This procedure can be done to both Cats and dogs, indications are animals that have chronic urinary obstructive problems or diseases that cause irreversible trauma and require reconstruction of the urogenital system. This procedure is usually reserved for our male gendered cats and dogs. This procedure is most commonly done on male cats where as male dogs generally tend to have a scrotal urethrostomy rather than a perineal (space between the anus and scrotal sac). This procedure involves redirecting the outflow of urine through the urethra so that instead of the normal position through the penis where the urethra ends urination is now performed almost midway of the urethral length. So, why these locations? The perineum is where the urethra is at its widest point and most superficial (close to the outer skin layer) this makes it an ideal position to perform this surgery with the least amount of potential complications. Patients who undergo this surgery have almost immediate relief of their clinical problems and go back to normal life within 1-2 months post surgery. It is expected to see blood in the urine for this time but once the surgical site heals male cats who undergo this procedure manage quite well and return to normal life being able to urinate with no problems.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome is a combination of anatomical formation of the dogs airway structures that interferes with normal breathing and taking in air to the lungs. This syndrome affected only brachycephalics (short/squished/scrunched face dogs) ie. Bulldogs, pugs, french bulldogs. The 3 main components are stenotic nares (more closed nostrils), elongated soft palate and a hypoplastic trachea (causing narrowing of the main airway). Another abnormalities can be everted laryngeal saccules which are 'pouches' that live on either side of the opening of the trachea and in severe cases the 'pouches' evert and block portions of the trachea further hindering airflow into the lungs. The two main procedures to combat this syndrome are widening the nostril by cutting a portion of the tissue away in the hopes to widen the airflow. Every increase in nostril opening increased airflow x4. So even a small enlargement goes a very long way. A soft palate resection is also done to prevent epilotal (the flap covering the trachea when swelling) entrapment so that breathing can be done with both nose and mouth unhindered. Because these dogs can sometimes have other pathologist that go along with this syndrome, a comprehensive physical exam must be done prior to surgery, bloodwork, starting on reflux/vomiting medications and +/- radiographs should be done to ensure minimal complications during surgery and postoperatively.

Total Ear Canal Ablation & Bulla Osteotomy or TECA-BO for short is usually a procedure done for end stage inflammatory diseases such as infections, neoplasia (cancer), trauma, stenosis (narrowing) or obstructive issues (ie. polyps of the ear canal). The procedure involves removal of the outer ear canal and tympanic bulla (a bone shaped cavity that can accumulate fluid and debris and abnormal tissue). Think of the ear canal as 'L' shaped with a ball the end (tympanic bulla). The surgical procedure is removing the 'L' portion (the canal) and making a hole in the ball at the end to facilitate draining and removal of abnormal tissue. The most common complication with this surgery is hearing loss, nerve damage ie. Horner's syndrome (more so in cats than dogs), and facial nerve damage, this is because the nerves that innervate the face cross the surface of the bony prominence of the ear. Great care is always taken during this procedure to minimize trauma to these structures and nerves but if the disease process is severe enough these complications may arise.

Tumors come in a variety of shapes, sizes and can affect every kind of tissue in the body. Some tumors removals can be straightforward and uncomplicated such as small to medium and some large skin masses, eyelid masses, and lipomas etc. But some can be very tricky require advanced reconstructive surgeries such as skin flaps, mesh wiring and removal of organs. Some complex tumor sadly cannot be removed and attempting so can be life threatening to animals. This is why every mass found on your animal should be seen for a comprehensive physical exam, the masses tested to see what kind of tissue is evolved and imaging such as radiographs (x-rays), CT scan or even in some cases MRI. Based on cell type, size and anatomical position of the mass a surgical plan will be devised and surgery schedules. Upon removal of any mass, it is highly recommended the mass sent off for histopathology to determine the exact type of tumor, grade and to assess for tumor free margins.