Veterinary Surgery

At PPHC animal hospital in Frisco we provide advanced veterinary surgery for dogs, cats and other small mammals in our state-of-the-art surgical suite. Our fully-equipped surgical suite incorporates the latest in anesthesia, diagnostic and radiological services.

Veterinary Surgery Performed at Plantation Pet Health Center (PPHC)

Veterinary Sterilization Surgery – Spaying and Neutering Your Cats and Dogs

Orchiectomy (Typical Neuter or Bilateral Testicle Removal): Sterilization procedure in a male dog or cat involving the removal of the testes, which results in the inability to reproduce and reduction or elimination of breeding-related behaviors.
Ovariohysterectomy (Typical Spay): Surgical sterilization procedure performed on female animals which involves the removal of the reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus, and part of the fallopian tubes). Ovariohysterectomy eliminates the female heat cycle and also reduces the pet’s risk for breast and reproductive organ cancers, as well as uterine tract infections, such as pyrometra.
Postoperative Instructions for Spay and Neutering Surgery

Veterinary General Surgery

ID Microchipping for Dogs and Cats

ID microchipping for dogs and cats is a procedure where tiny, electronic chip inside a small, glass cylinder (the size of a grain of rice) is injected just under the pet’s skin. Performed during an office visit, microchipping requires no anesthesia. The microchip can be activated and read by a special scanner allowing your pet to be identified if lost. The microchip provides an identification number without giving any of your personal information.

Onychectomy (Declawing):

Surgical removal of a cat’s claws by amputating a portion of the third phalanges (bones in the toe). Typically only performed on the front claws in cats that may injure a family member or are unable to be trained to refrain from destructive behavior.

Exploratory Laparotomy (Abdominal Exploratory Surgery)

Exploratory laparotomy involves opening the abdominal cavity in order to examine the organs, typically to diagnose and treat a medical condition or to remove a foreign object or tumor. Types of abdominal exploratory surgery include:

Exploratory Laparotomy for Foreign Body Removal

Gastrotomy (abdominal surgery): Surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the wall of the stomach, usually to remove foreign objects or tumors, but may also be performed in the treatment of gastrointestinal problems.
Enterotomy (intestinal surgery): Surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the small intestine usually for the removal of a foreign object or for the purpose of obtaining intestinal biopsies.
Colotomy: Surgical procedure in which the colon is exteriorized in order to treat rectal disease, rectal obstruction, or leakage.

Exploratory Laparotomy for Tumor

Intra-abdominal Tumor Excision: Surgical removal of a tumor within the abdominal cavity, often in the spleen or liver.
Bowel Resection and Anastomosis (R & A): Common surgery in which a portion of the esophagus, intestinal tract, and/or stomach is removed (resection) and the parts remaining are reconnected (anastomosis).
Bowel Resection and Anastomosis (R & A) may be required for:
Removal of ingested foreign objects
Twisting of the intestines or stomach
Intestinal perforation
Intussusception of the intestines (portion of the intestine folds into itself)
Neoplasia (tumors)

Gastropexy: Surgery involving tacking the side of the stomach to the abdominal wall in order to prevent gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat or torsion. GDV is a potentially fatal condition, common in large breed or deep-chested canines, in which the pet’s stomach rotates and cuts off circulation.

Veterinary Urological Surgery

Urinary Cystotomy (Kidney Stone Removal): Procedure in which an incision is made in the urinary bladder wall in order to remove stones. Urinary cystotomy may also be performed for:
Removal of blood clots or bladder tumors
Obtaining a biopsy
Repairing a severe trauma or rupture to the urinary bladder
Urethrotomy (most often for stone removal): Procedure in which an incision is made at the base of the penis in order to bypass the urethra and allow the pet to urinate and pass stones. Urethrotomy may also be necessary when a tumor or stricture is preventing urination.

Veterinary General Soft Tissue Surgery

Dr. Martin performs soft tissue surgery which encompasses many traditional, laparoscopic, and innovative procedures. Soft tissue surgery includes any procedure not involving the nervous or musculoskeletal systems.

