Friendship Surgical Services

Friendship Hospital is proud of its record of surgical success. As co-Chiefs of Surgery, Dr. Glassman and Dr. Kuehn oversee a team of highly qualified technicians and surgeons who perform a wide range of surgeries. We perform all types of fracture repair and other orthopedic procedures.

We offer the most advanced surgical techniques and technology. All patients are carefully screened for safety, and anesthetics are specifically tailored to your pet. At Friendship Hospital, pain management is an important part of every surgical intervention.
Surgical services and facilities include: fully trained veterinary and technical staff, to ensure the safest, most efficient, state-of-the-art procedures for your pet; heated surgery tables for greater comfort; advanced sterilization techniques; continuous ECG and oxygen saturation monitors; 24 hour-intensive care after surgery and full blood testing. A dedicated and fully trained surgical technician continuously monitors patients during anesthesia.
Laser therapy is now a standard part of our post-surgery protocol, thanks to its ability to reduce pain and significantly speed the time it takes for incisions to heal. Except in cases where it is contraindicated (such as the removal of suspected cancerous masses), we administer the treatment after every operation performed at the hospital. Patients that have had orthopedic surgery receive at least one additional session, while they are still in the hospital. Click here to find out more about laser therapy.
Elective surgeries such as spays and neuters are performed with the same care and dedication as more complex surgeries. Senior surgical staff is either at the hospital or on 24-hour call in the event that emergency surgical intervention is required.

Surgical Admissions

• Presurgical bloodwork is required for all anesthetic patients
• Consent forms must be signed prior to surgery
• No food after 8PM the night before surgery (water is ok)
• Arrive at the hospital by 8:30 the morning of surgery
• Please provide us with accurate contact information for a responsible party available throughout the day
• At admission, a doctor will discuss with you your pet’s procedure—risks, possible complications, recovery—and answer any of your questions
• If you would like to spend additional time with the veterinarian you may schedule a pre-surgical consult prior to the day of the procedure.

During the Day

• It is generally difficult to give you a specific time for your pet’s surgery. Scheduled surgeries are not performed based on the order of check-in but on the procedures being performed that day.
• Feel free to call during the day to check on your companion’s surgical and recovery status. Your pet will be assigned a technician who can update you regularly. Your veterinarian should call you with a full status report by the end of the day.

After Surgery

• Follow your discharging veterinarian’s instructions
• Monitor your pets incision for swelling and redness
• Monitor your pet’s appetite
• Maintain bandages and administer medications as instructed
• Return for follow-up as directed