Procedures We Perform

Below is an overview of the surgical procedures we commonly perform. This is not a complete list. If your pet needs a procedure that you don’t see here, call us. There is a good chance we can help.

Spay and Neuter Surgery

Spay and neuter procedures are the most common surgeries we perform. Beyond preventing unwanted litters, sterilization reduces the risk of certain cancers, eliminates the risk of uterine disease in females, and can reduce some hormone-driven behaviors in males.

We typically recommend spay or neuter around 5 to 6 months of age, though timing can vary depending on breed and individual factors. Large breed dogs, for example, may benefit from waiting longer. We’ll discuss what makes sense for your specific pet during a consultation.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Soft tissue surgery covers most procedures that don’t involve bones or joints. We handle a wide range of these, including:

• Growth and Tumor Removal – Skin masses, lumps, and subcutaneous growths
• Abdominal Surgery – removal of foreign bodies or obstructions in stomach or intestines, spleen removal, gastropexy (Stomach taching), umbilical and inginal hernia repair, and diaphragmatic hernia repair.
• Bladder and Urinary Tract Surgery – Removal of bladder stones and related procedures. In cats we perform perineal urethrostomy.
• Wound and Laceration Repair – Closure of cuts, bite wounds, and traumatic injuries
• Cherry Eye Repair – Surgical correction of prolapsed third eyelid gland
• Eyelid Abnormality Correction – Entropion, ectropion, and related lid disorders
• Anal Sac Removal – Surgical removal when repeated infections or impactions occur
• Reproduction: mammary gland removal, scrotal ablation, caesarian sections, and hooded vulva surgery.
• Airway Surgery: stenotic nare and soft palate resection.

Minor Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery addresses injuries and conditions involving bones and joints. We perform select orthopedic procedures in-house. More complex cases that require board-certified orthopedic specialists will be referred accordingly, and we’ll help facilitate that process.

Minor orthopedic procedures we perform include:

• Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO) – Removal of the femoral head to relieve pain from severe hip joint disease
• Patella Luxation Correction – Surgical repair of a kneecap that slips out of position
• Fracture Stabilization – Management of certain fractures, depending on severity and location
• Lateral Suture Repair (CCL surgery) – Surgical repair of a torn cranial cruciate ligament, the most common orthopedic injury in dogs. The CCL is the canine equivalent of the ACL in humans. Surgery restores knee stability, relieves pain, and helps slow the progression of osteoarthritis in the affected joint.

Dental and Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is often performed in conjunction with a professional dental cleaning. The most common dental surgeries we perform are tooth extractions and removal of small growths in the mouth. Dental disease is extremely common in pets, and extraction is sometimes the best way to eliminate infection and restore comfort.

Vetscalpel CO2 Laser Surgery

Troy Animal Clinic uses the VetScalpel CO2 laser system for a wide range of surgical procedures. The laser cuts tissue and cauterizes simultaneously, which means significantly less bleeding, reduced risk of infection, less post-operative swelling, and a faster recovery for your pet compared to traditional surgical methods.

The CO2 laser is particularly effective for:

• Tumor and Mass Removal – Precise removal with minimal effect on surrounding tissue
• Stenotic Nare Resection – Correction of narrowed nostrils in brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs and pugs
• Soft Palate Resection – Surgical reduction of an elongated soft palate, also common in brachycephalic breeds

What to Expect

For all surgical patients, we provide:

• A pre-surgical consultation to discuss the procedure and answer your questions
• Pre-anesthetic bloodwork when recommended based on age or health status
• Continuous anesthesia monitoring throughout the procedure
• A post-surgery call once your pet is stable and awake
• Written aftercare and discharge instructions before your pet goes home

Questions about a specific procedure? Call us at (334) 566-3356.