Surgical Consultations
Experienced guidance when your pet may need specialty surgical care. A surgical consultation provides an opp
When an injury, joint condition, or orthopedic disorder affects your pet's mobility, specialty surgical care can provide an important treatment option. Small Animal Surgical Services offers a range of orthopedic procedures designed around the individual patient, their condition, and the surgical goals of their case.
Surgical Consultation Care
Start with a clear understanding of your pet's condition.
Every surgical case begins with an evaluation of the individual patient. The consultation process allows the veterinary team to review the available information, discuss the surgical concern, and determine an appropriate path forward.
A consultation may include:
- Review of your pet's medical history
- Review of available diagnostic information
- Discussion of the surgical concern
- Diagnostic imaging
- Overall health
What to Expect
A straightforward process from discussion to surgical planning.
01
Case Review
The patient’s history, clinical signs, examination findings, and available diagnostic information are reviewed.
02
Surgical Evaluation
The surgeon evaluates the case and determines whether specialty surgical care may be appropriate.
03
Treatment Discussion
Potential surgical options, considerations, and next steps are discussed based on the individual patient.
04
Planning
If surgery is recommended, the team can discuss scheduling, preparation, procedure-specific considerations, and recovery.
When a Surgical Consultation May Help
Specialty input can help when a case requires additional surgical expertise.
A consultation can help clarify the surgical question, evaluate available information, and determine appropriate next steps.
Orthopedic Conditions
Conditions affecting the normal function or stability of a joint.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
A consultation can help determine whether a minimally invasive approach may be appropriate for a selected condition.
Soft Tissue Conditions
Complex conditions involving organs or other soft tissues may require specialty surgical evaluation.
TPLO Evaluation
Dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease may be evaluated to determine whether TPLO surgery is an appropriate treatment option.
Neurologic Conditions
Conditions involving the spine or nervous system may benefit from specialized surgical assessment.
Complex Orthopedic Cases
When the appropriate surgical approach is unclear, consultation with a veterinary surgeon can help establish the next steps.
Surgical Planning
Every surgical plan is tailored to the individual patient.
Surgical planning may involve reviewing diagnostic information, considering the patient’s overall health, discussing the available surgical approach, and preparing for postoperative care.
Depending on the case, the surgical team may discuss:
Recommended Procedure
Review of the recommended surgical approach.
Surgical Preparation
Preparation requirements before the procedure.
Expected Recovery
Review of the expected recovery process.
Follow-Up & Rechecks
Recommended follow-up and recheck care.
Additional Diagnostic Information
Discussion of additional information that may be needed.
Anesthesia Considerations
Discussion of relevant anesthesia considerations.
Activity Restrictions
Expected activity limitations following surgery.
Veterinary Communication
Communication with the primary-care veterinarian.
For Veterinary Professionals
Discuss a case with the SASS surgical team.
Small Animal Surgical Services works with referring veterinarians to coordinate specialty surgical care.
Veterinary professionals can contact SASS to discuss a patient’s condition, available diagnostics, potential surgical options, and appropriate next steps.
Referral Process
Contact SASS
Call the practice to discuss the surgical concern.
Share Information
Provide the patient's relevant history and diagnostic information.
Surgical Review
The case is evaluated to determine appropriate specialty care.
Coordinate Care
SASS works with the referring veterinary team and pet owner to coordinate the next steps.
For Pet Owners
Your regular veterinarian remains an important part of your pet's care.
If your veterinarian recommends a surgical consultation, bring any questions you have about your pet’s condition, the recommended procedure, preparation, and recovery.
Before your consultation, it can be helpful to have:
- Your pet's current medications
- Relevant medical history
- Previous diagnostic information
- Questions about surgery
- Questions about recovery and follow-up
Consultation at a Glance
What the consultation process includes.
Case Review
Medical history and available diagnostic information.
Surgical Evaluation
Assessment of the patient's surgical needs.
Treatment Discussion
Review of potential surgical options and considerations.
Surgical Planning
Preparation, scheduling, and recovery planning when surgery is recommended.
Veterinary Coordination
Communication with the referring veterinary team.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions about surgical consultations.
What is a surgical consultation?
A surgical consultation is an evaluation of your pet's condition to determine whether specialty surgical care may be appropriate and to discuss potential treatment options.
Does my pet need a referral?
SASS works with both pet owners and veterinary professionals. If your veterinarian believes your pet may benefit from specialty surgical care, they can contact SASS to discuss the case and coordinate next steps.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Bring any relevant medical information, medication details, diagnostic information, and questions you have about your pet's condition and potential surgery.
What happens during a consultation?
The surgical team reviews the patient's history and available diagnostic information, evaluates the surgical concern, and discusses appropriate next steps.
Will my pet need additional testing?
Additional diagnostic information may be recommended depending on the patient's condition and the surgical question being evaluated.
Can my regular veterinarian stay involved?
Yes. SASS works with referring veterinary professionals so the primary-care team can remain connected to the patient's overall care.
Does a consultation mean my pet will need surgery?
Not necessarily. The purpose of the consultation is to evaluate the patient's condition and determine whether specialty surgical care is appropriate.
Specialty Surgical Consultation
When you need experienced guidance for your pet's surgical care, start with a conversation.
Proudly serving all of Maine
From Portland north to the Maine border, with particular focus on Mid-Coast and Southern Maine communities. Referring practices statewide are welcome.