The lungs are made up of several lobes on each side. Many diseases can affect 1 or more lobes and requires removal of the lobe. During the surgery we use cameras to evaluate the lung surface and look for lesions. When they are near the edge of the lung lobe we can remove the affected area with special stapler devices.

We are able to look inside the thorax at the lungs, heart and lining tissue to get biopsies and stage diseases in order to determine prognosis and the best course of action.

When blood or fluid fills the membrane that wraps around the heart the heart starts to fail and can be fatal. We are able to remove this lining in order to slow down the disease process as well as diagnose the cause.

Due to its location it can be a very invasive surgery to get biopsies of the liver to determine the cause of abnormal blood test results. Laparoscopic surgery allows us to make small incisions and take multiple biopsies so that the patient can be discharged the same day.

Certain dog breeds are predisposed to a condition in which the stomach distends with gas and twists on itself, trapping the contents within it. When high risk breeds have their stomach “tacked” to the adjoining body wall it can prevent the life threatening risks of the condition. With the laparoscopy the procedure can be performed through small incisions making for a quick recovery.

Bladder stones removal typically necessitates a large incision to expose the urinary bladder and remove all of the stone and urinary crystalline material. By using a small keyhole incision and a rigid endoscope, the bladder is fully explored while visualizing the inside of the bladder to ensure all material is removed. Patients typically are discharged the same day.

There are a variety of procedures that can be done through small incisions in the abdomen. Ask if there is a minimally invasive option available for your pet’s procedure.

Some diseases require the colon or the bladder to be attached to the body wall. This can be done with the laparoscope to reduce the hospitalization and post-operative pain.

A small camera is used to evaluate the joint to diagnose a disease or condition and guide instruments to treat the condition. The arthroscopy and surgical therapy are performed through a series of small 1-2mm holes rather than a large incision. This allows for faster healing and return to normal activity. The stifle (knee), elbow, shoulder, hock (ankle), and hip are the most common joints evaluated.