Veterinary Surgery in Anaheim, CA

Dr. Lauren Heit at Brookhurst Animal Medical Center is experienced in performing our veterinary surgery in Anaheim, CA for both dogs and cats. Every breed presents unique needs, requiring expert precision. Complex procedures are handled by a board-certified mobile surgeon we bring into the clinic for important instances, so it’s best to consult with Dr. Heit ahead of time to determine the right strategy for your pet.

Procedures Dr. Heit can personally perform include spay, neuter, pyometra surgery, abscess repair, dog bite wound repair, laceration repairs, cystotomy, enucleations, ear hematoma, entropion, and mass or tumor removals. Meanwhile, our mobile surgeon handles orthopedic procedures (TPLO, luxating patella surgery, FHO) and soft tissue operations such as perineal urethrostomy. Read below to learn more!

Common Surgical Procedures

Ginger Persian Kitten Wearing Elizabethan Collar - Veterinary Surgery in Anaheim, CA

Spaying and Neutering

Our Anaheim veterinarian at Brookhurst Animal can spay or neuter your pet as needed. The ASPCA recommends all owners of cats and dogs 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:

Ovariohysterectomy: To spay female animals, the reproductive system is removed. This includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Spaying animals eliminates the ability to reproduce, heat cycles, and breeding-related behavior.
Orchiectomy: To neuter a male animal, the testes are removed. This eliminates the ability to reproduce and aggressive breeding behaviors.

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.

Golden retriever resting on a couch - Veterinary Surgery in Anaheim, CA

Dog after a surgery - Veterinary Surgery in Anaheim, CA

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:

Limping
Awkward positioning of legs
Cries of anguish or whimpering
Swollen limbs
Aggressive behavior

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 veterinary surgery.

Other causes of stomach pain include:

Gastritis
Ulcer
Parasitic infection
Liver disease
Leptospirosis
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.

Cat preparing for a surgery - Veterinary Surgery in Anaheim, CA

Other Surgical Procedures

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.

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:

Medial Luxation: This occurs when the animal’s joint shifts toward the other leg, preventing the animal from moving its knee normally.
Lateral Luxation: This occurs when the kneecap accidentally moves to the outside of the leg and it is more severe.
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:

Cherry eye: Dogs and cats have a third eyelid that protects the tear-producing gland. If the ligaments are weak, this eyelid may slide out of its normal position. The veterinarian can easily attach the gland and lid back to their normal positions.
Entropion: This is a condition that causes the eyelids to roll inwards. Though this may not be a major problem at first, it can cause long-term damage to the cornea because hair and other substances may rub and irritate the eye. The veterinarian can remove a section of the skin to prevent the inward rolling.

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.

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. This is the most common corrective surgery we currently offer:

Skin fold dermatitis: Deep skin folds can cause uncomfortable rubbing and retain moisture, causing bacterial infections and inflammation. Most of the time, this condition can be handled with topical medicine and daily care, but extreme cases can be treated surgically.

At Brookhurst Animal Medical Center in Anaheim, we firmly believe that experience is vital to good results. With our doctors’ level of expertise in veterinary surgery, you can have the peace of mind knowing that your furry friend is in the best care available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is veterinary surgery?

Veterinary 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.

How long does veterinary surgery take?

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.

Will my pet have to stay overnight after veterinary surgery?

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.

How can an animal prepare for veterinary surgery?

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.

What are the types of veterinary surgery?

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.

What precautions are necessary to take after an veterinary surgery?

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.

Schedule Our Veterinary Surgery in Anaheim, CA Today

Trust your pet’s care to our veterinary surgery in Anaheim, CA at Brookhurst Animal Medical Center. From routine procedures to complex operations, our experienced team is here to help. Schedule an appointment today to get started.

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