Specialty Surgery

Bone and Joint Surgery

Orthopedics is a large part of our surgical practice and includes bone, joint and other musculoskeletal diseases and injuries. Arthroscopy (a procedure where a small camera and instruments are passed into a joint) is often a key component in assessing joint injury and allows us to both diagnose and treat a variety of joint conditions while minimizing further trauma to your pet’s tissues. Digital x-rays or computerized tomography (CT –a 3 dimensional x-ray) are other useful tests that may be required and can be performed here at Alta Vista.

Our surgeons have over 40 years of combined experience in treating orthopedic conditions in addition to a broad range of surgical equipment that enables us to tackle even the most challenging cases.

Pain Management

Orthopedic conditions in particular can be associated with significant postoperative pain. Pain management begins before surgery and continues into the postoperative period. Multiple modes of pain management are used including epidurals, local anesthetic blocks, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and narcotics (by injection or through an IV line) as well as various oral medications in order to minimize the pain and stress to your pet.

Intensive Care Unit – 24/7

Alta Vista Animal Hospital is a 24 hour care facility with a veterinarian and support staff on the premises 24 hours a day. Many surgical cases require 24 hour care to monitor pain management, fluid therapy and medications. Some pets require more intense monitoring or treatment, which can be provided by the doctors and staff in our intensive care unit.