Common soft tissue surgeries Dr. Martin performs are:

Mass Removal: Surgery to remove a skin mass or lump just under the skin (lumpectomy) or a mass within the body cavity, such as a lymphoma or other tumor.
Laceration Repair: Procedure involving cleaning, assessing, and suturing a cut or tear in the pet’s skin. Lacerations may include damage to muscles, nerves, tendons, or blood vessels. Prompt treatment of a laceration is key to determine damage and to aid in proper healing.
Inguinal Hernia Repair: Surgery to repair a condition characterized by the protrusion of abdominal organs through an opening in the groin area called the inguinal canal. Treatment involves creating an incision in the abdomen, correcting the placement of the abdominal contents, and stitching the inguinal canal together.
Umbilical Hernia Repair: Surgery to correct a condition in which the abdominal organs protrude through an opening around the umbilicus (navel). Treatment involves opening the abdomen and replacing the abdominal contents.

Veterinary Ophthalmic (Ocular-Eye) Surgery in Pets

Dr. Martin performs eye surgery on pets in cases where therapeutic methods cannot correct the eye problem. Ocular surgery may be required for anatomical deformities, trauma, tumors, or certain severe or chronic conditions. Ocular surgeries performed by Dr. Martin include:

Meibomian Gland Tumor (eyelid cyst) Removal: Surgery to remove a tumor (growth or cyst) from the meibomian gland located on the edge of the pet’s eyelid. While most meibomian gland tumors are benign, removal is necessary because the growth can enlarge and affect the pet’s vision.
Crosshatch Keratotomy (corneal ulcer surgery): Surgical procedure to treat corneal ulcers in which the surface of the cornea is stripped off (corneal debridement) and then lightly scratched or roughened with a needle in a method called grid keratotomy, or crosshatch.
Prolapsed third eyelid gland replacement (eyelid protrusion or cherry-eye surgery): Common surgery, performed most often in young dogs, to correct a prolapsed gland disorder of the third eyelid, which resents as a red mass protruding from behind the eyelid. During surgery, the tear gland is repositioned and anchored into place.

Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery

Digit Amputation: Common surgery in which a pet’s toe is removed usually due to disease, tumors, poorly healed fractures, or other medical conditions which cause pain.
Caudectomy (tail docking for medical purposes): Surgical removal of a portion of a pet’s tail due to medical necessity, such as excessive skin folds around the tail base, infection, tumor removal, or a fracture that resists healing properly. Dr. Martin does not perform caudectomies for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes.

Basic Fracture Repair in Pets

Broken bones in pets commonly occur due to fighting or vehicular trauma. Types of pet fractures are similar to human fractures in that they can be open, closed, complete, or incomplete. Surgery to repair a bone fracture will include restoring bone continuity either through traction and manipulation or exposing the bone in open surgery and putting it back together, both of which are performed under general anesthesia.
Depending on the severity of the pet’s fracture, splinting, casting, or external or internal fixation (involves the use of pins, screws, or plates) may be used to immobilize the pet’s bone after it is repaired.

Veterinary Dental Surgery

Dental Procedures on Pets: Most dental procedures on pets, even if minor, will need to be performed under general anesthesia for the safety and comfort of your pet and to ensure the most successful treatment. Veterinary dental surgery Dr. Martin performs include:

Dental prophylaxis (teeth cleaning): Thorough cleaning and polishing of your pet’s teeth in order to prevent periodontal disease.
Dental extraction: A pet’s tooth may need to be extracted in cases where dental pain, infection, or other oral disease are unresponsive to traditional treatments. Surgery will involve complete removal of the root and any necessary treatment of the surrounding bone.

Veterinary Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery

Oronasal fistula repair: Surgical procedure to repair an opening between the oral and nasal cavities, often caused by periodontal disease or other dental problems. Treatment involves surgically closing the passageway with a flap of skin.

Veterinary Anesthesia

We utilize the safest available anesthetics to provide an extra margin of safety, especially for our older or high-risk patients. Using the most modern equipment, the patient’s vital signs are monitored during all anesthetic procedures.

If you would like to learn more about veterinary surgical services at the Plantation Pet Health Center, please call 972-731-0001 to schedule an appointment or complete an Online Appointment Request.