We understand that the decision to allow your pet to undergo surgery is never an easy one and strive to
ensure your pet's procedure is as comfortable and stress free as possible.
Our hospital teams at either Plattsburgh Animal Hospital or Adirondack Veterinary Hospital in Westport, maintain an excellent team of trained, skilled and experienced surgeons. Our doctors approach this aspect of their profession with a deep sense of compassion for all animals.
Perhaps the most important pre-surgical step we take is to discuss with you why we believe a particular procedure is necessary and what it entails. We also provide information on proper postoperative care and answer any questions you may have so that you feel comfortable knowing you are making the right choice for your pet.
We believe it is in the best interests of our clients and their pets for us to offer as wide an array of surgical services directly within our facility as possible. It is important for you and your pet to receive care in a friendly and welcoming facility from people you both have come to know. This helps reduce stress and promote healing.
Some soft tissue surgeries we offer include:
- Pediatric spays and neuters
- Mass removals
- Cystotomy
- Enterotomy and gastronomy
Orthopedic Surgery
Companion animals, especially those in their later years, also can suffer from a range of joint and ligament injuries. Because orthopedic care is an important component of keeping your pet healthy, we offer:
- Pin placement for fractures
- Exterior fixator placement for fractures
- Anterior cruciate repair
- Patella (kneecap) luxation repair.
- We will always discuss surgical options
Plattsburgh Animal Hospital Now offers TPLO Surgery ( Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy )
The TPLO surgery has become one of the most popular orthopedic surgeries performed on dogs who have torn their cranial cruciate ligament, also commonly referred a dog's torn ACL. Developed by Dr. Barclay Slocum, the TPLO surgery was originally considered a radical procedure for addressing canine ACL injuries. Now in existence for over 20 years, the surgery has proven itself time and time again, to be an extremely effective long-term solution for addressing this injury in dogs, providing quicker recover and superior long term results. The philosophy behind the TPLO surgery is to completely change the dynamics of the dog's knee so that the torn ligament becomes irrelevant to the stability of the knee itself.
Radiowave Surgery (Plattsburgh Animal Hospital only)
This is similar to laser therapy. High frequency radiowaves are used to cut and cauterize the skin, which helps reduce the amount of pain and bleeding during and after surgery.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia protocol within our hospital network is decided upon at the time of surgery, based on the individual needs of your pet. Ensuring the health and safety of every patient during surgery is of the utmost importance to us. This requires an anesthetic and monitoring regimen that adheres to the highest principles and ideals (AAHA) of veterinary medicine.
As owners, Dr. Brown and Dr. Church have ensured that your pet has access to state-of-the-art anesthetic administration and cardiovascular monitoring equipment and protocols by our skilled professionals.
Prior to surgery, your pet is examined and a pre-surgical blood screen is performed. The results of these tests, combined with an analysis of your pet's past anesthetic history, breed,
preexisting conditions, and age, are used to create an individualized anesthesia protocol for your pet.
While under anesthesia your pet is cared for by a well-trained and experienced veterinary technician using our advanced monitoring system, which tracks blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory
rate, body temperature, and oxygen level.
Pain Management
We follow American Animal Hospital Association guidelines for pain management.
We all know that pain hurts, but pain also has many other detrimental effects on the body.
Pain slows healing, decreases activity, causes behavior changes (such as aggression, anxiety, and depression). Pain worsens diseases like arthritis and potentially some cancers. It interferes
with the bond between you and your pet.
For acute and chronic conditions, we use the safest, most effective NSAIDS (non-steroidal medications), oral and injectable analgesics.
Postoperative Care
As your pet is being discharged from the hospital, we provide you with detailed information on how to properly care for your pet at home after surgery. The doctors and staff at both Plattsburgh Animal Hospital and Adirondack Veterinary Hospital are also happy to answer any questions or concerns that may arise once you get your pet home.