Specialty Surgery

Soft Tissue Surgery

Our surgeons have been trained in a number of advanced soft tissue techniques that your regular veterinarian may not be comfortable with or where more intense aftercare is required for a successful outcome. These may include upper airway surgery, laryngeal and tracheal surgery, chest surgery and some more advanced abdominal procedures such as liver and gall bladder surgery, porto-systemic shunt management and some types of bowel or urinary diversion techniques. Plastic surgery to reconstruct large wounds may include techniques such as wound flaps or free skin grafting.

Pain Management

Soft tissue pain can be intense and prolonged, especially with extensive surgery to the chest and abdomen and large wounds. Pain is a perceived experience and each animal (like humans) responds differently. Pain medication is provided before the patient wakes up, and multiple types of pain medication may be used to ensure effective pain control for your pet that is personalized to the individual’s response to pain.

Intensive Care Unit – 24/7

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