Advances in veterinary medicine and veterinary surgery have been keeping close pace with those in human medicine and surgery. Over the last two decades medical technology and techniques have advanced rapidly, making this an increasingly specialized field. A board-certified veterinary surgeon possesses the experience, training and expertise to manage complex surgical procedures. Surgeons within the Ethos network have access to advanced diagnostic modalities and surgical equipment.

At Premier Mundelein we recognize the value of collaboration with you, your primary care veterinarian and our staff as a comprehensive team for your pet’s care. Our surgeon offers experienced, specialized surgical care to treat various soft tissue and orthopedic diseases, with an emphasis on complex fracture repairs, canine hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate injuries. Assisting our surgery team is our anesthesia team who tailors each anesthetic protocol to the individual patient, ensuring their safety and comfort.

Surgical Procedures

Soft Tissue Surgery:

• Thoracic

• Oncologic

• Gastrointestinal surgery

• Hepatic surgery

• Biliary system surgery

• Urogenital surgery

• Skin and reconstructive surgery

• Respiratory surgery

Orthopedic Surgery (including but not limited to):

• CCL (Cranial Cruciate Ligament) Injuries

• Extracapuslar stabilization/Lateral Suture for CCL

• Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)/Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE)

• Fracture repairs

• Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL)

• OCD (Osteochondrosis dessicans)

• TPLO (Tribial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)

• TPO (Triple Osteotomy of the Pelvis)

• Treatments

• Antibiotic Therapy

• Bandage, Cast or Splint Placement

• Blood Transfusions

• Open Wound / Fracture Management

• Pain Management

• Wound Management

Diagnostics

• Deep Tissue and Bone Biopsy

• Diagnostic Imaging

• Oropharyngeal/Laryngeal Exams

Diagnostics

• Radiography (X-rays)

• Ultrasound

Treatments

• Emergency Surgery Services

• Intra-articular Therapies (Joint Injections)

• Post-op Hot Packs & Ice Packs

• Passive and Active Range of Motion, Manual Therapy

• Assistive Devices, Supportive Slings, Braces

Glossary of Terms

CCL(Cranial Cruciate Ligament) Injuries

A cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCL) is the most common orthopedic injury in dogs. It occurs when a ligament in the knee joint tears resulting in either partial or complete joint instability, pain, and lameness. Cruciate ligament ruptures can be acute (sudden onset caused by trauma) or chronic (degenerative changes in the ligament causing an unstable joint over time).

CCL injuries can occur in cats, but are not as common as in dogs. Most pets experience symptoms such as lameness on and off or holding the leg up off the ground. In acute injuries, your pet may be 3-legged and painful initially; however, most pets start to feel better after a few days of rest and pain medication and are able to walk around on three legs. Recommended treatment of a CCL rupture is surgery, although small breeds (weighing less than 30 lbs) can sometimes do well with medical management.

Extracapuslar Stabilization for CCL

Extracapuslar stabilization is another type of surgery performed to treat stifles with torn cruciate ligament injuries. This procedure is a more traditional type of surgery and has been practiced for years. It is recommended on smaller dogs which have too small of bones to be a candidate for TPLO surgery. During the surgery, the surgeon stabilizes the stifle joint by replacing the torn ligament with an artificial ligament made of heavy suture material. Recovery time is generally 3 months of strict rest, followed by 6-8 weeks of rehabilitation. This is surgery that can also be performed on large breed dogs in cases where TPLO surgery is not an option.

Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)/Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE)

A Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO), also called a Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE), is considered a salvage procedure. This means that it usually is performed after osteoarthritis has become so severe in the dog’s hips, that it limits a dog’s activity or makes the dog constantly uncomfortable.

It is the presence of the osteoarthritis and bone-on-bone contact between the femoral head and acetabulum that results in pain. In this procedure, the head and neck of the femur are removed and the limb becomes reliant on muscles and fibrous scar tissue for support.

Patients undergoing an FHO/FHNE will never have the function of a normal hip joint and will always be somewhat limited in activity, but this procedure can greatly reduce pain, and often results in improved function compared to the arthritic joint.

Laryngeal Paralysis

Laryngeal paralysis occurs when the muscles that hold the airway open become paralyzed and collapse, causing difficulty breathing. This disease is most common in older, large breed dogs. Your pet may have symptoms for a long period of time such as coughing, change of bark, tiring easily, and sometimes collapse. Most pet’s symptoms will progressively worsen until surgery becomes necessary. To correctly diagnosis laryngeal paralysis, the surgeon must perform a laryngeal exam under sedation. This surgery can be very successful and provide your pet with relief and the ability to live a happy, active life.

OCD (Osteochondrosis Dessicans)

Osteochondrosis dessicans (OCD) is a condition of abnormal cartilage growth seen in rapidly growing dogs. Labrador retrievers, Rottweilers, German shepherds, and other large /giant breed dogs are most commonly affected. Most dogs are between 5-7 months of age when signs of lameness occur.

The most commonly affected joint is the shoulder followed by the elbow, ankle (hock), and knee (stifle). X-rays of the affected joint reveal a flattened area of the bone, which corresponds to the defect left by the dead cartilage.

Treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs alone is usually not successful and surgery is generally required. The goals of surgery are to remove any loose cartilage and encourage filling of the defect with new healthier tissue.

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)

A Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is a revolutionary new technique that is performed by a surgeon for the repair of a torn cranial cruciate ligament in a dog’s knee.

Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is one of the most common orthopedic abnormalities that occur in dogs. Untreated, this condition can lead to severe, even crippling arthritis of the knee. This procedure is highly recommended for dogs over 40 lbs. that could return to a high-activity or performance lifestyle and for young dogs that will depend on their repair to minimize arthritis throughout their lifetime.

TPO (Triple Osteotomy of the Pelvis)

Triple Osteotomy of the Pelvis (TPO), is a surgery for treating hip dysplasia. The word osteotomy means to cut bone. The purpose of the surgery is to set the ball (femoral head) into the socket (acetabulum). This is done by cutting the bone in three places and rotating the pelvis so the acetabulum rests securely over the femoral head. Once the bone is cut, it is held in place with a stainless steel plate and screws or a combination of screws and wire. It is not necessary to remove the plates, screws, or wires.