| VSH is proud to have a full service surgery department. Our team of surgeons can tackle the most challenging cases in the fields of orthopedic, thoracic, gastrointestinal, oncologic and reconstructive surgery. We are take pride in being able to provide these services on short notice to animals in critical condition. At any time of the day, night or weekend, our surgeons are present or on call to take a case to surgery. |
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Our anesthesia technicians track patient data with sophisticated monitors, but they rely as much on direct observation and contact with the pet to ensure adequacy of anesthesia and patient safety. A full range of variables are monitored including blood oxygenation, ECG, blood pressure, and exhaled carbon dioxide (a measure of ventilation). |
| Orthopedic surgery involves work on the bones and joints of the body. Repair of a challenging fracture, correcting ligament rupture in the knee, or replacement of a hip joint fall into this area. |
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We believe the team approach has immense benefits to our patients, and in this spirit our surgical team works closely with the VSH oncologists. Frequently the best way to cure a cancer is to aggressively remove the tumor and surrounding tissues. These pictures are of a patient immediately prior to surgery and two weeks after with the wound almost completely healed. |
| Abdominal surgery can range from the basic, e.g. biopsy collection or intestinal foreign body removal, to major, such as removal of part of the stomach. |
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Analgesia is vital to patient comfort and recovery, and the surgical staff performs advanced analgesic techniques such as epidural injections which can be effective for 12- 24 hours. We use a combination of injectable analgesics, local anesthetics and oral medication to meet the pain needs of each patient. |
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