OTHER SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Specialty surgical care for a wide range of conditions affecting your pet.
Small Animal Surgical Services provides surgical treatment for a variety of conditions that may require specialized evaluation, planning, and surgical expertise. Each procedure is considered based on the individual patient's condition, diagnostic findings, and overall health.
SPECIALTY SURGICAL CARE
More than one type of surgery
Not every surgical case fits into a single category. SASS offers a broad range of procedures addressing conditions involving the limbs, jaw, urinary system, reproductive system, abdomen, chest, eyes, ears, airway, and other areas.
Surgical recommendations are made based on the individual patient and the condition being treated.
When Surgery May Help
When should your pet be evaluated for orthopedic surgery?
Orthopedic surgery may be considered when a pet has a condition affecting the bones, joints, or structures responsible for normal movement and conservative management or other treatment options may not provide the desired outcome.
Limb & Amputation Procedures
Limb Amputation Removal of a front or hind limb for conditions including cancer, extensive wounds, fractures, or advanced joint disease. Digit Amputation Removal of a toe may be recommended for cancer or extensive injury. Tail Amputation Removal of the tail may be performed for cancer, fractures, nerve injury, or infection. Angular Limb Deformity Surgical correction of limbs that have developed or healed at an abnormal angle.
Jaw & Oral Procedures
Mandibulectomy & Maxillectomy Removal of a segment of the lower or upper jaw. Cleft Palate Repair Surgical repair of an opening in the upper jaw.
Urinary & Reproductive Procedures
Cystotomy Opening of the urinary bladder, usually to remove bladder stones. Perineal Urethrostomy Creation of a new urinary opening in the perineal region. Scrotal Urethrostomy Creation of a new urinary opening in the scrotal region. Urethral Prolapse Repair Surgical treatment of exposed urethral tissue. Neoureterostomy Creation of a new opening in the bladder for connection with the ureter.
Abdominal & Internal Organ
Abdominal Explore Surgical assessment of abdominal organs; biopsies may be collected. Nephrectomy Removal of a diseased kidney. Cholecystectomy Removal of the gallbladder. Biliary Diversion Redirecting bile flow when the common bile duct is obstructed. Pancreatectomy Removal of part of the pancreas. Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair Repair of an opening in the diaphragm.
Endocrine Procedures
Thyroidectomy Removal of the thyroid gland. Parathyroidectomy Removal of the parathyroid gland. Adrenalectomy Removal of the adrenal gland.
Ear & Airway Procedures
Pinnectomy Removal of the ear flap. Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) Complete removal of the ear canal. Brachycephalic Surgery Surgical correction of airway abnormalities. Laryngeal Tie-Back Used for patients with laryngeal paralysis. Permanent Tracheostomy Creation of a new airway opening.
Eye & Eyelid Procedures
Enucleation Removal of the eye. Eyelid Tumor Excision Removal of eyelid masses. Conjunctival Flap Technique used to treat certain corneal ulcers. Cherry Eye Replacement of a prolapsed third eyelid gland. Entropion Repair Surgical correction of inward-rolling eyelids.
SELECTED PROCEDURES
Complex surgical conditions require individual planning.
Some procedures may involve multiple systems or require particularly careful surgical planning.
Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair
PDA Ligation
Pericardectomy
Neoureterostomy
Cleft Palate Repair
Brachycephalic Surgery
Total Ear Canal Ablation
Mandibulectomy & Maxillectomy
Abdominal Exploration
Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Ligation
WHEN SURGERY MAY HELP
Surgical treatment may be considered for conditions such as:
Tumors or suspected cancer
Severe or persistent infections
Urinary obstruction or abnormalities
Congenital abnormalities
Traumatic injuries
Fractures or tissue damage
Airway obstruction
Eye or eyelid conditions
Chronic ear disease
Abdominal abnormalities
Organ disease
Reproductive complications
A surgical consultation helps determine whether surgery is appropriate and what treatment options may be available.
SURGICAL EVALUATION
Every surgical case starts with understanding the patient.
The surgical team considers the patient’s medical history, clinical signs, diagnostic findings, and overall health when developing a treatment plan.
Review of medical records
Physical examination
Diagnostic imaging
Laboratory testing
Review of previous treatments
Discussion of surgical options
Procedure-specific planning
Postoperative care planning
RECOVERY
Recovery depends on the procedure and the individual patient.
Postoperative instructions are tailored to the type of surgery performed and may include:
Activity restrictions
Feeding or dietary guidance
Incision monitoring
Follow-up examinations
Medication instructions
Recheck imaging or testing
Monitoring for changes during recovery
Your veterinary team will provide instructions specific to your pet’s procedure.
VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS
Specialty surgical support for referring veterinarians.
SASS works with primary-care veterinary teams when patients require surgical evaluation or treatment.
Veterinary professionals can contact the practice to discuss a surgical case, provide relevant patient information, and coordinate the next steps.
Procedures at a Glance
Other surgical procedures offered by SASS.
| Category | Procedures |
|---|---|
| Limb & Amputation | Limb Amputation · Digit Amputation · Tail Amputation · Angular Limb Deformity |
| Jaw & Oral | Mandibulectomy & Maxillectomy · Cleft Palate Repair |
| Urinary | Cystotomy · Perineal Urethrostomy · Scrotal Urethrostomy · Urethral Prolapse Repair · Neoureterostomy |
| Abdominal | Abdominal Explore · Nephrectomy · Cholecystectomy · Biliary Diversion · Pancreatectomy · Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair |
| Endocrine | Thyroidectomy · Parathyroidectomy · Adrenalectomy |
| Ear & Airway | Pinnectomy · Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) · Brachycephalic Surgery · Laryngeal Tie-Back · Permanent Tracheostomy |
| Eye & Eyelid | Enucleation · Eyelid Tumor Excision · Conjunctival Flap · Cherry Eye · Entropion Repair |
| Cardiovascular | PDA Ligation · Pericardectomy |
| Hepatic / Vascular | Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Ligation |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions about other surgical procedures.
Does SASS perform procedures other than orthopedic surgery?
Yes. The supplied SASS procedure list includes a broad range of surgical procedures involving multiple body systems.
How do I know which procedure my pet needs?
The appropriate procedure depends on your pet's individual condition and diagnostic findings. A surgical evaluation can help determine the appropriate treatment options.
Does every condition require surgery?
Not necessarily. The appropriate treatment depends on the patient's diagnosis, condition, and available treatment options.
Can my veterinarian discuss my pet's case with SASS?
Yes. Veterinary professionals can contact SASS to discuss a surgical case and coordinate specialty care.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Appointments are scheduled by phone. Call 207-481-0191 to discuss your pet's situation and next steps.
What should I expect after surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure and your pet's individual condition. The SASS team will provide procedure-specific postoperative instructions and follow-up recommendations.
When your pet needs specialized surgical care, we're here to help.
Whether your pet needs evaluation for a complex condition or a specific surgical procedure, SASS can help guide the next step.
Proudly serving all of Maine
From Portland north to the Maine border, with particular focus on Mid-Coast and Southern Maine communities. Referring practices statewide are welcome.