Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center
Surgery
Overview
When your pet requires more than a routine procedure, you want the peace of mind that comes with specialized expertise and cutting-edge technology. At Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center (SOVSC), our Small Animal Surgery Service is dedicated to performing complex procedures with a focus on long-term healing and quality of life.
Led by Dr. Fugazzi and Dr. Riddle, our surgical team treats conditions ranging from advanced soft tissue cases to intricate orthopedic repairs. We operate as a collaborative bridge between your family veterinarian and our advanced facility, ensuring your pets journey, from diagnosis to rehabilitation, is seamless and supportive.
What is a Veterinary Surgical Specialist?
A surgical specialist is a veterinarian who has completed years of advanced training beyond veterinary school, including a residency and rigorous board certification. These specialists focus on complex procedures that require specialized management, advanced equipment, and intricate pre-surgical planning.
When should my pet see a specialist?
Your primary veterinarian may recommend a consultation if your pet has:
An injury requiring surgical repair for proper healing
A diagnosed orthopedic condition, such as a ligament injury or fracture
A mass or tumor requiring a complex biopsy or removal
A condition that has not improved with standard medical management
Procedures We Offer
Every surgical plan we create is tailored to the individual needs of the pet and the goals of their family.
Orthopedic Surgery
TPLO & Cruciate Repairs
Fracture Repairs
Joint Stabilization (Elbow, Hip, Stifle)
Arthroscopy (Minimally Invasive)
Congenital/Developmental Corrections
Soft Tissue Surgery
Mass & Tumor Removals
Abdominal & Thoracic Surgery
Gastrointestinal Procedures
Airway & Urogenital Surgery
Trauma & Wound Reconstruction
What to Expect: The Patient Journey
The Consultation
During your first visit, our surgeon will perform a thorough physical and orthopedic exam while reviewing your pet’s medical history and referral records. We will discuss all treatment options, provide a detailed estimate, and outline what the recovery process will look like.
Advanced Diagnostics
Our surgery service is supported by high-level diagnostic tools to ensure precision:
CT Imaging for detailed cross-sectional views
C-arm/Fluoroscopy for real-time, dynamic imaging during procedures
Comprehensive In-House Labs for rapid pre-anesthetic testing
Anesthesia and Pain Management
Safety and comfort are our primary concerns. Every pet under general anesthesia is monitored by a dedicated nursing team. We use multimodal pain control, which combines various methods, such as regional nerve blocks and anti-inflammatory therapy, to keep your pet comfortable during and after surgery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Length of time in hospital varies; some pets return home the same day, while others require overnight monitoring for pain management. We provide customized recovery plans that include restricted activity, incision care, and physical rehabilitation exercises to ensure optimal healing.
TPLO: The Gold Standard for Cruciate Care
One of the most common injuries in active dogs is a rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), which is very similar to an ACL tear in humans. Pets with this condition often struggle with limping, stiffness, or difficulty rising.
We are proud to offer TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) repairs using industry-leading Arthrex implants. Unlike traditional repairs, a TPLO stabilizes the knee by changing the geometry of the joint, allowing it to function reliably without the damaged ligament.
Advanced Technology: We utilize cutting-edge orthopedic equipment for precision and safety
Comprehensive Recovery: Aftercare focuses on tailored pain management and gradual rehabilitation
Ongoing Support: Success depends on follow-up care, including suture removal and follow-up X-rays to confirm bone healing
