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Dogs

Cats

Advanced Surgery

We offer advanced surgical care using skilled techniques, modern equipment, and compassionate support.

Advanced Surgery: Specialized Veterinary Care When It Matters Most

When your pet faces a serious health issue, advanced surgery can make all the difference. Whether it’s repairing a broken bone, removing a tumor, or addressing internal complications, our skilled veterinary team is here to provide expert surgical care with compassion and precision.

What Is Advanced Surgery?

Advanced veterinary surgery goes beyond routine procedures like spays or neuters. These specialized surgeries require enhanced training, experience, and equipment. Depending on your pet’s needs, this may include:

  • Orthopedic surgeries (e.g., cruciate ligament repair, fracture stabilization)

  • Soft tissue surgeries (e.g., mass removals, bladder stone removal, abdominal exploratory)

  • Emergency procedures (e.g., internal bleeding, gastric dilatation-volvulus)

At our hospital, all surgeries are performed in a fully equipped, sterile surgical suite with advanced anesthetic monitoring to ensure your pet’s safety from start to finish.

When Does a Pet Need Advanced Surgery?

Your veterinarian may recommend advanced surgery for:

  • Sudden lameness or joint issues

  • Non-healing wounds or growths

  • Trauma (e.g., broken bones or internal injuries)

  • Chronic issues that aren’t responding to medication

  • Urgent conditions such as blocked intestines or bladder stones

We’ll start with a thorough physical exam and may use tools like digital X-rays, ultrasound, or bloodwork to determine the best course of treatment.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

  1. Pre-surgical prep: We conduct comprehensive lab work and imaging to assess your pet’s health and plan the safest surgical approach.

  2. During surgery: Your pet is carefully anesthetized and continuously monitored by trained staff using modern monitoring systems.

  3. Post-operative care: We create a personalized pain management and recovery plan, and provide clear take-home instructions.

We may also recommend laser therapy or rehabilitation to support your pet’s healing and reduce inflammation after certain procedures.

Your Partner in Recovery

After surgery, rest and home care are essential. We'll walk you through how to:

  • Monitor the incision site

  • Limit your pet’s activity safely

  • Administer medications as prescribed

  • Watch for signs of discomfort or complications

Our team is available to answer questions and provide follow-up visits to ensure your pet heals fully and comfortably.

Whether your pet needs a complex orthopedic procedure or urgent surgical care, our experienced veterinarians are committed to delivering the highest standard of treatment.

💙 Whether it’s a checkup, questions, or care needs, visit us—we’re here to be your partner in your pet’s health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Payment is due when services are rendered at All Creatures Pet Hospital. We accept all major credit cards and offer Care Credit for your convenience.

Heartworms have been diagnosed in all fifty states and are especially prevalent in warmer climates found in Alabama. Heartworms can be transmitted to dogs and cats by the bite of a mosquito infected with immature heartworms. If the dog or cat is not protected by a heartworm preventative, the worms can mature, eventually damage the heart and lungs, and cause death if left untreated. Please remember that heartworm preventatives are always less expensive and more effective than heartworm treatments. Dr. Ted Hankes attends conferences and lectures throughout the country to stay current and ensure that All Creatures Pet Hospital offers the safest and most effective products here at our pharmacy, including heartworm preventatives. Please call one of our caring veterinary team members at (205) 947-4083 and schedule a heartworm-preventative appointment for your companion.

Dr. Ted Hankes recommends spaying or neutering all pets not being used for breeding purposes. Sterilization not only prevents unwanted litters but can also prevent certain reproductive cancers later in their lives. Puppies and kittens can be spayed between four and six months of age. Our pets feel pain the same way people do, therefore, we administer pain medication to keep them comfortable during and after the procedure. Additionally, blood work is needed to help determine if your puppy or kitten is healthy enough for the procedure. Please call All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your furry friend for a spay or neuter as soon as they are old enough for the surgery.

Proper nutrition and portion control are as important for our pet companions as they are for us. Overweight pets face the same conditions as people, including arthritis, joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease, for example. Dr. Hankes can evaluate your pet to determine their individual nutritional needs, as well as the proper portions to maintain a healthy body weight. Affordable prescription diets are available at our hospital for your convenience. Schedule an appointment for your furry friend regardless of their life stage or current health condition.

Like people, pets need dental care for overall health. Without it, bacteria can cause tooth decay, gum damage, and may harm organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Dr. Hankes recommends dental care starting at age one to help prevent disease, improve health, and avoid costly future treatments. Contact our team at All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your pet's dental appointment.

In many species, one animal year equals about seven human years. A seven-year-old dog missing the vet for three years is like a 49-year-old person skipping the doctor for 21 years. At All Creatures Pet Hospital, we recommend yearly exams and blood work unless your pet is sick or has a special condition. Caring for your pet early can reduce future medications and may extend their life. Call us at (205) 947-4083 to schedule your pet's yearly visit.