Small Animal General Surgery Service

Small animal general surgery provides surgical repair and mass removal from the chest, abdomen and skin.

The indications for surgery vary widely, but generally an animal will show clinical signs of discomfort or loss of function which necessitates surgical treatment. All but the most simple surgeries are performed in the operating room under strict aseptic conditions. The surgical team usually includes a faculty/staff surgeon, resident, student and a technician who ensures that the surgeons have the equipment and materials necessary to perform the surgery. Anesthesia is induced and monitored by a faculty/staff anesthesiologist, student, and a technician.

Fact: Our small animal surgeons work closely with the oncology department since close to 50% of our caseload involves tumor removal.

Highlights of the Service

• 3 surgeons Board certified by the American College of Veterinary surgeons
• advanced and varied instrumentation that supports a wide variety of surgical procedures
• critical care available around the clock for post-surgical patient care
• Kidney transplants in cats

Common Surgeries

• Thoracic Surgery:

Mass removal, cardiovascular disease, chylothorax, diseases of the diaphragm and chest wall.

• Abdominal Surgery:

Gastrointestinal obstruction, foreign bodies, tumors, gastric dilatation/volvulus

• Urogenital Surgery:

Removal of stones from the urinary tract, urethral surgery to prevent obstruction, kidney transplants, Caesarian section, pyometra.

• Liver and Biliary Tract Surgery:

Liver masses, vascular anomalies, obstruction or rupture of the bile ducts.

• Head and Neck Surgery:

Surgery of the ears to treat tumors or infection, oral tumors, surgery of the nasal cavity and airways.

• General Surgery:

Peritonitis, infection or tumors of the pancreas, adrenal tumors, tumors of the skin and other soft tissues (muscle, etc.), skin grafting.

• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Faculty Members:

Dale Bjorling, DVM, MS, DACVS

Robert Hardie, DVM, DACVS, DECVS

Jon McAnulty, DVM, MS, PhD

Sara Colopy, DVM, DACVS

Residents:

Jason Bleedorn, DVM

Kelson Danielson, DVM

Julia Sumner, BVSc

Jodi Woods, DVM

Common Questions

• Do students perform surgery?
• Do you perform experimental surgery on clients' pets?
• Will a clinician be available to answer my questions after my pet has been discharged?
• Will anyone be caring for my pet overnight?
• Can I visit my pet after surgery?

Routine Service Hours

Routine cases (castrations, spays, declaws) are examined and hospitalized on Monday mornings. Surgery is performed Monday afternoon, and most animals go home the following day. Referral cases and animals with more complex problems are examined between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Many of these cases require further evaluation with laboratory tests, radiography (X-rays), ultrasonography, or other tests. A plan for evaluation of your pet's problems will be developed and discussed, and a date for surgery (if required) will be established. It is unusual for surgery to be performed on the same day as hospitalization, because the surgery schedule is often already full for that day. Emergency cases are examined and hospitalized as the need arises.

Go to Appointment Information.