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Surgeons preparing for surgery.

Surgery

The DCES surgery service is headed by Dr. Megan Mathews and Dr. Laura Mitterman. Our surgery team can assist you with various surgical procedures including general soft tissue surgery, oncologic, orthopedic, and neurologic surgery. If you would like to schedule a consultation with our surgeon, please make an appointment below.

If you have been referred to one of our surgeons or would like to discuss your pet’s upcoming surgery, please call us today at (301) 809-8800.

Consultation

The goal of our team is to form a partnership with you and your primary care veterinarian to ensure that your pet is receiving the most comprehensive care. To help us achieve this, please ensure records are available prior to your appointment. During your consultation, your pet’s doctor will:

  • take a thorough medical history

  • review any medical records available

  • perform a physical examination

  • develop a treatment plan

  • discuss any recommended diagnostic and treatment options

  • provide an itemized estimate for your approval

  • provide you with a summary of your visit and communicate a follow-up plan with your primary vet

Visit Preparation

Diagnostics

  • Laboratory analysis of blood, urine and other fluid samples: this allows us to assess organ function and identify the causes of an abnormal buildup of fluids.

  • Radiographs: X-ray imaging gives us a 2-dimensional global overview of what is going on internally and is commonly used as a screening test.

  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive test that gives additional information in regards to organ shape and characteristics and is frequently used as a screening tool.

  • CT scan: A series of X-ray images are obtained to provide a 3-D image of your pet’s organs, bones, and cancerous masses that may be present. This tool is frequently used to plan the appropriate extent of surgery for your pet.

  • Biopsy: A sample of abnormal tissue may be recommended prior to definitive surgical therapy.

Staff at Dogs and Cats Emergency & Specialty performing surgery preparations with a small dog.

Preparing For Surgery

Preparing for your pet's appointment or procedure... 

  • A consultation is always performed prior to a procedure. Procedures may occur the same day as the consultation. Therefore, we recommend preparing your pet for the possibility of surgery. 

  • Do not feed your pet after midnight the evening before your visit. Water is permitted until you leave for the hospital. If you are administering medications, please ask when scheduling your appointment if they should be given the morning of the appointment. 

  • Please bring any medical records, images (usually on a CD) and medications with you. The medications should be in their original bottles. 

  • If your pet has a special diet and there is the possibility that he or she may stay overnight, you may bring that diet with you for us to provide.  

  • Dr. Mathews or Dr. Mitterman will contact you following surgery for an update and to confirm a plan post-operatively. Most patients spend at least one night in the hospital following surgery

Veterinarian specializing in surgery at Dogs and Cats Emergency & Specialty performing a surgical procedure.

Surgical Procedures

  • Correcting Birth Defect Surgery: Some breeds are prone to issues that can affect their ability to breathe, eat, or walk, and may be addressed surgically. 

  • Tumor Removal Surgery: Cancerous or painful tumors may require surgical removal. 

  • Orthopedic surgery: Lameness can be caused by ligament injury, joint injury or luxation, or bone deformities, which can frequently be resolved or improved with surgery.  

  • Emergency procedures for trauma: Some serious injuries may require surgery to repair including dog bite wounds, body wall hernias, muscle or tendon injury, and broken bones.  

  • Emergency procedures for foreign bodies: Foreign bodies that have become stuck in your pet's digestive tract may require surgery to remove them. 

  • Minimally Invasive Surgery: Spaying, neutering, or preventative gastropexy may be done with minimally invasive techniques using laparoscopy. Fluoroscopy can be used to place implants that open airways or bypass obstructions in the urinary tract. 

Request Appointment

To start the process of scheduling an appointment with Surgery, please submit an appointment request form. Once the form is completed, you will receive a phone call or e-mail from one of our Customer Service Representatives to complete your request. If a team member does not follow-up within 48 hours of the request, please give us a call at (301) 809-8800 to confirm we received your submission.