Advanced Veterinary Surgery in Southeastern Michigan
Learning that your pet may need surgery can be overwhelming. You may have questions about the procedure, anesthesia, recovery, cost, and what the outcome may mean for your pet’s quality of life.
The Surgery Department at Oakland Veterinary Referral Services provides advanced surgical care for dogs and cats with orthopedic, soft tissue, oncologic, and thoracic conditions. Our board-certified veterinary surgeons spend their days in surgery, combining specialized expertise with advanced technology, attentive pain management, and around-the-clock hospital support.
Throughout the process, we communicate with you and your family veterinarian so you can understand your pet’s condition, evaluate the available options, and make informed decisions about care.
When Should Your Pet See a Veterinary Surgeon?
Your family veterinarian may recommend a surgical consultation when your pet has a condition that requires specialized training, advanced equipment, intensive monitoring, or a procedure not routinely performed in primary care.
Reasons for referral may include:
- A torn cranial cruciate ligament or other orthopedic injury
- A fracture, dislocation, or joint disorder
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- A mass or tumor that may require complex removal
- An internal obstruction or organ disorder
- A congenital abnormality
- A condition affecting the chest or airway
- A wound requiring advanced reconstruction
- A condition that may benefit from a minimally invasive procedure
- A need for anesthesia or surgery in a medically complex or high-risk patient
- An emergency requiring immediate surgical evaluation
A consultation does not automatically mean surgery is the only option. The surgeon will evaluate your pet, review diagnostic findings, and discuss whether surgery, medical management, additional testing, or monitoring is most appropriate.
Specialized Surgical Services
OVRS surgeons perform a broad range of advanced procedures. Your pet’s surgical plan will be based on the diagnosis, overall health, expected benefits, and individual needs.
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery treats conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. These conditions may cause pain, lameness, instability, or difficulty with everyday activities.
Orthopedic services may include treatment for:
- Cranial cruciate ligament injuries
- Fractures and dislocations
- Patellar luxation
- Hip and elbow disorders
- Joint injuries
- Developmental orthopedic conditions
- Other causes of painful or impaired mobility
OVRS also offers arthroscopy and fluoroscopy-assisted fracture repair when appropriate. These technologies can help surgeons examine joints, plan treatment, and perform certain procedures through smaller or more precisely placed approaches.
TPLO Surgery for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injuries
A cranial cruciate ligament—or CCL—injury is one of the most common causes of hind-limb lameness in dogs. The ligament functions similarly to the ACL in a human knee. When it tears partially or completely, the knee may become painful and unstable.
Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, commonly called TPLO, is a specialized orthopedic procedure that changes knee mechanics to provide stability during weight-bearing.
Not every dog with a CCL injury has the same needs. An OVRS surgeon will evaluate your dog’s knee, activity level, size, age, health, and other relevant factors before recommending treatment.
Learn more about TPLO surgery, signs of a CCL injury, and what to expect during recovery.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgery includes procedures involving the skin, abdominal organs, urinary system, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and other tissues outside the bones and joints.
These procedures may be recommended for conditions such as:
- Gastrointestinal obstructions
- Organ disease or injury
- Urinary tract abnormalities
- Congenital conditions
- Complex wounds
- Laryngeal paralysis
- Portosystemic shunts
- Other conditions requiring advanced surgical correction
Our surgeons work with OVRS internists, oncologists, radiologists, emergency clinicians, and critical care professionals when a patient’s condition requires expertise from multiple departments.
Oncologic Surgery
Surgery may be an important part of diagnosing or treating cancer. Depending on the type and location of a tumor, the goal may be to obtain a diagnosis, remove the cancer, relieve discomfort, preserve function, or improve quality of life.
Careful planning is especially important in cancer surgery. When appropriate, our surgeons collaborate with the OVRS Oncology and Diagnostic Imaging teams to evaluate the tumor, determine whether it may have spread, and develop a coordinated treatment plan.
Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic surgery involves structures within the chest, including the lungs and other tissues surrounding the heart.
These procedures require specialized surgical expertise, anesthesia, pain management, and postoperative monitoring. OVRS’s multidisciplinary hospital setting allows surgical patients to receive support from other specialty and emergency teams when needed.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Some conditions can be diagnosed or treated using smaller incisions and specialized cameras and instruments.
Minimally invasive options available at OVRS include:
- Arthroscopy for selected joint conditions
- Laparoscopy for selected abdominal procedures
- Thoracoscopy for selected procedures within the chest
- Fluoroscopy-assisted fracture repair
Potential benefits may include smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and a more comfortable recovery. Not every procedure or patient is suited to a minimally invasive approach, and the surgeon will recommend the technique most appropriate for your pet.
