Medical and surgical needs are a part of our lives as well as those of our furry friends. Miller Animal Hospital in Folsom is equipped with a surgical suite that makes It possible for our doctor to perform routine surgical procedures. Examples of surgical procedures include preventive surgeries such as spaying, neutering, dentistry, removal of foreign objects, wound repair, ear trims, and general orthopedic procedures. We also offer some surgical procedures for exotic animals.
Our hospital has the ability to perform blood work within ten minutes to insure your pet does not have any unseen conditions prior to a surgery. Our veterinarian also uses the most modern equipment to monitor a patient’s vital signs during all procedures requiring anesthesia. We use the safest anesthetics in order to provide an extra margin of safety for older patients and those at high risk.
Miller Animal Hospital is pleased to add radio wave technology to our options for surgical services. Radiowave surgery offers your pet shorter anesthesia and post-surgical healing times. Some procedures may only require a local anesthetic.
Due to the lower temperature of radiowave surgery and the manner in which it is performed, there are a number of advantages that radiowave surgery has over conventional surgery and laser surgery.
Some of these advantages include:
• No risk of accidentally burning other areas of tissue as with laser surgery
• Decreased post-surgical edema (swelling)
• Less blood loss: radiowaves close off blood vessels and nerve endings as they cut
• Reduced risk of infection: radiowaves vaporize bacteria preventing infection from occurring along the incision
• Quicker recovery: less tissue destruction hastens healing and recovery time
• No burning or charring of tissue
If your pet requires surgery, ask our doctor if radiowave surgery is an option.
Our doctor provides the Folsom community with access to orthopedic services including:
• Diagnosis and treatment of lameness
• Trauma care
• Non-emergent orthopedic surgery
• Limb deformity
• Arthroscopy
• Total joint replacement
• Orthopedic revision surgery
• Physical rehabilitation
• Regenerative medicine
If you are the owner of a large breed dog, then you are probably familiar with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. For larger dogs, OFA Certified refers to the dog’s hip joints and is an indicator of potential problems for your dog. Hip problems for active dogs can cause pain and discomfort that will only get progressively worse. Unstable hip joints will lead to osteoarthritis.
OFA is the recognized certifying body that evaluates and determines if a dog will have hip problems. It was established in 1966 by John M. Olin after he found that hip dysplasia was affecting his sporting dogs. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition and can be evaluated by radiographs.
Miller Animal Hospital provides its patients with access to OFA certification and the treatments that are available for hip dysplasia. There are several ways to treat hip dysplasia depending on the age of the dog and the severity of the condition.
Young dogs can have surgery to correct the dysplasia, weight management and exercise is a second option, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) is yet another treatment option. It is important to consult with your experienced veterinarian to discuss the best course of action for your dog. Working together with your doctor, you can help your pet to lead a full, active and pain free life.