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 Liver Tumors

A liver tumor is an anarchic and unregulated proliferation and replication of cells in the liver. The liver organ has a high regeneration capacity. The removal of one lobe doesn’t compromise the overall function which is to clean the blood from toxins or medications, along with digestive functions.

There are different types of tumors, the possibility of removal depends on the stage and advancement of the initial tumor and also on location. Right-sided tumors are for example more excisable than left-sided ones.

External Fixation

External fixation is an affordable orthopedic surgery (compared to plates and screws) that helps treat fractures that would not heal properly with a cast.

The goal of the surgery is to hold the involved bones in a stable position, allowing the body to create a callus that ultimately replaces the compromised bone part.

Surgeons will use pins and wires that are removed at the end of the convalescence and healing process.

Femoral Head Ostectomy

Femoral Head Ostectomy is a common surgical treatment performed to alleviate hip pain on small to midsize dog breeds. Even though the surgery can be performed on all dog sizes and breeds, the prognosis is better on dogs of less than 60 lbs. The cause of the acute femoral pain can be a dislocated hip that remains unstable post-fracture or due to arthritis and degenerative pathologies, such as Legg Perthes disease.

FHO consists of removal of the femoral head after resection at the level of the femoral neck. After healing, the body creates a fibrous pad that allows all-natural movements.

Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament

The partial or full tear of the cranial cruciate ligament is the most frequent cause of hind leg lameness. Clinical presentation is usually a non-weight bearing lameness, that happens suddenly while the dog is playing, jumping, or running. If ignored the lameness progressively improves over 2 weeks but very rarely goes away. The knee appears swollen and painful on palpation or flexion.

A positive drawer is a very specific and pathognomonic sign that is revealed by specific manipulation of the knee. If not healed properly and appropriately the joint is inclined to develop significant arthritis, a degenerative joint disease that will ultimately compromise the dog’s ability to jump and run.

Various treatments are available depending on the age and size of the pet. Surgical treatment is successful, and dogs often do very well after surgery.

If your pet is limping, schedule a consultation with our expert Veterinarian!

Gallbladder Disease in Dogs

The gall bladder looks very similar to the urinary bladder and is found in between liver lobes. The Gall Bladder is filled with bile produced by the liver. Bile has multiple functions in the elimination of body waste and digestion. In case of malfunction the bile accumulates in the gallbladder causing it to rupture, this is referenced to acute peritonitis, which is often fatal. When medical treatment has failed, the removal of the gallbladder, cholecystectomy, has to be performed to prevent the pet’s death.

Cherry Eye aka Prolapsed Third Eyelid

Why Might this Procedure be Necessary?

When an eyeball is damaged to the point where there is no chance of being capable of sight and is painful, the removal of the eye is indicated to alleviate the pain.

The conditions that frequently trigger a decision of enucleation are : deep trauma, punctures, tumors, glaucoma, bad infections, etc.

These diseases concern brachycephalic breeds more frequently than other breeds due to their flat face and overly exposed eyes. The surgery carries a very good prognosis with no or very rare complications.

Photo by MarVista Vet

Cherry Eye aka Prolapsed Third Eyelid

The prolapse of the third eyelid lacrimal gland is commonly called -Cherry Eye. The third eye is present in many animal species including dogs and cats and it’s also called a Nictitating membrane which serves as additional protection. It also contains a special lacrimal gland (a gland that produces tears) – This gland produces the film protection of the eye.
Sometimes the gland pops out from its deep location. This condition is called Cherry Eye.

What are the clinical signs of “cherry eye”?

Clinically it appears as a swollen red mass on the lower eyelid near the nose. It can be quite large and can cover 3/4 of the cornea (commun with English BullDogs).

The gland can be surgically replaced and attached.

Photo by Dr. Joel Mills

Entropion in Dogs

Entropion is an uncomfortable or painful condition in which the eyelids roll inward, allowing the eyelashes (or other hair) to rub against the cornea and irritate it. The upper and/or lower eyelids can be involved, and the condition can occur in either one eye or both.

Entropion can also occur as a secondary condition as the result of scaring in an eyelid infection. The most common signs include an excessive amount of tears from the affected eye, rubbing, and sensitivity to light.

Predisposed breeds include Boxers, Bull Mastiffs, Cavalier King Charles, Chow Chow, Cocker Spaniel, English Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Irish Setters, Labrador Retriever, Poodles, Pugs, Chinese Shar-Pei, Saint Bernards, and others.

Photo by Dr. Rhea Morgan

The Perineal Urethrostomy

Urinary Blockage is a frequent complication of Bladder stones. It happens when a small stone is engaged in the urethra of a male cat or dog. This doesn’t happen to females because the Urethra is straight, shorter, and wider allowing the stones to be evacuated naturally. Cats have a very small urethra and reoccurring stones are frequent.

Perineal Urethrostomy surgery offers long term management of the condition by transforming the urogenital anatomy of a male to a female like allowing small stones to naturally evacuate. The penis is removed and a new opening is created by suturing the urethra to the skin. The surgery prevents obstruction, but not the bladder inflammation generated by the stones, which is called idiopathic cystitis.

 Cystotomy for Bladder Stones in Dogs and Cats

Urolithiasis also called Bladder stones or cystolithiasis are mineral deposits that can agglomerate inside the bladder and occasionally inside the Kidneys. Sometimes crystals, which are microscopic equivalents of stones, are present before stones could be detected. When a combination of events takes place such as Urine PH change, an increase of urine concentration, mineral imbalance of the diet, these crystals may start to form. It’s the combination of layers of crystals that form the stones. They can be present as hundreds of small stones or just a few, or a single large one (as big as 2 inches). These are seen frequently in dogs and cats.

Most of the time surgery is the only treatment. Opening the bladder is necessary to remove the stones. It is a low-risk surgery with no or rare complications.

 Senior Care

When your pet is aging, more frequent examinations are recommended. Diagnosing diseases early on is key to the longevity of your pet.

Our full senior care checkup includes the following in a competitively priced package.

– Senior blood work panel
– Urinalysis/culture
– Chest radiograph
– Abdominal ultrasound

 Adult Care

Regular wellness consultations are the key to ensuring the health of your pet. On average 23% of companion animals that appear healthy during a physical exam have an underlying disease.

– Yearly medical examinations
– Vaccine boosters
– Preventive care, such as adult blood work panels, urinalysis and regular deworming.

 Kitten and Puppy Care

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! At CVH we aim to support you through each step in your puppy/kitten’s life and development.

– Vaccinations (Click to view our Cat Vaccination Protocols and Dog Vaccination Protocols)
– Parasite control
– Identification
– Nutritional counseling
– Spay and Neuter