Veterinary Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ
Veterinary surgeons receive advanced training to diagnose and treat complex and rare conditions across many body systems. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our board-certified surgical team intervenes when problems affect the endocrine, gastrointestinal, hemolymphatic, respiratory, dermatologic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, urinary, and reproductive systems, as well as specialized areas such as the ears, with the goal of removing the underlying cause.
Board-Certified Surgical Expertise
Veterinary surgeons complete a one-year internship and a three-year residency before becoming board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Many pursue additional training in areas such as minimally invasive surgery. That depth of training means your pet benefits from specialized knowledge, advanced instrumentation, and careful anesthesia and pain management for even the most complex operations.
Surgical Conditions We Treat
Your pet may benefit from a referral to a surgeon for:
- Traumatic injuries and wounds needing advanced wound care and reconstruction
- Vomiting due to a foreign body, torsion, or mass, as outlined on our abdominal surgical conditions page
- Difficulty breathing from upper airway or chest (thoracic) conditions
- Congenital cardiac or vascular anomalies
- Urinary difficulty or obstruction, including bladder stones
- Internal or external mass removal through cancer (oncologic) surgery
- Head and neck conditions, including ear, thyroid, and salivary gland disease
- Reproductive surgical conditions and orthopedic conditions
When to Request a Referral to a Board-Certified Surgeon
- Your pet has a tumor that may require surgery and possible follow-up with an oncologist
- Your pet has a condition that would benefit from specialized training and instrumentation for a complex operation
- You would like an informed, neutral second opinion before surgery is performed
Minimally Invasive and Advanced Surgical Techniques
When appropriate, minimally invasive surgical options may offer reduced discomfort and faster recovery. Our hospital performs laparoscopic procedures, including laparoscopic biopsies and laparoscopic spays, and collaborates closely with our internal medicine team on interventional procedures such as laser bladder stone removal, endoscopic foreign object removal, and urinary stenting, which can sometimes avoid open surgery altogether.
Explore our minimally invasive surgery resources
Before and After Surgery
Every surgical patient receives a thorough pre-operative evaluation, which may include bloodwork, chest radiographs, and ultrasound. Our team uses tailored anesthesia protocols and multimodal pain management, and we provide clear discharge instructions and follow-up care in partnership with your family veterinarian. Review payment options or read what to expect at your consultation.
Veterinary Surgery FAQs
What is a board-certified veterinary surgeon?
A board-certified surgeon has completed a one-year internship, a three-year residency, and certification through the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
What types of surgery do you perform?
We perform abdominal, chest, head and neck, upper airway, reproductive, oncologic, orthopedic, and reconstructive surgery.
Do you offer minimally invasive surgery?
Yes. When appropriate, we use laparoscopic and other minimally invasive techniques that may reduce discomfort and speed recovery.
Can I get a second opinion before surgery?
Yes. We provide informed, neutral second opinions before surgery is performed.
How is pain managed after surgery?
We use tailored, multimodal pain management during and after surgery and send pets home with medications and instructions.
Will my pet stay overnight after surgery?
It depends on the procedure. Some pets go home the same day, while others need hospitalization for monitoring.
Does my pet need tests before surgery?
Yes. Pre-operative bloodwork and imaging help us plan surgery safely.
Schedule a Surgical Consultation
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 or request an appointment online to meet with our surgical team.