Veterinary Surgery for Small Animals
Comprehensive Veterinary Surgery Services
Dr. Rettenmaier specializes in providing small animals with surgical procedures and knows how to explain them to pet owners properly.
The surgeon, Dr. Rettenmaier, has the necessary training and experience to safely and effectively carry out these procedures. She understands these procedures' importance and strives to ensure the best possible options and outcomes for her patients.
Orthopedic Surgery
- Fracture Repair (Internal, External)
- Cruciate Ligament Surgery (Extracapsular Repair)
- Medial Patellar Luxation
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia (FHO)
- Other Selected Orthopedic Procedures (Joint Luxation Repair, Angular Limb Deformity Correction, etc)
- Consultation or management for non- surgical orthopedic conditions.
Head and Neck Surgery
- Total Ear Canal Ablation and Bulla Osteotomy (TECA-BO)
- Ventral Bulla Osteotomy (VBO)
- Oral Surgery
- Laryngeal Paralysis
- Salivary Mucocele and Tumors
Abdominal Surgery
- Splenectomy
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus
- Prophylactic Gastropexy
- Intestinal Foreign Body/Obstruction
- Cholecystectomy
- Abdominal Biopsies
- Hernia repairs (inguinal, perineal, abdominal)
Urogenital Surgery
- Cystotomy (Bladder Stones)
- Urethrostomy (perineal, scrotal, etc for stones, blockages, and tumors)
- Ectopic Ureter Repair
- Caesarian
Reconstructive Surgery
- Skin Grafts/Flaps
- Acute/Chronic Wound Management
Oncologic Surgery
- Tumor Biopsy/Excision
- Amputation
Why Choose Veterinary Integrative Medicine
We believe in providing our patients with quality surgeries and compassionate post-surgery care. Our experienced surgeons are dedicated to providing the best possible treatment for your pet. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure every surgical procedure we conduct has the highest chance of success. Additionally, we work hard to ensure our patients have a successful recovery and go on to live long and healthy lives.
Quality Care and Monitoring
The team is committed to providing quality, compassionate care. Once your pet is referred and ready for surgery, the medical team uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure they receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments.
Dr. Rettenmaier and the team work hard to ensure your pets are properly monitored and experience a successful recovery to live long and healthy lives.
Pre and Post-Operative Instructions
Before and after your pet’s surgical procedure, it is important to follow pre and post-operative instructions carefully.
The team will provide instructions to ensure your pet has the best possible outcome. They will also provide detailed follow-ups to ensure your pet is recovering properly.
Surgery Procedures
If you don't see the procedure you're looking for, please call us at for more information.
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Rupture
Cruciate ligaments are important for the normal function of the stifle joint (knee). A cranial cruciate ligament tear in dogs is analogous to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in humans. This can present as an abrupt injury or as a progressive, degenerative process over time (multiple episodes of lameness that resolve).
Laryngeal Paralysis
The larynx, or voice box, is the first tubular structure of the respiratory system. It’s important for breathing, vocalizing, and swallowing safely. In dogs and cats with laryngeal paralysis, the muscles that normally pull the airway open do not function properly. When an affected pet breathes in, the “2 doors” to the airway do not pull open, limiting the passage of air into the lungs. One or both sides may be affected. Signs can vary considerably from increased noise while breathing to suffocation.
Medial Patella Luxation (MPL)
Medial patellar luxation is the result of the patella (knee cap) moving outside its normal place. Typically, the patella lives in between 2 grooves at the end of the femur (thigh bone) luxation medially is when the patella moves to the inside of the stifle (knee). This disrupts the normal function of the stifle and results in arthritis.
Perineal Hernia
A perineal hernia results from a weakening of the muscles that support the rectum (pelvic diaphragm). These hernias begin to bulge when they fill with fat from the abdominal cavity/ pelvic canal or other abdominal tissues (urinary bladder). The bulge may also be seen if part of the rectum fills with feces and stretches into the pocket. This disorder is typically seen in intact, older male dogs.
Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA)
A total ear canal ablation is the surgical removal of the entire external ear canal. A second procedure, bulla osteotomy, is performed during the same surgery. This typically is a treatment for chronic otitis externa (repeated ear infections associated with allergies).
Urethrostomy
A urethrostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a permanent opening into the urethra to allow for the passage of urine out of the body. It is performed in dogs and cats to relieve obstruction from stones, plugs, trauma, or tumors. Urethral obstruction can be life-threatening.