportunity to partner with you and your primary care veterinarian to provide optimal care for your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Advanced Surgery

A veterinary surgeon is a veterinarian who has successfully completed additional training, including a minimum of a 1-year internship followed by a 3-year residency in a 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.

Treatment costs vary widely. Your team will create an estimate for 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 human / animal bond you share. While each of our hospitals hold 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.

Advanced 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 Advanced Surgery

What is a Veterinary Surgeon?

How much does surgery cost?

Can I visit my pet after surgery?

Advanced 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 Advanced Surgery

What is a Veterinary Surgeon?

How much does surgery cost?

Can I visit my pet after surgery?