Advanced Surgery

Updates from our expert staff, including tips and tricks for a healthier pet and a happier you.
vet examining pet
Advanced Surgery

BOAS Surgery: Improving Breathing and Quality of Life for Flat-Faced Dogs

Flat-faced dog breeds are known for their unique appearance, but their anatomy can also create challenges—particularly when it comes to breathing. For many of these dogs, what seems like “normal” snoring or heavy breathing is actually a sign of an underlying condition known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Understanding this condition—and how surgery can…
7/10/26
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Veterinarian holding dog
Advanced Surgery

Exploratory Surgery in Pets: When Answers Aren’t Clear and Precision Matters Most

Not every medical condition can be diagnosed through imaging or lab work alone. In some cases, symptoms persist without a clear explanation, leaving both pet owners and veterinarians searching for answers. Exploratory surgery is a procedure that allows for direct evaluation of internal organs when other methods don’t provide enough clarity. What Is Exploratory Surgery?…
7/10/26
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Dog worried after ingesting foreign object
Advanced Surgery

Foreign Body Removal in Pets: What Happens When Something Gets Stuck

Pets are naturally curious, and sometimes that curiosity leads them to swallow things they shouldn’t. While some objects may pass on their own, others can become lodged in the digestive system, creating a potentially dangerous situation. When this happens, surgical removal is often necessary to protect your pet’s health. Why Foreign Body Ingestion Is So…
7/10/26
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Veterinarian performing Gastrointestinal Surgery on pet
Advanced Surgery

Gastrointestinal Surgery in Pets: Understanding Blockages, Symptoms, and When Surgery Is Necessary

Digestive issues are one of the more common reasons pets require advanced veterinary care, and in some cases, surgical intervention becomes necessary. While mild gastrointestinal upset can often resolve on its own, more serious conditions—such as blockages or internal complications—can escalate quickly and require immediate attention. Understanding how these issues develop and when surgery is…
7/10/26
164
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Veterinarian performing emergency surgery
Advanced Surgery

Emergency Surgery for Pets: Recognizing Urgency, Acting Quickly, and What Happens Next

Emergency Surgery for Pets: Recognizing Urgency, Acting Quickly, and What Happens Next There are moments as a pet owner when something shifts quickly—your pet isn’t acting like themselves, symptoms appear suddenly, and you’re left trying to determine whether it’s something minor or something serious. In some cases, that moment leads to emergency surgery. Understanding what…
7/10/26
186
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Veterinarian performing abdominal ultrasound on a dog
Advanced Surgery

Dog Swallowed a Toy, Sock, or Foreign Object? Here’s What To Do | Family Pet Medical Center

Dog Swallowed a Toy, Sock, or Foreign Object? Here’s What To Do Dogs are naturally curious, and unfortunately, that curiosity sometimes gets them into trouble. Whether it’s a sock, toy, underwear, corn cob, bone, rock, or another household object, foreign body ingestion is one of the most common emergencies veterinarians treat. Some swallowed objects pass…
7/10/26
246
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