Compassionate Pet Surgery in Boulder, CO

Your Pet’s Surgical Journey: Expert Care, Every Step of the Way

Initial Consultation

During the surgical consultation, one of our veterinarians will perform a thorough exam of your pet and will create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your pet to plan for the day of surgery. This may include conducting pre-anesthetic blood tests, chest x-rays, or an abdominal ultrasound to evaluate your pet’s overall health. This is your opportunity to ask any questions about the procedure and get all the information you need. Whether it’s a routine pet surgery or something more advanced, like TPLO dog surgery, we’re here to make you feel confident in the care your pet will receive.

Pre-Surgical Preparation

To ensure your pet is fully prepared for surgery, we may provide specific instructions, such as fasting before the appointment or adjusting any current medications. These steps are important for your pet’s safety and are carefully tailored to each individual case.

Emergency Services

We offer limited daytime emergency care during our office hours. Please call our office to determine if we have the capacity to see your pet on an emergency basis, and we will work with you to schedule a convenient time to bring your pet in for evaluation and treatment. This approach allows us to allocate the necessary resources and team members to ensure that your pet receives the attention and care they require promptly. Emergency assessments are offered at an increased fee.

Surgery Day

On the day of surgery, your pet will be admitted, and our team will make sure they’re calm and comfortable. Your pet will be administered an anti-nausea injection and a pre-anesthetic medication to help with pain and ease recovery. Anesthesia will be administered by our skilled veterinary technicians, and one veterinary technician will be dedicated to monitoring your pet’s vitals (heart rate, breathing rate and quality, blood pressure, etc.) continuously. For more complex procedures, such as TPLO surgeries, our mobile board-certified surgeon will lead the operation with precision, ensuring your pet receives the expert care they need. After surgery, our technicians will watch over your pet closely as they begin their recovery.

Post-Operative Care

Once your pet is ready to go home, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to manage medications, care for the surgical site, and any necessary activity restrictions. We will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your pet is healing properly, and we’re always available to address any concerns you may have along the way. We can be reached by emailing, calling, or texting.

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A Closer Look at TPLO Dog Surgery

What Is TPLO?

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy is a specialized surgery designed to treat a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs, which is similar to an ACL injury in humans. The CCL plays a vital role in stabilizing the knee joint, and when it tears, it disrupts the balance, causing pain and instability.

Imagine the knee as a hinge: when the CCL is damaged, the knee joint can slide in an abnormal way, making it difficult for your dog to walk comfortably. TPLO surgery works by adjusting the angle of the tibia (shinbone) to eliminate this unwanted movement and restore stability to the knee joint. Here are some of the biggest benefits of turning to a TPLO vet:

• Long-Term Solution: TPLO dog surgery offers a more permanent fix compared to non-surgical methods or other techniques. Rather than only managing the symptoms, TPLO addresses the root of the problem by altering the structure of the knee.
• Faster Recovery: Dogs who undergo TPLO often experience a faster and more complete return to normal activity compared to other surgical options. This means they can get back to their active, happy lives sooner.
• Reduced Risk of Arthritis: One of the major long-term benefits of TPLO is the reduced likelihood of arthritis developing in the knee joint. By stabilizing the joint properly, TPLO can help prevent future complications. 

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Post-Operative Care and Healing

After pet surgery, you’ll receive detailed instructions tailored to your best friend’s needs, including:

• Post-TPLO Care: For dogs recovering from TPLO surgery, restricted activity is key to preventing injury. Physical therapy may be recommended to help your dog regain strength and mobility.
• Medication: We’ll provide a clear schedule for administering any prescribed medications, along with information on possible side effects. Follow these guidelines to ensure your pet stays comfortable and pain-free.
• Wound Care: Keep the surgical site clean and monitor it for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. We’ll show you how to properly care for your pet’s wound to promote healing.
• Activity Restrictions: To aid recovery, your pet will need to avoid vigorous activities like running or jumping. You may need to confine them to a small, safe area to limit movement and ensure proper healing.
• Dietary Recommendations: We may suggest specific dietary changes to support healing or accommodate your pet’s limited activity.

Follow-Up Appointments: It’s important to bring your pet in for scheduled follow-up appointments so we can track their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their care.

Laser Therapy

As part of our commitment to your pet’s recovery, we offer laser therapy for pets—a non-invasive treatment that promotes faster wound healing and reduces pain, inflammation, and swelling. Laser therapy enhances blood circulation and accelerates tissue repair, helping your pet feel more comfortable as they heal. This gentle, painless treatment is an excellent option to support post-surgical recovery.

Open Communication

We know recovery can be an emotional time for both you and your pet, so we encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns. Whether it’s clarifying medication instructions or addressing a worry about your pet’s behavior, we’re here for you. Feel free to contact us by phone or email anytime—you’re never alone on this journey.