Surgery

When your pet needs more than routine care in Portland, Maine and surrounding areas, our board-certified veterinary surgeons offer advanced surgical options. We help restore function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.

Types of Surgical Procedures We Offer

Here are some examples of surgeries and procedures we routinely provide:

Orthopedics

  • We Treat
    • Fractures
    • ACL tears (TPLO, TTA, LFS/MRIT)
    • Patella luxation
    • Elbow dysplasia
    • Hip dysplasia (Total Hip Replacement)
    • We offer arthroscopic and minimally invasive orthopedic surgery

Soft Tissue & Specialized Surgeries

  • Oncologic & reconstructive surgery (tumor removals, wound reconstruction)
  • Minimally invasive techniques (Laparoscopy and Thoracoscopy)
    • Spays
    • Gastropexy
    • Adrenalectomy
    • Cholecystectomy
    • Pericardectomy
  • Thoracic surgery
    • PDA / PRAA corrections
    • Lung tumors/torsion/abscesses

Emergency Surgical Procedures

We are available 24/7/365 for emergency surgical care (e.g. trauma, gastric dilation-volvulus, urgent soft tissue repairs).

What You Can Expect

  • Consultation & Planning: Every surgery begins with a detailed review of your pet’s history, physical exam, diagnostics (imaging, bloodwork etc.), and a discussion about risks, benefits, and postoperative care.
  • Anesthesia & Monitoring: Our anesthesiologist and surgical team monitor vitals continuously during the procedure, using warmed tables and other support to reduce stress and risk.
  • Postoperative Care: Pain management, wound care, physical therapy (if applicable), and regular follow-ups are all part of the care plan. Our goal is smooth recovery with minimal discomfort.

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule a consultation with our surgery team, please call us directly or ask your primary veterinarian for a referral.

Resources

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to evaluate joints. This is the gold standard for joint exploration in humans. In veterinary medicine, we…

Read more

Emergency Surgery

Firstly, emergency surgical intervention is sometimes required to save a pet’s life or to ensure the best outcome. Emergency surgery never happens at a convenient…

Read more

Minimally Invasive Surgery

What is Minimally Invasive Surgery? Minimally Invasive Surgery is accomplished through small portals (incisions that are approximately 5-20 mm long), using cameras that can look…

Read more

Meet Our Surgeons

Marta Agrodnia

Marta Agrodnia

DVM, DACVS-SA, Surgery
Learn More
Lisa Bourazak

Lisa Bourazak

DVM, MPT, DACVAA, Anesthesiologist
Learn More
Maxwell Bush

Maxwell Bush

VMD, DACVS-SA, Surgery
Learn More
April Guille

April Guille

DVM, DACVS-SA, Surgery
Learn More
Leah Stern

Leah Stern

DVM, DACVS-SA, Surgery
Learn More
Meghan Sullivan

Meghan Sullivan

DVM, MS, DACVS, Surgery
Learn More
Raphael Vezina-Audette

Raphael Vezina-Audette

MS, DVM, CVA, DACVAA, Anesthesiologist, Surgical Resident
Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases your primary veterinarian will refer you to our surgery service. This ensures we have your pet’s medical history and prior test results.

It depends on the procedure. Some surgeries are outpatient, while others require hospitalization in our ICU for monitoring and pain control.

Pain management is a top priority. We use a combination of medications, local anesthetics, and, when appropriate, rehabilitation techniques to keep your pet comfortable.

We’ll provide specific instructions, but typically pets should not eat the morning of anesthesia ; they can have access to water. Your care team will give you detailed guidance in advance.

Recovery varies depending on the procedure. You’ll receive discharge instructions covering activity restriction, wound care, medications, and when to return for follow-ups.