Surgical Services

Orthopedic Surgery

We offer a full range of orthopedic surgical services, from routine fracture repair to advanced joint and ligament procedures.

Fracture Repair

• Simple and complex fracture repair of all bones

• Articular fracture repair (fractures involving joints)

• Physeal fractures (fractures involving growth plates)

Joint Disorders & Repair

• Articular luxation (joint dislocation) reduction and repair

• Arthrodesis (surgical fusion of a joint with irreparable damage)

• Medial patellar luxation repair (congenital dislocation of the kneecap)

• Toggle pin fixation for traumatic hip dislocations

• Femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO)

Hip Dysplasia Evaluation & Treatment

• PennHIP Evaluation – the most accurate method for evaluating and predicting hip dysplasia

• Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) – a minimally invasive, case-dependent procedure for young puppies with hip dysplasia

– Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) involves closing a growth plate at the bottom of the pelvis, allowing selective pelvic growth. Over the following 4–6 months, this results in increased coverage of the femoral head by the hip socket (acetabulum) as the puppy grows.

Tendon & Ligament Injuries

• Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) repair (the most common knee injury in pets; equivalent to the ACL in humans)

  • CBLO (C.O.R.A.-Based Leveling Osteotomy), an advanced refinement of the TPLO procedure.

 – After 15 years of performing CCL surgeries in dogs, the CBLO is Dr. Respet’s recommendation for medium and large breeds, as well as very active small breeds.

• • Extracapsular repair

• Calcanean (Achilles tendon) rupture and avulsion repair

• Carpal and tarsal ligament injuries (wrist and ankle/foot equivalents)

Additional Orthopedic Services

• Articular (joint) injections

• Limb amputation

We provide a wide range of soft tissue surgical procedures, from routine preventive surgeries to advanced and life-saving interventions.

Reproductive & Preventive Surgery

• Spay procedures (ovariohysterectomy, ovariectomy, hysterectomy)

• Neuter procedures, including cryptorchid neuters (retained testicles in the groin or abdomen)

• Cesarean sections (C-sections)

• Pyometra treatment (life-threatening uterine infection)

Mass & Cancer Surgery

• Mass and tumor removals, ranging from simple excisions to advanced procedures requiring skin flaps or grafts

• Anal gland sac removal for both benign and cancerous conditions

• Thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland — dogs only)

Gastrointestinal & Abdominal Surgery

• Gastropexy (preventive stomach tacking to reduce the risk of gastric dilation and volvulus)

• Intestinal surgery, including foreign body removal

• Splenectomy (spleen removal using a vessel sealing device)

• Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)

• Nephrectomy (kidney removal)

• Cystotomy (bladder surgery)

– Gastropexy is typically an elective procedure in which the stomach is sutured to the body wall to prevent gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat. GDV most often occurs in deep-chested or large-breed dogs such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Greyhounds, German Shepherds, Weimaraners, Boxers, and dogs expected to reach an adult weight of over 100 pounds.
This procedure may be performed as a standalone surgery or at the time of a spay or neuter and can be done using either a traditional open approach or laparoscopically.

If GDV occurs, it is a true emergency that requires immediate surgery and hospitalization and may be fatal without treatment.

Urinary & Perineal Surgery

• Perineal hernia repair

• Perineal urethrostomy (a procedure most commonly performed in male cats to widen the urethra and create a new opening, helping prevent recurrent urinary blockages)

Additional Soft Tissue Procedures

• Salivary mucocele surgery (salivary gland disorders)

• And many more advanced surgical procedures

Brachycephalic airway surgery helps our beloved “squishy-faced” dogs breathe more comfortably and safely.

If you share your life with a French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Boxer, Shih Tzu, or another flat-faced breed with a short muzzle or pushed-in nose, it’s important to be familiar with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).

What Is BOAS?

Brachycephalic breeds often make snorting, snoring, or noisy breathing sounds due to the unique shape of their skulls and airways. While these sounds are often considered “cute,” they are caused by anatomical abnormalities that partially obstruct airflow. BOAS can range from mild to severe and tends to worsen with age, exercise, heat, or stress.

Dogs affected by BOAS may experience:

• Noisy breathing, snoring, or excessive panting

• Exercise intolerance or difficulty breathing during activity

• Poor tolerance to heat and warm environments

• Restlessness at night or sleep apnea

• Prolonged recovery after exercise

• Nasal discharge

• Digestive or gastrointestinal complications

BOAS Surgery

BOAS surgery is designed to correct the structural issues that restrict airflow, allowing dogs to breathe more easily and improve their overall quality of life. Depending on each dog’s anatomy and severity of disease, surgery may include one or more of the following procedures:

• Widening of the nostrils (stenotic nares correction) to improve airflow through the nose

• Shortening of the soft palate (staphylectomy/staphyloplasty) to remove excess tissue at the back of the throat

• Removal of everted laryngeal saccules, which are obstructive tissues that protrude into the airway

Early evaluation and treatment can significantly improve comfort, exercise tolerance, and long-term outcomes for brachycephalic dogs.