Our Specialist in small animal surgery provides a broad range of diagnostic and surgical procedures for a variety of orthopedic (i.e. TPLO), soft tissue, and selective neurological disorders.

First, we will meet with patients to fully assess their condition, and we will discuss treatment options and goals, expected outcomes, estimates and aftercare in detail with you. Pre- and post-operative pain management ensures your furry family member is as comfortable as possible during their stay with us, as well as throughout their recovery at home. Your pet will be monitored by a veterinary nurse not just during the procedure but through the night, and there is always a doctor either in the clinic or on call to our hospital team 24 hours a day.

When your pet is ready to go home, a veterinary nurse will review their recovery plan in detail with you. Additionally, all information will be provided in writing as sometimes there is a lot to remember. Once your pet has returned home, we will monitor their progress through regular phone calls and rechecks. For many pets having undergone surgery, a structured rehabilitation program can help ensure that they are back on all paws as soon as possible. A consultation with our board-certified rehabilitation Specialist, Dr. Tara Edwards, is encouraged for those pets who would benefit from her care. Dr. Tara Edwards uses a multimodal approach in the care of your pet which may also include hydrotherapy in the Okanagan’s only underwater treadmill.

Your family vet will be kept up to date and will receive copies of all reports, radiographs (if done) and test results so they have a complete record of your pet’s care at our hospital.

The following list of services is offered at VCA Canada Tri Lake Animal Hospital and Referral Centre. The list is not exhaustive and surgeries offered are case dependent. We encourage you to contact us if you have any case questions or concerns, and we can see how we can help.

Orthopedics

• lameness evaluation

• fractures, joint luxations, tendon injuries

• management of cranial cruciate ligament disease: TPLO, lateral fabellotibial suture

• patellar luxation

• evaluation of hip dysplasia

• femoral head and neck ostectomy

• arthroscopy

Soft Tissue

• wound management and reconstruction

• various abdominal surgeries: exploratory laparotomy, biopsies, enterotomy and intestinal resection and anastomosis, treatment of gastrointestinal foreign bodies, intussusception, volvulus, portosystemic shunt, cholecystectomy, liver lobe resection, splenectomy, diaphragmatic hernia repair, lymphadenectomy, body wall hernia repair

• urogenital surgeries: cystotomy, ureteral surgery, nephrectomy , episioplasty, perineal urethrostomy, ovariohysterectomy, Caesarean section, neuter/orchiectomy, paraprostatic cyst excision and omentalization

• assessment and treatment of upper airway obstruction: brachycephalic airway disease and laryngeal paralysis

• sialoceles

• total ear canal ablation and ventral bulla osteotomy

• anal sacculectomy, caudectomy, perineal herniorrhaphy

• laparoscopy: ovariectomy, gastropexy, cryptorchidectomy

• amputations: digit, forequarter, hindleg

• oncologic surgery

Neurology

• neurological examination

• surgical management of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease