Surgical Care

Surgical Care When It Matters Most

Some medical conditions require immediate surgical or advanced medical intervention to stabilize a patient and prevent life-threatening complications. At Tallgrass Animal Urgent Care, we are equipped to manage complex conditions affecting multiple body systems, from internal bleeding and gastrointestinal obstructions to trauma, neurologic conditions, and severe infections. Our team focuses on rapid assessment, stabilization, and timely treatment to give each patient the best possible outcome. We provide services including:

• Splenectomy – The spleen is a common source of abdominal bleeding, resulting in profound lethargy because of blood leaving the vascular space (bloodstream) through a bleeding mass/tumor in the spleen. A diagnosis is supported by pale mucous membranes, lethargy, anemia demonstrated on blood work, and fluid consistent with blood visualized in the abdominal cavity via ultrasound. The purpose of surgical intervention is to stop the ongoing blood loss by removing the diseased spleen. The spleen can be submitted for histopathology to determine if the mass/tumor is malignant or benign. Often, the histopathology results report the mass/tumor to be malignant (hemangiosarcoma) with metastasis to other organs having already occurred, with subsequent survival times being a few to several months, with no additional treatment, to around 1 year with additional oncology care. However, for the mass/tumor with a benign histopathology report, the surgical intervention and splenectomy are likely curative.

• Gastrointestinal Obstruction - Pets sometimes eat foreign materials or objects that cause a partial or complete obstruction of the GI tract. The most common clinical sign is unrelenting vomiting over several days. Diagnosis is made based on a combination of history, physical exam findings, blood work, as well as radiography and/or ultrasonography. These cases often involve surgical intervention to remove the obstruction. Common sites for obstruction include the pylorus of the stomach, caudal duodenal flexure, and the ileum. Obstructions involving the cecum are rare, and obstructions of the large colon are exceedingly rare. The type of material or object ingested is often related to the area of the GI tract that is affected, as well as the severity of tissue damage. For example, material like string, ribbon, or fabric (referred to as a linear foreign body) will often anchor to areas like the pylorus of the stomach, with the remainder of the material being passed into the small intestine, with resultant “climbing” of the small intestine around the material, causing “bunching” or plication of the small intestine. This application results in poor venous drainage of the tissue, which then results in decreased arterial flow and swelling of the tissue. Delayed surgical intervention can result in devitalization and death of the tissue, resulting in perforation of the intestine with contamination of the abdominal cavity. Therefore, surgical intervention should not be delayed when clinical signs and diagnostic imaging support a diagnosis of gastrointestinal obstruction.

• Intestinal Intussusception – A condition most commonly occurring, but not exclusive to, young dogs and cats with clinical signs consistent with a partial or complete gastrointestinal obstruction. This condition occurs when a part of the gastrointestinal tract slides or telescopes inside another part of the gastrointestinal tract and becomes entrapped, causing an obstruction. Clinical signs can include vomiting, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, anorexia, and lethargy. Diagnosis is usually confirmed via abdominal ultrasound. An exploratory laparotomy is performed to locate the intussusception and separate the entrapped pieces. In some instances, the tissues involved in the intussusception will have lost viability, and a resection and anastomosis are required to remove the nonviable tissue and connect the viable ends via hand sewing or specialized staplers.

• Resection & Anastomosis – A surgical procedure utilized to remove a section of diseased or devitalized intestines, followed by connecting the remaining healthy ends of intestines using sutures or a specialized stapler. This procedure is commonly performed for conditions such as foreign body obstructions, intussusceptions, masses/tumors involving a segment of intestines, or other causes of severe trauma.

• Gastric Dilation & Volvulus (GDV) – This condition requires opening of the abdominal cavity and restoring the stomach to the normal anatomical position. This condition occurs in large breed dogs, with the most common clinical signs being vomiting with severe and visible abdominal distension. Diagnosis is made from clinical signs and radiography. Surgical intervention returns the stomach to the normal position with suturing of a portion of the stomach to the body wall (gastropexy) to form a strong adhesion to prevent future displacement of the stomach. While the problem and treatment for GDVs regarding repositioning of the stomach is clear, there are several pre-, intra-, and post-operative considerations that must occur for a favorable case outcome. Dogs presenting are often nearing hypovolemic shock due to fluid and electrolyte loss from vomiting, as well as the fluid shifts that occur from displacement of the stomach. In addition, a distended stomach can press upon the diaphragm, interfering with the mechanical function for ventilation, resulting in poor oxygenation and ventilation. In some cases, the stomach will rupture before surgical intervention occurs, exposing the abdominal cavity as well as vascular space to bacterial toxins, resulting in further deterioration of the cardiovascular system. Intraoperative life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias are not uncommon and must be addressed immediately with the appropriate medications. Post-operative complications can include conditions such as reperfusion injury and gastric necrosis, as well as intravascular conditions affecting blood flow and clotting, as well as the continued possibility of serious cardiac arrhythmias requiring real-time ECG monitoring in the post-operative period.

• Exploratory Laparotomy – Sometimes clinical signs, lab work, diagnostic imaging, and initial treatments fail to identify a specific cause of illness that is related to the abdomen. In these instances, an exploratory laparotomy to investigate the source of the illness via meticulous evaluation of the abdominal organs is warranted and can provide valuable information regarding treatment and prognosis. In some instances, biopsies can be collected to assist in a diagnosis.

• Pyometra – A condition that occurs in both non-spayed female dogs and cats when hormones associated with an estrus cycle coincide with bacteria in the uterus. This can result in a severe bacterial infection initially isolated to the uterus, but with time and lack of treatment, it can result in bacteria and bacterial toxins gaining access to the bloodstream, which can cause temporary and sometimes permanent kidney damage. Presenting clinical signs are often non-specific and include anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, and fever, with some patients having vulvar discharge. In addition to clinical signs, a diagnosis is supported by blood work and ultrasonography consistent with pyometra. Treatment involves surgery to remove the ovaries and uterus. Most patients will require some length of hospital stay to receive intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and pain medications.

• C-Sections - When labor does not progress normally, quick surgical intervention is often needed to give the puppies or kittens the best chance for survival. Additionally, if surgical intervention is significantly delayed, the health of the dam or queen can be affected. An abdominal surgical approach is needed to gain access to the uterus for incision and removal of the neonates. Options involve suturing the uterus and leaving the female intact or performing an ovariectomy. Most patients will be discharged on the same day as surgery.

• Auricular (Ear) Hematomas – This condition occurs when a dog shakes its head vigorously or repeatedly scratches at the ears with a hind foot. This trauma to the ear causes small blood vessels located between the outer skin/cartilage and inner skin/cartilage to rupture, causing a pocket of blood (hematoma) to form, similar to a large blood blister. The hematoma causes discomfort, causing the dog to continue to traumatize the ear via head shaking or scratching. Attempts to drain the blood with a needle or lancing are often unsuccessful, as the hematoma will usually reform. Successful treatment often involves sedation or general anesthesia followed by a small incision made into the hematoma to allow drainage of the blood/clots. Following drainage, sutures are placed to keep the outer and inner skin/cartilage from being allowed to separate, preventing a hematoma from reforming between these layers. Following suturing, the ear will be bandaged against the head to prevent the patient from continuing to traumatize the ear and allowing healing to occur. If treatment is not pursued, the usual outcome will be either the hematoma creating a small area of pressure necrosis and draining or the hematoma being partially absorbed but with considerable fibrosis and thickening of the ear.

• Cystotomy – Urinary calculi can occur in both dogs and cats, with dietary minerals forming crystals of various sizes. Some crystals that enlarge to become stones are easily identifiable on radiographs and/or ultrasound exams. Other crystals remain small and flow into the urethra and can obstruct urine flow, causing a complete or partial obstruction. The mineral composition of the crystals/stones in the bladder will affect treatment options. Some crystals/stones in the urinary bladder require surgical removal with flushing of the bladder as well as catheterization and flushing of the urethra to void crystals and small stones. Most patients will have a urinary catheter placed for a few days following surgery to allow time for the urethral mucosa swelling and inflammation to subside. Dietary management following surgery is paramount to preventing the reformation of urinary calculi.

