Minimally Invasive Surgery

Many surgical procedures, which previously required a Thoracotomy (incision into the chest) or Laparotomy (incision into the abdomen), can now be performed thoracoscopically or laparoscopically through small portal incisions.

Some commonly performed thoracoscopic procedures include:

• Pericardial windows for the treatment of pericardial effusion
• Lung biopsies
• Thoracic exploratories
• Assistance in surgical correction of chylothorax

Some commonly performed laparoscopic procedures include:

• Liver biopsies
• Renal Biopsies
• Laparoscopic-assisted intestinal biopsies
• Ovariohysterectomy (Spay) and cryptorchid neuter
• Prophylactic gastropexy for the prevention of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)

Arthroscopy is associated with a visual examination of the interior joint through a small camera inserted through a small incision in the area. Arthroscopic procedures are performed to evaluate and/or treat many orthopedic conditions. These techniques are often performed while keeping your pets at a comfortable level, while traditional techniques often call for invasive surgical approaches resulting in discomfort. Speedy recovery and earlier return to function are more likely with these new techniques.

Some commonly performed arthroscopic procedures for specific joints include:

Shoulder Joint

• Diagnosis and treatment of OCD
• Diagnosis and treatment of bicipital tenosynovitis
• Diagnosis of joint instability (medial and lateral glenohumeral ligament tears)
• Obtain biopsies for diagnosis of various forms of arthritis and neoplasia (cancer)

Elbow Joint

• Diagnosis and treatment of fragmented medial coronoid processes (FCP)
• Diagnosis and treatment of OCD
• Evaluation of cartilage integrity and joint congruency to aid in treatment of elbow dysplasia
• Aid in treatment of ununited anconeal process (UAP)

Coxofemoral (Hip) joint

• Evaluation of cartilage and joint capsule to aid in procedures such as a TPO and DPO to prevent hip dysplasia

Stifle (knee)

• Diagnosis and Treatment of OCD
• Confirm diagnosis of Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) injury
• Diagnosis of partial CCL injuries
• Diagnosis and treatment of meniscal injuries

Tarsus (Hock)

• Diagnosis and treatment of OCD