Essential Procedures for Pet Health
At The Highlands Veterinary Hospital, we provide a wide range of surgical services designed to improve the health and well-being of your pet. Our team is experienced in performing both soft tissue surgeries and orthopedic procedures, and we offer compassionate care before, during, and after surgery to ensure the best possible outcomes for your pet.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying (removal of the ovaries and uterus) and neutering (removal of the testicles) are crucial procedures that help prevent reproduction in pets, contributing to both their health and the control of the pet population.
- Health Benefits of Spaying: Spaying helps prevent several life-threatening diseases, such as ovarian, uterine cancer, and bacterial infections. It also eliminates undesirable behaviors associated with the heat cycle in females and reduces the risk of unwanted litters.
- Benefits of Neutering: Neutering reduces the risk of prostate cancer and testicular cancer in male pets, as well as preventing behaviors like roaming, fighting, and spraying.
Both procedures help control pet overpopulation and ensure your pet's long-term health.
Spaying and Neutering Procedure
Both spaying and neutering require general anesthesia and are performed under strict safety protocols to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety. Our team will carefully monitor your pet’s vital signs during the procedure and provide aftercare instructions for a smooth recovery.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgery involves procedures that do not involve the bones, focusing on internal organs, tissues, and other structures. These surgeries can provide significant health benefits by addressing a variety of health issues related to your pet's internal and external health.
Common Soft Tissue Surgeries We Perform
- Removal of Masses: One of the most common soft tissue surgeries is the removal of masses or lumps. Most lumps are benign, but early removal and accurate diagnosis are critical, especially if cancer is a concern.
- Ear Surgery: If your pet suffers from frequent ear infections, surgical intervention may help reduce recurrence by improving airflow into the ear canal.
- Eye Surgery: Some eye issues, such as tear duct problems, corneal damage, or eyelash irritation, can be treated surgically. These procedures help improve vision, reduce discomfort, and speed up healing with minimal scarring.
Orthopedic Surgery
Partnering With a Traveling Orthopedic Surgeon
At The Highlands Veterinary Hospital, we collaborate with a traveling orthopedic surgeon to provide specialized orthopedic care for your pet. If your pet requires orthopedic surgery, we arrange consultations with the visiting specialist, eliminating the need for you to travel to a specialty hospital.
Types of Orthopedic Surgeries We Perform
- Fractures: Leg fractures are the most common orthopedic injuries, typically caused by accidents such as car mishaps. We treat fractures in various ways depending on the type and location:
- Pinning: Inserting a long stainless steel rod to stabilize the fracture.
- Plating: Attaching a stainless steel plate to the bone with screws.
- External Fixation: Using external pins to stabilize fractures, passing through the skin and into the bone.
Other Orthopedic Conditions We Treat
In addition to fractures, we also address other orthopedic issues such as:
- Hip Dysplasia: A condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, causing pain and joint instability.
- Disc Disease: A degenerative condition of the discs between the vertebrae, causing pain and nerve damage.
We are committed to providing the best orthopedic care, and for more complex procedures, we refer to board-certified orthopedic surgeons to ensure optimal results.