What to Expect From a Surgical Consultation
Before recommending surgery, the surgeon will review your pet’s medical records, diagnostic images, laboratory results, medications, and relevant treatment history.
During the consultation, the surgical team may:
- Ask about your pet’s symptoms and how they affect daily life
- Perform a thorough physical or orthopedic examination
- Review existing X-rays or other diagnostic images
- Recommend additional testing or imaging when needed
- Explain the diagnosis and available treatment options
- Discuss the proposed procedure and anticipated benefits
- Review potential risks and complications
- Explain expected hospitalization and recovery
- Provide a treatment plan and cost estimate
- Answer your questions
We want you to understand why a procedure is being recommended and what to expect before, during, and after your pet’s surgery.
Advanced Imaging and Collaborative Care
Successful surgery begins with an accurate diagnosis and careful planning. Depending on your pet’s condition, the surgical team may collaborate with OVRS specialists in:
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Internal Medicine
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Emergency and Critical Care
Advanced imaging such as digital radiography, ultrasound, CT, or fluoroscopy may be used to define the problem, guide treatment, or assist during a procedure.
This collaborative environment is especially valuable for pets with complex conditions or medical concerns that may affect anesthesia, surgery, or recovery.
Anesthesia, Pain Management, and Patient Safety
Every surgical patient receives an individualized anesthetic and pain-management plan based on age, health, procedure, and medical history.
Before surgery, the team may recommend bloodwork, diagnostic imaging, or additional evaluation to identify factors that could affect anesthesia. OVRS also provides anesthesia and sedation for selected high-risk patients who require advanced planning and monitoring.
During the procedure, trained veterinary professionals closely monitor your pet’s vital signs and response to anesthesia. Pain management may begin before surgery and continue throughout hospitalization and recovery at home.
After Surgery
Following surgery, your pet will recover under the supervision of an experienced veterinary team. Depending on the procedure and your pet’s needs, care may include:
- Continuous monitoring
- Injectable and oral pain medication
- Intravenous fluids
- Incision care
- Nutritional support
- Assisted mobility
- Follow-up diagnostic testing
- Communication with other OVRS specialists
Before your pet goes home, we will explain medication, feeding, activity restrictions, incision care, warning signs, and follow-up appointments.
Following discharge instructions is an important part of a successful recovery. Running, jumping, climbing stairs, or returning to normal activity too soon can interfere with healing, particularly after orthopedic surgery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery varies by procedure, your pet’s health, and the condition being treated. Some pets resume normal routines relatively quickly, while orthopedic and more complex procedures may require several weeks or months of controlled activity and gradual strengthening.
Physical rehabilitation may be recommended to help:
- Manage pain and inflammation
- Maintain or restore joint movement
- Rebuild strength
- Improve balance and coordination
- Support a safe return to activity
The surgeon will explain whether rehabilitation is appropriate and when it can safely begin.
Partnering With Your Family Veterinarian
Your family veterinarian remains an important part of your pet’s healthcare team.
OVRS shares diagnostic findings, surgical recommendations, procedure details, and follow-up plans with the referring veterinarian. Depending on your pet’s needs, rechecks and ongoing care may take place at OVRS, with your family veterinarian, or through a coordinated combination of both.
This partnership helps provide continuity of care before surgery and throughout recovery.
Preparing for Your Pet’s Appointment
Before your surgical consultation:
- Complete the requested medical history and medication forms.
- Ask your veterinarian to send relevant records and diagnostic images.
- Bring a current list of medications and supplements.
- Follow any instructions regarding food, water, or medication.
- Write down your questions and concerns.
- Bring videos of intermittent limping or mobility problems when they can be recorded safely.
Do not discontinue medication or withhold food unless your veterinarian or the OVRS team has instructed you to do so.
Specialized Skill. Compassionate Support.
When your pet needs surgery, you deserve clear information, thoughtful guidance, and confidence in the team providing care.
OVRS combines board-certified surgical expertise, advanced technology, experienced veterinary technicians, individualized pain management, and access to multiple specialties within one hospital. From the first consultation through recovery, our goal is to provide the care your pet needs while supporting your family every step of the way.
Ask your family veterinarian whether a surgical consultation is appropriate, call OVRS at (248) 334‑6877, or request an appointment.
Important Forms and Resources
Before Surgery or Consultation
Surgery: Medical History Form Surgery: Medical History Form (PDF)
Surgery Medication Form
Surgery Medication Form (PDF)
Consent to Treat Form Consent to Treat Form (PDF)
Drop Off Form Drop Off Form (PDF)
Follow-Up Care
Virtual Surgery Recheck Form Virtual Surgery Recheck Form (PDF)