Veterinary
Surgical Services
Bracken Ridge Animal Hospital – Bedford, PA

CO2 Laser, Autoclave, Isoflurane Anesthesia, Therapy Laser

Bracken Ridge Veterinary Hospital provides an extensive range of state-of-the-art surgical procedures with advanced anesthesia and monitoring for your pets. From spay and neuter procedures to tumor extraction, and a complete range of specialized soft tissue, reconstructive, and orthopedic surgery procedures, we offer one of the widest menus of emergency and elective surgery procedures in the region. To learn more about our facility in Bedford, PA, or to schedule a procedure, call: 814-623-1888

  • Spay and Neuter Surgery
  • Orthopedic and Reconstructive Surgery – Bones, Ligaments and Joints
  • CO2 Laser Soft Tissue Surgery
  • Oral Surgery
  • Emergency Surgery

Pain Management, Anesthesia, and Surgical Procedures

All surgical procedures are performed with the skilled assistance of our trained technicians. Bracken Ridge Veterinary Hospital’s surgical patients receive appropriate pain management, which may include local anesthetics, injectable isoflurane anesthesia, and/or oral pain medications as appropriate.

Spay and Neuter/Castration Surgery

Cats, Dogs, Rabbits, and Small Animal Pets
There are many benefits to spaying or neutering your pet, especially early in life (8-9 weeks is recommended for most healthy cats and dogs). An average of between 2 and 5 million healthy, sweet, adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States each year. We can do better. Taking responsibility by spaying or neutering your pet is the most effective way to do your part and help reduce this tragic situation.

Spay/Neuter Benefits
Aside from helping to control pet overpopulation and related homelessness and suffering, the procedure can significantly minimize or completely eliminate unwanted pet behaviors such as aggressiveness, roaming, excessive barking/meowing, and territorial urine-marking/spraying. In addition, early spaying and neutering can also help reduce the incidence of reproductive system cancers and infections, and help your pet live a longer and healthier life.

Community benefits of spaying or neutering include less car accidents caused by veering to avoid pets at large, fewer wildlife losses, less damage to crops and ornamental plants, and fewer dog maulings. Because of this, some jurisdictions also offer a discounted pet license for altered dogs. At Bracken Ridge Veterinary Hospital, we encourage pet caretakers who do not plan to breed their pets to have their pet spayed or neutered as soon as the animal is old enough for the procedure. We provide several low-cost spay/neuter clinics throughout the year to help defray the cost of this important medical procedure.

Orthopedic and Reconstructive Surgery

Bones, Ligaments, and Joints

Bracken Ridge Veterinary Hospital provides routine and surgical care for all kinds of orthopedic injuries and diseases including bone fractures, tendon and ligament injuries, muscle strains and sprains, arthritis, and developmental orthopedic conditions. Left untreated, orthopedic problems lead to significant pain and disability and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Examination and Treatment Options
If your domestic pet is experiencing a bone, ligament, or joint-related issue, we will carefully and thoroughly evaluate the situation with a physical examination, including observation of posture and gait. Diagnostic testing, including digital x-rays and musculoskeletal ultrasound, are available on-site. In many cases, a conservative approach with joint injections, regenerative medicine, and other advanced medical treatments may be considered first to remedy the condition.

Precision Surgical Intervention
In non-responsive and more advanced cases where surgical intervention is indicated, surgery can be conducted under the guidance of digital imaging to ensure precision therapeutic intervention within a tendon, ligament, or joint lesion, allowing for targeted treatment. Our surgeons offer a full range of traditional and innovative surgical treatments to help your pet return to normal, pain-free functionality. We are able to treat all common orthopedic conditions, including:

Forelimb Injuries

  • Bicipital Bursitis/Bicep Tendonitis
  • Cruciate Ligament Injuries (ACL/CCL Ruptures and Partial Tears)
  • Elbow Arthritis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Elbow Luxation/Subluxation
  • Elbow Medial/Lateral/Collateral Ligament Desmitis
  • Fragmented Coronoid Process
  • Ununited Anconeal Process

Hindlimb Injuries

  • Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease
  • Extracapsular CCL Repair
  • Femoral Head and Neck Excision
  • Hip Dislocation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Medial Patellar Luxation

General Orthopedic Diseases

  • Hyperextension Injuries
  • Joint Dislocation
  • Limb/Digit Amputation
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)

Fracture Repair

  • Casting/Splinting
  • External Fixation
  • Intramedullary Bone Pinning

Our team specializes in treating all types of orthopedic conditions for all animals. In the rare case that a surgical procedure would be required that we are unable to address at our facility for any reason, we are able to provide a referral to a qualified surgeon within our extensive network of veterinary surgeons.

Soft Tissue Surgery – CO2 Laser

Sterilization, Tumor Removal, Laceration Repair, Mucous Membrane Procedures

CO2 laser surgery is ideal for all types of soft tissue surgery for dogs, cats, and domestic pets. Bracken Ridge Veterinary Hospital is pleased to offer this innovative surgery for all patients undergoing elective and emergency procedures.

