Advanced Surgical Expertise for Dogs & Cats
West Texas Veterinary Specialists provides access to board-certified veterinary surgeons for dogs and cats requiring advanced surgical care. WTVS provides specialty surgical care through board-certified veterinary surgeons working in collaboration with WTVS. Surgical services are scheduled based on surgeon availability and the needs of each patient. Our surgical service is referral-only and works in partnership with each patient’s primary veterinarian.
What Is Veterinary Specialty Surgery?
Veterinary specialty surgery involves advanced surgical evaluation and procedures performed by veterinarians with extensive postgraduate training in surgery. Patients may be referred for specialty surgery when a condition requires advanced surgical expertise, specialized techniques, complex surgical planning, or diagnostic and procedural capabilities beyond those typically available in general veterinary practice.
Why Choose a Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon?
Board-certified veterinary surgeons complete extensive advanced training beyond veterinary school, including a surgical residency and rigorous specialty certification requirements. This training provides advanced expertise in surgical decision-making, specialized techniques, perioperative care, and the management of complex surgical conditions and potential complications. Referral to a board-certified surgeon adds another level of expertise to your pet’s healthcare team while allowing your primary veterinarian to remain an important part of your pet’s ongoing care.
Specialty Surgical Services
WTVS will provide access to a broad range of specialty surgical care.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Advanced surgical care for conditions involving the gastrointestinal, urinary, respiratory, endocrine, thoracic, and other soft-tissue systems, as well as oncologic and reconstructive procedures.
Orthopedic Surgery
Advanced surgical treatment of fractures, joint disorders, ligament injuries, patellar luxation, and other orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.
Neurologic Surgery
Selected spinal and neurologic surgical procedures may be available depending on the patient’s condition and the specialty surgeon providing care. Specific procedures and surgical availability may vary depending on the surgeon providing care.
Advanced Diagnostics & Surgical Planning
Our new specialty center will provide advanced diagnostic and imaging capabilities to support surgical evaluation and planning, including 64-slice helical CT with 128-slice reconstruction, digital radiography, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy. These technologies can provide detailed anatomic and diagnostic information to assist our specialty team in planning complex procedures and tailoring surgical care to the individual patient.
When Should Your Veterinarian Consider Referral?
Your veterinarian may recommend referral to a board-certified veterinary surgeon when your pet:
- Has a condition requiring advanced or complex surgical treatment
- May benefit from specialized surgical techniques or equipment
- Requires advanced imaging or additional diagnostic evaluation before surgery
- Has an orthopedic, soft-tissue, or selected neurologic condition requiring specialty surgical expertise
- Would benefit from evaluation by a surgeon experienced in managing complex surgical conditions
Your primary veterinarian and the WTVS specialty team will work together to determine the most appropriate approach for your pet.
Our Collaborative Approach
WTVS is designed to complement—not replace—the relationship between pet owners and their primary veterinarian. Following specialty surgical care, WTVS will communicate relevant findings, surgical reports, and follow-up recommendations with the referring veterinarian. Whenever appropriate, patients will return to their primary veterinary team for continued care and long-term management. If additional specialty care is needed, WTVS will coordinate those services in collaboration with the referring veterinarian.
Outpatient Specialty Surgery
Our new Lubbock facility will operate as an outpatient specialty referral center and will not provide 24-hour ICU or overnight hospitalization. If a patient requires overnight or continuous postoperative care, an appropriate care plan will be coordinated based on the individual patient’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my pet need a referral for specialty surgery?
Yes. WTVS is a referral-only specialty practice. Your primary veterinarian will submit the appropriate medical information and reason for referral to our team.
Who performs surgery at WTVS?
Specialty surgical procedures at WTVS are performed by board-certified veterinary surgeons working in collaboration with our team. The surgeon providing care will depend on the procedure, scheduling, and the individual needs of the patient.
Does WTVS provide orthopedic, soft tissue, and neurologic surgery?
WTVS will provide access to a broad range of soft-tissue and orthopedic procedures. Selected spinal and neurologic procedures may also be available depending on the condition and the board-certified surgeon providing care.
Will my pet stay overnight after surgery?
WTVS is an outpatient specialty center and will not provide overnight hospitalization or 24-hour ICU care. If your pet requires overnight monitoring or continuous postoperative care, the appropriate plan will be discussed with you and your referring veterinarian.