Veterinary Pet Surgery
In East Meadow, Long Island, NY

The Importance of Preventative Care

Veterinary Pet Surgery

We understand that the idea of your pet undergoing surgery is enough to make even the most laid-back pet owner a bit anxious. But from routine procedures to advanced and life saving surgeries, our team has the experience you need to feel confident that your pet is in the best possible hands.

General & Advanced Surgery

At Oath Animal Hospital, we understand that surgery can be stressful, for both you and your pet. We strive to make your pet comfortable and ease the anxiety that you are experiencing as well. We are highly trained and experienced in an array of surgical procedures and aim to keep you updated every step of the way. Not only will be meticulously monitor your pet before, during, and after surgery, we promise to keep you informed about what the procedure entails in terms of risks/benefits, cost, and post-operative care.

Spay/Neuter Procedure

We strongly

 recommend all dogs and cats be spayed/neutered to reduce sexual instincts, unwanted behaviors, and the chances of infection and disease. This procedure is usually performed between 6-9 months of age and each patient’s individual needs are taken into consideration. Our veterinarians are highly trained to perform spay and neuter procedures. We guarantee your companion will be closely monitored, safe, and comfortable throughout the entire procedure and recovery period.

Neutering involves the surgical removal of the testicles. This procedure will lessen aggressive behaviors, decrease the desire to roam, and prevents testicular cancer and prostate disease. We will perform a pre-operative physical exam and blood testing to ensure safety during surgery and while under anesthesia. Typically, recovery is simple with minimal aftercare.

Spaying involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in order to eliminate heat periods (estrus) and the possibility of pregnancy. This procedure typically occurs between 6-9 months of age. of age. Aside from preventing heat and pregnancy, spaying your female pet will eliminate the risk of uterine infections, and ovarian/uterine tumors. It can also decrease the risk of malignant breast cancer by 90% when performed before the first heat cycle. We will perform a pre-operative labwork and a physical examination with be performed to ensure safety while under anesthesia and during surgery. Typical, recovery is smooth and uneventful.

Foreign Body Removal

A foreign body is anything ingested by your pet that is not digestible. At times, these foreign objects will pass through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract without issue, however, it is common for foreign objects to become lodged along the GI tract which can lead to serious and threatening medical conditions.

Depending on the size of your pet and the size of the foreign body ingested, the object can get stuck in different areas of the GI tract. Large objects such as bones cannot pass through the stomach, whereas smaller objects such as gravel can make its way into the intestines. One of the most dangerous consumed foreign bodies is string. String can get twisted and turned in the small intestine potentially leading to a condition referred to as a linear foreign body. While still a foreign body, string can cause sections of the small intestine to lose blood flow which can lead to performation, sepsis, and potentially death. String has also been known to cut all the way through the wall of the intestines if bound tightly enough.

If you think your pet may have consumed a foreign object, call us right away – this can be a life-threatening emergency situation! During your appointment, we will take x-rays (radiographs) and/or perform an abdominal ultrasound to help locate the foreign object(s). Objects that cannot pass naturally or run too high a risk to monitor, must be retrieved be inducing vomiting, obtained endoscopically, or retrieved surgically. In most cases, surgery is required. Common complications to this medical emergency include, but are not limited to, the need to remove dead loops of bowel, sepsis, and infection.

General signs of a gastrointestinal tract obstruction include:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Depressed attitude
  • Vomiting
  • Tense abdomen
  • Abnormal stools (diarrhea, constipation, odd color)
  • Pale gums
  • Weakness

Common objects that need surgically removed:

  • Socks
  • Balls
  • Chew toys
  • Bones
  • Hair ties
  • Rocks
  • Pantyhose
  • Underwear
  • Sticks

Tumors & Growths

Tumors and growths are common in geriatric patients, however, growths can appear at any age. While a tumor or lump may not be malignant, it may be advantageous to remove it. Each case is evaluated individually and issues such as age, potential for malignancy, size, and location are considered when making a recommendation. Needle aspiration can sometimes provide a preliminary idea of what the mass consists of however most times, an excisional biopsy (“mass removal”) is usually performed. This is the safest way to have the entire mass evaluated by a pathologist to determine if your pet’s healthcare team need to be concerned after healing.

Orthopedic Surgery

Oath Animal Hospital has access to in-house orthopedic specialists who perform surgeries to repair fractures/dislocations, cruciate ligament tears (ACL), and luxating patellas. Our in-house orthopedic specialist also provides discernment when discussing any condition that may not be entirely reversible but can provide other options for salvaging comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Congenital diseases and acquired injuries of the bones, joints, and spine require more than simple first-aid. Symptoms of common and severe bone or joint issues include lameness, lethargy, withdrawal, unwillingness to jump down or climb up short distances, aggression, and irritability. Often times, the only present symptom of pain or injury is a change in your pet’s personality!

We are trained to treat patients using the most modern bone plating, pinning, and fixation equipment and techniques. Levittown Animal Hospital is trained to perform orthopedic surgeries involving repairs of fractures or dislocations, laceration repair, cruciate ligament tears, and luxating patellas. If there is severe, irreversible damage, we are able to perform partial or complete limb amputations.

All surgical and treatment options will be discussed with you, including advantages and disadvantages, so you can make the most informed and beneficial decision regarding your pet’s health.

Soft Tissue Surgery

These surgical procedures range in complexity from simple mass removals to surgery on internal organs. Most soft tissue surgeries can be performed on-site in our surgical suite. No matter what, we will make sure to get you and your pet the best care possible.

Free Bath Fridays At Oath