The specialty groups see referral cases

Monday ...... Friday
8:30am ... 5:00pm

by appointment only.


Dentistry, Ophthalmology, and Surgery:
Phone: (727) 535-3500

Dermatology and Internal Medicine:
 Phone: (727) 535-3600
Fax: (727) 539-7865

Surgery Library


Intervertebral Disc Disease

The surgery service at Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists offers accurate and complete diagnostics and treatment for cervical and thoracolumbar disc disease. The compressive myelopathy that results from disc protrusion or extrusion is a clinically significant lesion that often requires surgical therapy. Diagnosis of disc extrusion is based upon history, breed (usually chondrodystrophoid dogs), physical examination findings, and radiology studies including myelography. Decompressive surgery is usually indicated when disc extrusion causes progressive neurologic dysfunction or paralysis. Appropriate time for referral/surgical intervention varies but is indicated with severe neck pain unresponsive to medical therapy or progressive hind limb ataxia or paralysis. Chronic pain, especially with cervical disc extrusions, is also an indication for surgery. Hemilaminectomy in the thoracolumbar area and ventral slot decompression in the cervical area are typical surgical techniques to provide disc removal and spinal cord decompression. Prognosis for recovery depends upon location and severity of the spinal cord compression. Cervical disc decompression generally has a good prognosis with 80-90% of pets responding favorably to surgical intervention; thoracolumbar disc decompression in pets that still have pain sensation in the hind limbs has a successful outcome 75-90% of the time.


Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) in Small Breeds

Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy continues to be a very effective treatment for cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs. During the last 7 years we have performed over 700 TPLOs, primarily in large breed dogs, and we continue to be very impressed with the speed of recovery and level of postoperative function with this procedure. During the last 2 years we have been able to offer this procedure for small dogs because of the availability of smaller equipment and implants. Although many small breeds can do well with traditional extracapsular CCL repairs, we have seen improved recoveries in many active, small breeds such as Shetland Sheepdogs, Toy Fox Terriers and others. Drs. Oakes, Cox, Bruns and Kirsch are performing TPLOs and would be happy to answer any questions you have about the procedure.


Total Ear Canal Ablation - Lateral Bulla Osteotomy (TECA-LBO)

Chronic end-stage otitis includes concurrent otitis externa and otitis media with a stenotic horizontal ear canal. Lateral ear resection (Zepp's procedure) alone is usually ineffective in the management of end-stage otitis because it does not allow drainage of the middle ear through the stenotic canal. Likewise, total ear canal ablation should be combined with a lateral bulla osteotomy to allow curettage and lavage of the middle ear. Removal of all epithelium and secretory tissue lining the bulla minimizes post-surgical infection and sinus tract formation. At Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists, TECA-LBO is a commonly performed surgery that can significantly improve the quality of life for patients with chronic end-stage otitis.


Angular Limb Deformities

Angular limb deformities are usually caused by asymmetrical growth of paired bones as a consequence of trauma or breed-related developmental disorders. The most common problems involve the antebrachium because of asymmetrical growth of the radius and ulna. The distal ulnar physis can be damaged by minimal trauma, which may lead to premature physeal closure and asymmetrical growth. We also see premature closure of the distal ulnar physis without trauma in chondrodystrophoid breeds such as Basset Hounds. These dogs frequently develop excessive carpal valgus, which may be accompanied by cranial bowing of the radius and pronation of the foot. Some dogs also develop elbow subluxation, which may not be obvious clinically, but may be a significant source of pain and lameness. It is important to carefully evaluate these dogs clinically and radiographically prior to developing a treatment plan. Immature dogs with premature closure of the distal ulnar physis may be helped with a segmental ulnar ostectomy. Carpal valgus deformities are usually treated with a corrective osteotomy of the radius stabilized with a plate, external fixator, or cross-pins. Elbow subluxation is usually treated with a dynamic proximal ulnar osteotomy. We occasionally see severe deformities resulting in limb shortening, which might best be treated with osteotomy and Ilizarov (ring) fixation. Prompt and thorough evaluation of these patients is essential for treatment planning and an optimal outcome.


 » TPLO for Treatment of the Cranial Cruciate Deficient Stifle

» Canine Hip Dysplasia

» Canine Spinal Cord Disease

» Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament in the Dog