Veterinary Surgery

Surgical Procedures

At Highland Animal Hospital, we perform medical and emergency surgeries to assist in the treatment of disease and conditions in pets, as well as to repair trauma-related injuries.

Elective and non-elective surgeries are routinely performed by our Augusta veterinarians:

• Soft Tissue Surgery

  Soft tissue surgical procedures are available for pets with ear, nose, and throat problems.

  Hepatic, urogenital, oncological, cardiothoracic, gastrointestinal, and skin disorders can all be treated with these procedures.

• Spaying & Neutering

  When we spay or neuter a cat or dog, we surgically sterilize them to prevent disease and extend their life expectancy.

• C-Sections

  During Caesarean sections, puppies or kittens are surgically removed from their mother's uterus.

  Typically, C-sections are performed when the mother is unable to give birth naturally.

• Ocular

  Your pet may require ocular surgery if they are experiencing pain, redness, or other symptoms in or around their eyes.

  Eyelid tumor removal, cataract surgery, ectropion surgery, entropion surgery, exenteration of the orbit, and cherry eye surgery are all common ocular procedures for cats and dogs.

  If your cat or dog requires surgery, our veterinarians will refer you to a pet surgeon in the Augusta area and will work closely with your animal surgeon to ensure that your pet receives the best possible care.

• CCL Repair

  When the cranial cruciate ligament is torn, surgical stabilization of the knee joint becomes necessary. For large or active dogs surgery should be done as soon as possible to reduce permanent damage and relieve pain from injury.

• Luxating Patella

  A luxating patella is a condition that causes the kneecap to stick out from its normal position, often due to abnormal forces on it. The surgery corrects this irritation and allows for better alignment of joints in your pet's knee so they can run or play without risk.

• FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy) Surgery

  During a femoral head osteotomy, the surgeon removes part of your pet's hip socket. In its place, they leave a space for calcium to accumulate and create bone cells that will eventually fill.

  An FHO can benefit hip fractures, severe arthritis, and hip dysplasia.

  An FHO is normally performed on dogs or cats under 50 pounds. If your pet is over 50 pounds, your vet will discuss whether they believe an FHO will be necessary. 

• Orthopedic Surgery

  Orthopedic surgery treats injuries and diseases of your pet's bones, ligaments, joints, tendons, and other skeletal structures. If your dog or cat has a condition or injury that necessitates advanced specialized care, your vet will refer your pet to a veterinarian near Augusta.

• Dental Surgery

  Our veterinarians provide dental surgeries for dogs and cats. These surgeries can range from tooth extractions to gum disease treatment and jaw fracture repairs.

• Cystotomy

  A cystotomy surgery removes urethral obstructions, such as bladder and urethral stones. A small incision is made into the pet's bladder to remove the obstructions and allow them to go to the bathroom pain-free.

• Perineal Urethrostomy

  A perineal urethrostomy is a surgical procedure that removes the narrowest part of the pet's urethra, which allows them to urinate more easily. There is also a lower risk of re-obstruction.

  A perineal urethrostomy is only recommended when the urethral obstruction cannot be fixed by any other surgery, or when continued obstruction occurs despite previous surgeries.

The Surgery Process

We understand how frightening it can be to bring your pet in for surgery. Please rest assured that we will only recommend surgery if it is in your furry companion's best interest.

We will ensure that you understand fully why we are recommending surgery and that you feel comfortable proceeding.

If your pet requires advanced care, our veterinarians will refer you to a veterinarian in the Augusta area and will work closely with your veterinarian to ensure your pet receives the best care possible.

Surgical protocols at our clinic include:

Pre-surgical assessments. To determine if your pet is at risk of anesthesia-related complications, we will confirm the procedure's details, conduct a physical examination of the patient, and ensure that blood tests have been completed and reviewed by the veterinarian.

Dedicated surgical suites. Surgeries are carried out in a separate surgical suite. To prevent infection and cross-contamination, this room is kept completely sterile.

Surgical attire. When our staff is in the surgical suite, they are required to wear disposable caps and masks at all times. Additionally, those involved in the procedure will be dressed in sterile gowns and single-use gloves.

Sterile packs and equipment. Prior to each surgery, we thoroughly clean, sterilize, and wrap our surgical instruments and equipment.