Surgical Procedures

Spaying and neutering is perhaps the most common surgery for dogs and cats.  Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) involves the removal of reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus and testicles) and reduces the likelihood of certain cancers and tumors, as well as contributes to better behavior in your pet.  

Dr. Huff generally recommends spaying and neutering small dogs and cats when they are between 4 and 6 months old.  With larger breed dogs, he typically recommended waiting until they are between 6 and 12 months old.

Is performed to examine the organs within the abdomen. This type of surgery is most commonly done to remove foreign materials from the stomach or intestines and internal masses.

Foreign Object Removal: Pets are known for their curiosity and sometimes they ingest objects that they shouldn’t.  This is a life-saving operation that addresses blockages or damage caused by the foreign material. 

 Skin surgeries can be necessary for a variety of reasons, including the removal of tumors, repairing lacerations, or addressing severe skin conditions such as deep infections or abscesses. These procedures not only treat the immediate issue but can also provide a sample for biopsy to better understand and manage underlying conditions. 

A surgical procedure involving internal organs, body walls, masses, tumors, defects and hernias.  The most common soft tissue surgeries are: 

Mass Removal.  Pets, especially as they age, can develop lumps and bumps on their skin. While many of these are benign, some may be cancerous. Surgical removal of these masses followed by a biopsy is a common procedure to ensure they are not harmful and to prevent any potential spread of cancer. 

Hernia Repair.  A hernia is a defect in the body whereby internal organs or other body parts can protrude through the muscle or tissue that is supposed to contain them.   Gastropexy.  A surgical procedure that is sometimes performed in large chested dogs, tacking the stomach to the chest wall to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat. 

 A hematoma is a localized pocket of blood that develops within an organ or tissue, sometimes referred to as a 'blood blister', and varies in size and location.  In dogs, ear hematomas are common, typically caused from trauma or shaking of the head.  They appear between the skin and cartilage of your pup's ear flap and can be very painful for dogs, if left untreated may lead to scarring which could affect your pup's hearing.  The surgical procedure will drain the blood and repair damaged tissue. 

Enucleation is a surgery to remove a pet's eye(s). Most commonly, required when there has been severe eye trauma. 

Prolapse of the 3rd Eyelid commonly referred to as "Cherry Eye".  This condition typically requires surgical intervention.   

In certain breeds of dogs and cats, bladder stones develop which can cause urinary blockage and infection.  Surgical intervention is needed to remove the stones and your pet may need to change their diet. 

Is a surgical procedure that involves widening the opening of the urethra to reduce life-threatening obstruction from occurring.