• Perineal Urethrostomy – A surgical procedure most performed in male cats but occasionally in male dogs. Because of the greater length of the male urethra when compared to the female urethra, there is a greater opportunity for conditions that cause partial or complete obstruction. In some male cats, despite dietary modifications, urinary calculi continue to be formed in the bladder and passed into the urethra, causing obstructions. In some instances, previous urethral obstructions have caused significant mucosal irritation, resulting in stricture and re-obstruction. Cats that continue to re-obstruct are candidates for a perineal urethrostomy. This procedure involves amputating the distal end of the penis, where obstructions commonly occur, and creating a new stoma (exit) located closer to the bladder, where the urethra is larger. This procedure is very effective for preventing future urethral obstructions. In addition, urinary continence is maintained with this surgical procedure.

• Diaphragmatic Hernias -These hernias can occur when a pet is struck by a vehicle, falls from a considerable height, or sustains other blunt force trauma to the abdomen. The intrabdominal force can cause a tear in the diaphragm, with abdominal organs being pushed into the thoracic cavity. Abdominal organs in the thoracic cavity will reduce the space required by the lungs to expand and fill with air, thus interfering with appropriate ventilation. Clinical signs often involve a change in respiratory rate and character. A diagnosis is often possible via radiography, demonstrating abdominal organs in the thoracic cavity. Treatment involves an exploratory laparotomy to identify the hernia in the diaphragm, remove the abdominal contents from the thoracic cavity, repair the hernia, and re-establish negative pressure in the thoracic cavity via aspiration at the time of closing the defect in the diaphragm or via placing chest tubes for periodic aspiration in the post-operative period.

• Inguinal Hernias -These hernias are not frequently associated with a traumatic event but usually are the result of a congenital defect in the size or shape of the inguinal opening, allowing intestinal contents the opportunity to escape the abdominal cavity. Most congenital inguinal hernias will reduce spontaneously when the pet lies on their back. However, sometimes the herniated piece of intestine can become entrapped and swell. Reduction of swollen tissue is essential to prevent the tissue from becoming devitalized. A diagnosis is often possible via a physical exam and supported with radiography and ultrasound. Treatment involves an exploratory laparotomy to identify and reduce the herniated tissue as well as close the hernia. In some instances, a resection and anastomosis are needed to remove devitalized intestines.

• Perineal Hernias – Occurring almost exclusively in older intact male dogs due to hormonal influences weakening pelvic muscles. Females generally escape this condition due to a stronger pelvic diaphragm, but hernias can occur from trauma or during pregnancy. Commonly, owners will notice a swelling on one side of the anus with the dog straining to defecate or urinate. The swelling is caused by abdominal organs such as the rectum, bladder, or prostate herniating through a weak area in the muscles that form the pelvic diaphragm. Diagnosis is made from patient history, physical exam, radiography, and ultrasonography. Care involves the reduction of the herniated contents back into the abdominal cavity to prevent devitalization of the tissue. If the urinary bladder is herniated, a urinary catheter is placed to allow drainage of urine and possible reduction of the bladder. Several surgical treatment options are available, including closure of the hernia via muscle flaps. In addition, some clinicians will also open the abdominal cavity and anchor via suturing the bladder/rectum/prostate to the abdominal wall to prevent recurrence of herniation.

• Lacerations & Wounds – A common injury that often requires sedation or general anesthesia to fully examine the extent of the injuries as well as to repair them. Treatment focuses on the identification of all tissues involved and on tissue viability. Exploration of wounds must occur with consideration given to extension into articular joints, thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity, as well as associated with large peripheral nerves. Following exploration, the debridement of devitalized and contaminated tissues is paramount to facilitate healing. Remaining tissues must be disinfected via antiseptics and lavaged to remove as much foreign debris and microbes prior to suturing or bandaging. When possible, closing lacerations with sutures is preferred, with the goal being to restore the form and function of the tissues by apposing wound margins. In some instances, damage and contamination to the tissues are too extensive to allow suturing of wound margins. Some lacerations require tension-relieving sutures, active/passive drains to remove fluid from building up beneath the suture line, stent bandages to relieve tension on the sutures, and a variety of other tissue preparation and closure techniques that give the wound the best chance to heal in a timely manner.

