Dr. Lopez at Brookhurst Animal Medical Center is highly experienced in performing complex surgeries for all animals. Animal surgery is different for each breed, and requires expert precision. Our Anaheim Veterinarian, Dr. Lopez has been performing life-saving surgeries on pets for over 20 years.
Spaying and Neutering
Our Anaheim veterinarian at Brookhurst Animal can spay or neuter your pet as needed. The ASPCA recommends all owners of cats, dogs, and rabbits to have their pets spayed or neutered once they reach sexual maturity. It is the most effective form of birth control to prevent overpopulation and it helps control aggressive behavior.
There are a few ways to spay or neuter an animal. These are the most common procedures that we perform at Brookhurst Animal Medical Center:
ACL Repair
The cranial cruciate ligament is a stabilizer in the canine knee joint in the middle of the back of the leg. This ligament is also referred to as the ACL for dogs. When this ligament is torn or damaged, it can impact the meniscus, causing extreme discomfort, arthritis, and limb dysfunction.
Cranial cruciate ligament deterioration can be caused by a number of factors such as age, genetics, physical condition, and breed. Its effects can be slowed down with a healthy lifestyle, exercise of the surrounding muscles, and physical therapy.
Although there’s no way to reverse the damage that has already been done, there are many ways to surgically treat the leg to improve movement and reduce pain. Our veterinarian will choose the cranial cruciate ligament operation most optimal for the dog. He will consider the dog’s age, severity of ligament damage, and current health.
Bone Fractures & Dislocation
Bone fractures often occur when animals suffer from physical trauma, such as falling or being hit by something. If the animal is healthy, the body should be able to heal the bone fracture itself. The veterinarian will align and secure the bones into the correct position to heal properly. He will also sterilize the area if there is an open fracture to prevent infection. If you suspect your pet has a bone fracture, bring them to the vet immediately. Signs of bone fracture include:
Stomach surgery & intestine surgery
If your pet is suffering from severe abdominal pain, chances are they may have swallowed something they shouldn’t have. Your pet may exhibit loss of appetite, bloody feces, change in behavior, and vomiting. Our veterinarian can give your dog a physical examination and x-ray to determine whether the foreign object will pass on its own or it needs surgery.
Other causes of stomach pain include:
Gall surgery
The gallbladder holds concentrated bile from the liver that is released through the pancreas and small intestine. When there is a gallbladder obstruction such as a gallstone, the small organ may become too full of bile and mucus. This needs to be treated immediately because a rupture could cause bile to leak and infect other organs. Our veterinarian can remove the obstruction and alleviate swelling through gall surgery.
Urinary bladder surgery
Compounds naturally found in urine, such as calcium oxalate and struvite, can collect into bladder stones. If they become too large and cannot pass through the urinary tract, they become extremely painful and inconvenient. Our veterinarian can remove the bladder stone and prescribe medicine to treat or prevent infection. If your pet is showing unusual urination behaviors, bloody urine, and changes in behavior, stop by our veterinary clinic in Anaheim for a checkup.
Cancer surgery
We offer many treatment options for pets with cancer; however, the best solution is to remove the malignant tumor complete, so it has no chance of spreading to other parts of the body. Cancer is completely treatable if it is is caught early on, so we encourage pet owners to bring in their pets every year for regular pet wellness exams in Anaheim.
Spinal surgery
Intervertebral Disc Disease is a degenerative condition where the discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column bulge or burst, compressing the nerves on the spinal cord. This can lead to Our vet can surgically decompress the spinal cord to alleviate pressure on the nerves. It can also be treated with steroids and anti-inflammatory medicine.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
Pets that suffer from hip damage or disease may have trouble moving because the femur doesn’t fit correctly into the hip. This can cause inflammation, pain, and decrease the range of movement. A femoral head ostectomy is performed to remove the head and neck of the femur bone. Afterward, scar tissue will form over the socket of the joint, allowing pain-free mobility.
Knee Cap Dislocation
There are two types of knee cap dislocation:
Surgery is typically reserved the for the second type of kneecap dislocation. We can replace the kneecap and prevent it from slipping by deepening the indentation where the knee is. After the surgery, we recommend restricting the animal’s physical activity until the knee is fully healed.
Eye surgery
Like humans, animals can develop a number of eye problems. Here are the most common but treatable complications:
Ear surgery
Inflammation of the skin within the ear can contribute to hearing problems. It’s often caused when the ear cannot be drained properly, leading to disease or infection. Animals with canal or middle ear disease may need surgery to save the inner ear and hearing functions. The veterinarian will try using antibiotics and ear flushing techniques before removing the outer ear canal with surgery.
Mouth surgery
If your pet has oral tumors, rotten teeth, or maxillofacial trauma, your pet may need oral surgery. After most oral surgeries, animals will be able to soon after with the use of prescribed painkillers. Our veterinarian does recommend providing soft foods to prevent disruption of any sutures and gum healing.
Perineal Urethrostomy (Cats)
Perineal Urethrostomy is a procedure performed on male cats with urinary blockage or penis trauma. During the surgery, the cat is stabilized and anesthetized. Then, the penis is removed.
Laryngeal Paralysis
When an animal has laryngeal paralysis, the muscles that normally open the airway do not open. Instead, they suck inward which can create an obstructed airway and possibly suffocation. If you notice your pet having difficulty breathing, make an appointment with the veterinarian to check it out immediately.
Our veterinarian in Anaheim can perform a Unilateral Arytenoid Lateralization or “Tieback” surgery to open the airway on one side of the larynx to allow the animal to breathe.
Amputation
There are many reasons why an animal may need amputation surgery and sometimes, it’s the best solution in the long-term. Whether your pet has a tumor, disease, or trauma, our vet at Brookhurst Animal will be sure to treat it with the utmost care throughout the surgery.
Corrective surgery
Our Anaheim Veterinarian at Brookhurst Animal performs corrective surgery only for health reasons. These are the most common corrective surgeries currently:
At Brookhurst Animal Medical Center in Anaheim, we firmly believe that experience is vital to good results. With Dr. Lopez’s level of expertise in animal surgery, you can have the peace of mind knowing that your furry friend is in the best care available.
Animal surgery in Anaheim is a surgery that is performed on animals. Animal surgery is similar to human surgery. Surgery is needed if issues are happening to an animal internally. Internal harm or damage can include broken bones and internal bleeding. Even dental work is considered a form of surgery.
Animal surgery in Anaheim can have different length times. Ultimately, it depends on the work that your pet needs doing. An average length of time for an operation can be between two to four hours. However, every procedure is different.
If animal surgery in Anaheim is needed, there is a possibility that your pet will need to stay overnight. Depending on the type of surgery that was needed, depends on if your pet needs to stay overnight for supervision.
It is hard for an animal to prepare for surgery, considered your pet probably does not understand what is going on. This is why it is our job as pet owners to prepare our pets for animal surgery in Anaheim. Comforting them before surgery can be extremely helpful.
There are different types of animal surgery in Anaheim. Types include dental or orthopedic surgery, wound repair, foreign body removal, and tumor or growth removal. Emergency surgery may be needed, too, depending on the emergency your pet may be experiencing.
Some precautions are needed after your pet has animal surgery in Anaheim. Depending on your pet’s surgery, they will need lots of rest and lots of fluids. Your pet will be drowsy after they wake up and will require a safe and quiet place to rest so they can recover peacefully.
At Brookhurst Animal Medical Center, your family’s well-being is our top priority.
State of the art equipment and an experienced staff to give you the best care. Schedule an appointment