In addition to performing routine spays and neuters, the doctors at Highland Park Animal Hospital perform advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries.
Soft Tissue Surgeries
Soft tissue specialty procedures include, but are not limited to:
Splenectomy
A splenectomy requires an abdominal incision to approach and isolate, ligate and remove the spleen. Some common symptoms that can lead to a splenectomy in dogs and cats are:
- lethargy
- collapse
- weakness
- distended abdomen
- pale gums
Cystotomy
A cystotomy requires an abdominal incision to expose the bladder, remove stones and flush the urinary tract. Some common symptoms that can lead to a cystotomy in dogs and cats are:
- frequent urination
- straining to urinate
- blood present in urine
Tumor Removal
A tumor removal consists of a skin incision to expose or excise a lesion. Some common symptoms that lead to tumor removal in dogs and cats are:
- new bump or growth felt on or under the skin
Gastrotomy/Enterotomy
A gastrotomy or enterotomy utilizes an abdominal incision in order to examine the GI tract of a dog or cat and remove foreign material. Some common symptoms that lead to this procedure are:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- lethargy
- inappetence
Gastropexy
A gastropexy is a surgical procedure during which the stomach is sutured (stitched) to the body wall. The aim is to permanently fix the stomach in position and prevent it from twisting abnormally in the future.
- This is a preventative procedure that mitigates the potential for bloat in large-breed dogs.
Orthopedics
Our doctors also have a keen interest in orthopedics. Leading the development of the orthopedic surgery team, Dr. John Vandermeer inherited his interest in the field from his father, Dr. Robert Vandermeer, an early pioneer of arthroscopic knee surgery in human orthopedics.
For over 25 years, Dr. Vandermeer has been performing fracture repairs and ACL surgeries. Through advanced training, he and other Highland Park veterinarians have expanded their skill set to include:
Plating of Fractures
The plating of fractures refers to surgery to realign bone using metal implants after radiologic confirmation. Some common symptoms that lead to a dog or cat needing this procedure are:
- recent trauma
- lameness
- leg swelling
- local pain
External Fixation
External fixation involves a fracture reduction using metal devices outside of the limb. Some common symptoms that lead to a dog or cat needing this procedure are:
- recent trauma
- lameness
- leg swelling
- local pain
FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy)
A femoral head ostectomy or FHO is the removal of the damaged section of a femur, creating a false joint. Some common symptoms that lead a dog or cat to this procedure are:
- chronic limping of a hind limb
- history of trauma or arthritis
Luxating Patella Correction
This corrective procedure requires an incision into a knee joint to correct the alignment and stability of the patella. Some common symptoms that lead a dog or cat to this procedure are:
- intermittent hind limb lameness
- "skipping"
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)
This procedure adjusts the angle of the knee by implanting a metal plate. Some common symptoms that lead a dog or cat to this procedure are:
- sudden onset of lameness to a hind leg
- "toe touching"