• Leg Amputation – Sometimes, the damage to the soft tissues, bones, and nerves of a leg is so severe and extensive that it requires amputation. Those efforts to stabilize bones via orthopedic implants with the goal of returning some degree of use to the leg are not possible. Patients with injuries that affect multiple long bones or have extensive soft tissue injuries exposing joints and fracture sites to debris and microbial contamination are candidates for leg amputations. Both dogs and cats do well with either a forelimb or hindlimb amputation. One common post-operative complication that often fades with time is phantom leg pain, which can be a considerable form of discomfort for patients in the first few weeks following surgery. Leg amputation can also be pursued as part of a treatment protocol for some types of tumors/masses to prevent further spread, as well as a treatment to reduce severe pain that can accompany some tumors/masses.

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) – A life-threatening medical problem that can occur in dogs and cats with diabetes when glucose is not able to be utilized as a fuel source. Instead of the body using glucose as a fuel, it transitions to using fat, generating ketones, which are acidic and lower the blood pH. Very small changes in blood pH without correction can become physiologically devastating to a variety of regulatory systems in the body. Acidosis interferes with appropriate fluid balance across cells and tissues, which then interferes with electrolyte balance, which can then cause cardiac arrhythmias and abnormal muscle function. Clinical signs include excessive drinking/urination, weakness, lethargy, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration. Treatment is targeted at correcting electrolyte imbalances, restoring fluid loss, and regulating blood glucose and insulin. Many of these patients are extremely sick at presentation, with multiple days of hospitalization required. Following recovery from DKA management includes effectively monitoring blood glucose and administering insulin in accordance. In addition, dietary modifications are an important part of patient management at home.

• Joint Luxation – The hip is the most common joint in dogs and cats to experience a luxation. This injury is usually associated with some type of trauma, such as being struck by a vehicle or during strenuous exercise. The cause can be the result of abnormal forces overloading normal anatomy, causing failure of the anatomical components of the joint. The cause can also be the result of normal forces being applied to a joint with abnormal components, as can occur with hip dysplasia. Diagnosis is made based upon clinical history, orthopedic exam, and imaging (radiography or CT). Imaging is critical to formulating a treatment plan, as some luxations respond well to reduction paired with immobilization, such as a sling or hobbles. However, some luxations are poor candidates for reduction and immobilization and require treatment such as surgical reduction and stabilization, total hip replacement, or removal of the femoral head to allow a pseudo-joint to form. Other joints that can experience a luxation include the carpus (wrist), elbow, shoulder, and tarsus (ankle). It is important to seek diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible, as some joints become very difficult to reduce with a reduced prognosis if days to weeks pass before being examined.

• Lymphoma – A common cancer affecting both dogs and cats. Lymphocytes are the cancerous cell type causing the disease. Clinical signs depend upon the type of lymphoma, which includes multicentric (common in dogs), alimentary (common in cats), mediastinal, and cutaneous. Common clinical signs include lethargy, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, enlarged lymph nodes, abdominal distension, respiratory issues, and many more. Diagnosis is based upon a combination of history, physical exam findings, lymph node or other tissue aspirates, blood tests, and imaging (radiography, ultrasonography, CR/MRI). Treatment usually involves chemotherapy with additional treatments to include radiation, surgery, or specialized medications.

Why Choose Tallgrass Animal Urgent Care

When your pet requires urgent medical or surgical care, experience, preparation, and speed matter.

• Experienced veterinary professionals
• Ability to manage complex medical and surgical problems
• Advanced diagnostics, imaging, and monitoring capabilities
• Comprehensive stabilization and post-procedure support
• Compassionate care for pets and clear communication for pet owners

We are committed to providing decisive, high-quality care during critical moments, with your pet’s comfort and safety always at the forefront.

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If your pet is experiencing a serious medical condition or may require expert surgical care, timely evaluation and treatment are important.

Contact us today to discuss your pet’s medical or surgical needs or to schedule a consultation with our team.

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