Orthopedic surgeries, including FHOs, luxating patella correction, and ACL repair are available, primarily for cats, or for dogs weighing less than 50 lbs. Dr. Johnson has extensive experience with each of these surgeries, and is available to schedule these procedures on Wednesdays. X-ray is available for pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-op views, if necessary.

Beyond the kinds of surgery we perform though, our primary focus in surgery is patient care and support. A dedicated surgery technician does not leave your pet's side until he or she is fully recovered from anesthesia. This technician monitors all vital signs continuously throughout anesthesia, ensuring that the doctor is alerted immediately in the event of any lowering of blood pressure or heart rate occurs during surgery.

Every patient in surgery gets the same high standard of care, which includes:

• Customized drug protocols based on species, age, weight, and health status
• Individualized pain management plans
• Premedications to relieve stress and ease the transition to anesthetic induction
• Intravenous catheter to allow immediate venous access in the event of an anesthetic reaction*
• Fluids to maintain blood pressure, hydration, and proper electrolyte balance*
• Intubation and maintenance on oxygen and Isoflurane gas
• Vital signs monitoring by a dedicated technician, including: 02 level, heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, fluid rate, capillary refill rate, temperature
• Thermal maintenance throughout surgery and in recovery using warm water circulating mats, warmed water bottles and blankets.

Orthopedic patients are put on a fluid pump to ensure the most accurate delivery of fluids throughout surgery and recovery
Recovery takes place in a sheltered area on warm water circulating mats, until patients are fully awake, at which time they are returned to their kennels. All orthopedic procedures spend the night with us to ensure continuous fluid delivery and strict cage rest.