Learning Center

To help our valued clients better understand the TVSS process and to assist with your pet’s recovery, we have assembled some useful information as part of our Learning Center.

Please scroll down for more info. Please also contact the TVSS team with any questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

A board-certified surgeon is a veterinarian who completed additional training after veterinary school and was certified as a specialist in veterinary surgery by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeons are often referred to as ACVS Diplomates and will have DACVS (Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons) after their names.

The DACVS credential indicates that the veterinary surgeon successfully completed ACVS’s rigorous certification requirements after veterinary school. The requirements include a minimum of a one-year internship followed by a three-year residency program that meets guidelines established by ACVS. Residents must also conduct research published in a scientific journal and pass rigorous board examinations.

Only board-certified veterinarians can call themselves surgical specialists or veterinary surgeons.

Usually your veterinarian will contact us initially, but you are welcome to contact us directly if you prefer.

We are always happy to do a consultation prior to surgery but if the diagnosis is clear-cut then they are not required. Due to time constraints, we prefer to do consultations as drop-off appointments. Our surgeons will do a thorough exam and call the owner with their findings and to answer any questions. If necessary, we can have a face-to-face consultation with an owner, but we need the owner to be flexible, as we often have to do them after our surgeries for the day are completed. We can also accommodate consultations at TVSC.

Yes we do. If the surgery is cancelled less than two business days prior to when it is scheduled then we charge a $500 cancellation fee.

Monitoring of your pet during surgery is required by TVSS. This is usually performed by a veterinary technician or assistant at your animal hospital. Your pet will also be under the care of your veterinarian and support staff while recovering from anesthesia. TVSS has partnerships with multiple animal hospitals who we feel provide exemplary service. We value the relationships we have with these facilities, and our staff works hand-in-hand with your animal hospital’s staff to provide the best care possible for your pet.

We require aggressive pain control both before and after surgery, usually consisting of an opioid like morphine or hydromorphone, as well a NSAID like Rimadyl®, Metacam® or Previcox®. When applicable, we perform epidural anesthesia, local nerve blocks, and a variety of constant rate infusion pain control methods. Most of our patients now receive Nocita ® which is a game-changer in pain control providing localized analgesia at the surgical site for 72 hours after surgery.

Your pet will typically be on two different pain medications- a NSAID and an opiod. We usually use oral buprenorphine in cats. Your pet may also receive an antibiotic. It is very important that they receive the medications as directed by your veterinarian. If your pet has any vomiting or diarrhea, please contact your veterinarian.

When you pick up your pet, you will receive detailed post-operative care instructions that are personalized for your pet. Your veterinarian will also review radiographs, physical therapy and any additional information with you when you pick up your pet.

Yes, your veterinarian will usually be the one doing the follow-up exams as needed per your pet’s post-operative instructions. Our surgeons are available if concerns arise and will also do follow-up exams as needed. The TVSS team is always available via phone (919.495.1177) or email (info@tarheelvets.com) if questions or concerns arise.

Surgical Recovery Information

In addition, click on any of the links below to review recovery instructions for your pet as they pertain to a specific type of surgery:

Surgical Recovery Videos

To learn how to perform passive range of motion (ROM) and stretching exercises on your pet after surgery take a look at the video below.

Links we like

Here are some links to sites we like and organizations we support. Check them out!

  • TPLO Info – A great resource for learning more about the TPLO surgery, how it works and what to expect during the recovery period.

  • Whole Health Mobile Pet Care – Your pet can definitely benefit from physical therapy following orthopedic surgery and sometimes doing it all by yourself can be a challenge. Dr. Williams can help you get started or she can help you through the entire process. We trust Dr. Williams and she is who we recommend to help you get you pet back to their old self as efficiently as possible.

  • Pet EMT Animal Ambulance & Transport Svcs – Serving Central North Carolina and beyond, Pet EMT provides 24-Hour emergency and non-emergency transportation services for domestic and exotic pets.

  • Help ‘Em Up Harness – a full-body, dog lift harness. Trusted by leaders in veterinary care & rehabilitation worldwide.

  • Animal Surgical Center – provides the general public and veterinarians with information that is for the welfare of God’s creatures great and small.

  • Lick Sleeve – Comfortable leg protection – ditch the cone. The most comfortable, versatile, and effective solution for protecting a dog’s leg injury or surgery site.

  • American College of Veterinary Surgeons – Specialty organization that certifies veterinary surgeons and provides a source of referrals to pet owners.
  • Nutramax Laboratories – provides information and products for your animal’s well-being.
  • Top Dog Animal Health & Rehabilitation – this site provides simple to follow guides which offer informative step-by-step instructions to surgical recovery and are internationally recognized as the standard in post-surgery client education.
  • Trupanion – taking care of your beloved pet can get expensive. Medical insurance for your pet can make taking care of them easier and less stressful. There are many choices out there, but we believe Trupanion is the best medical insurance company for your pet and you.
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