Highly Effective Precision Laser Surgery
In comparison to traditional surgery with a scalpel, laser surgery is much more precise and effective. Advantages include instant cauterization of nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatics, as well as destruction of pathogens and sterilization of the surgical site as the laser moves over the area. Patients enjoy diminished pain, inflammation, and bleeding, as well as decreased chance of infection. It also significantly reduces the likelihood of inadvertently spreading cancer within the body. Due to minimal damage to surrounding structures, recovery time may be significantly reduced, as well. The procedure is optimal for a wide range of surgical interventions including everything from sensitive operations on delicate mucous membranes to complicated cancerous tumor and mass removal.

  • Abdominal Hernia Repair
  • Cancerous Tumor Removal & Resection
  • Check Ligament Desmotomy
  • Cryptorchid Castration
  • Entropion/Ectropion Correction
  • Enucleation
  • Eyelid, Mouth & Throat Surgery
  • Laceration Repair
  • Neurectomy
  • Reproductive, Perianal & Rectal Surgery
  • Skin and Internal Mass/Tumor Removal
  • Spay/Neuter/Castration

Oral Surgery

Bracken Ridge Veterinary Hospital offers a complete in-house dental suite and is well equipped to perform numerous diagnostic and oral surgery procedures including biopsies, jaw fracture corrections, mass removals, soft palate surgeries, and gingival flaps. Because overall health and quality of life are intimately tied to oral health, any injury, disease, or damage to the teeth and oral mucusa should be addressed promptly. In addition to routine dental cleanings and care, our advanced oral surgery services help your domestic pet to maintain maximum health and longevity.

  • Cleft Palates & Palate Defects
  • Emergency Trauma Surgery
  • Extractions
  • Malocclusions
  • Mucogingival Flap Surgery
  • Oral Tumors
  • Periodontic Surgery
  • Restorations
  • Root Canal Therapy
  • Tooth Abscesses
  • Tooth & Jaw Fractures

Anesthesia and Advanced Monitoring

When your companion pet requires advanced surgical care, the surgeons of Bracken Ridge Veterinary Hospital are pleased to offer cutting-edge treatments with the latest advances in veterinary medicine. Each patient receives a custom anesthesia protocol based on the patient’s overall health, personal needs, and procedure being performed, as well as advanced monitoring with the assistance of precision digital technology. Although all procedures and anesthesia carry some risk, you are assured the best possible care and treatment for your pet when you choose our skilled veterinary medical team. The well-being of each patient is of the utmost priority at Bracken Ridge Veterinary Hospital.

Our Surgical Suite
The sterile surgical suite at Bracken Ridge Veterinary Hospital is a modern operating theater featuring a full outfit of advanced surgical and monitoring equipment for both small and large animals. Blood pressure, ventilation, electrocardiography, pulse oximetry, capnography, and a precision anesthesia administration system are amongst the equipment utilized to assist and monitor our patients throughout their procedure. Appropriate surgical lighting and magnification are in place, as well as a full range of traditional and laser surgical equipment.

Sterilization and Surgical Support
We follow a strict sterilization procedure, which includes the use of a highly effective modern autoclave system. Intravenous hydration and medications, catheterization, a warming machine and blankets, and supportive systems are used as appropriate to help ensure proper blood pressure, oxygenation, temperature, vital organ support and well-being are maintained before and during the procedure, as well as through the recovery period. Because your pet deserves nothing but the best in surgical care, we keep our patients’ safety at the forefront at all times.

Emergency Surgery

Bracken Ridge Veterinary Hospital is maintained in surgery-ready condition 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Saving lives is one of the most rewarding parts of our careers. When your pet requires immediate surgical intervention, we are here for you.

Weekday Emergency Services
Monday to Thursday 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Friday 8:00AM – 12:00PM
Call: 814-623-1888

Night & Weekend Emergency Services
Monday to Thursday 5:00PM – 8:00AM, Friday 12:00PM – 8:00AM and Saturday/Sunday
Call: 814-381-1905

We perform a full range of emergency and critical care surgical procedures for all domestic pets including:

  • Gastric Dilatation & Volvulus (GDV) Surgery
  • Internal Hemorrhage and Hemoabdomen Surgery
  • Pyometra Surgery
  • C-section Surgery
  • Intestinal Obstruction/Perforation Surgery
  • Herniated Intervertebral Disc Surgery
  • Airway & Urethral Obstruction Surgery
  • Fracture, Laceration & Trauma Surgery
  • Intubation for Breathing Difficulty
  • Bite Wound Repair

Contact Bracken Ridge Veterinary Hospital to learn more about our surgical practice and get answers to any questions that you may have regarding your pet’s surgical procedure. We are happy to answer your questions and welcome the chance to address any concerns you may have. Our surgical team looks forward to keeping you fully informed by delivering the information you need to fully understand what is involved before and during the procedure, providing aftercare guidance, and giving your pet the exceptional care he deserves.