Specialty surgical care for soft tissue and orthopedic issues

Your horse or other farm animal is in expert hands with our dedicated team of board-certified surgeons, anesthesiologists, experienced veterinary technicians, residents, and interns. We provide advanced, compassionate surgical care for a wide range of soft tissue and orthopedic conditions, including the latest in minimally invasive techniques. Our hospital is equipped with separate, specialized surgical suites for orthopedic, soft tissue, colic, and standing procedures—ensuring your horse receives the safest and most appropriate care possible.

Biological therapies such as IRAP, PRP, Stromal Vascular Fraction and Bone Marrow concentrate are also available for soft tissue and orthopedic use.


Procedures Offered:

Soft Tissue Surgeries

Colic

Colic can be a life-threatening condition in horses, and some cases require surgical intervention to correct twisted intestines, displacements, or impactions. Our experienced team can help relieve pain and restore your horse’s health, with advanced post-operative care to support a full recovery.

Mass Removals

We use advanced techniques—including cryotherapy (freezing), laser surgery, and surgical excision—to safely remove tumors while minimizing discomfort and recurrence.

Neurologic

Neurectomy, the surgical removal of a portion of a nerve, can be an effective option for managing chronic pain in conditions like navicular syndrome.

Ovariectomy/Castration

We offer a full range of reproductive surgeries, from routine castrations to more complex procedures such as ovariectomy (removal of ovaries) and cryptorchid surgery (for retained testicles).

Urinary

Urinary problems in horses—such as bladder stones, urethral obstructions, or congenital abnormalities—can cause discomfort, behavioral changes, and long-term health concerns. Our surgical team provides targeted diagnostics and surgical solutions to relieve obstructions, remove stones, and correct structural issues, helping restore normal urinary function and improve your horse’s quality of life.

Orthopedic Surgeries

Arthoscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat joint problems with precision. Through small incisions, we use a camera and specialized instruments to remove bone fragments, treat cartilage damage, and manage conditions like OCD. Arthroscopy offers faster recovery, less pain, and improved outcomes for many joint-related issues.

Fractures

Fractures can be serious, but with prompt and skilled surgical intervention, many horses can return to soundness. Our team uses the latest techniques in internal and external fixation to stabilize fractures, reduce complications, and support optimal healing—always with your horse’s long-term mobility and comfort in mind.

Angular limb deformities and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)

Young, growing horses may develop orthopedic issues like angular limb deformities or osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), which can impact their future soundness and performance. We offer corrective surgical procedures to address these developmental conditions early, helping young horses grow and mature with a healthy, functional musculoskeletal system.

Infections/Diseases

We perform specialized surgeries to treat deep infections (such as septic navicular bursitis or keratomas), correct deformities, and manage chronic conditions like canker or laminitis. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore function, and support long-term hoof health.

Standing/Minimally Invasive Surgeries

Endoscopies/Upper Airway

Laser-assisted endoscopy allows us to treat upper airway conditions with precision and minimal invasiveness. Using an endoscope equipped with a laser, we can correct issues such as epiglottic entrapment, arytenoid chondritis, and other obstructions that affect breathing and performance. This approach offers reduced recovery time and excellent surgical outcomes.

Thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows us to examine and treat conditions within the chest cavity, such as pleural infections, adhesions, or masses. Using a camera inserted through small incisions, we can perform diagnostic evaluations or therapeutic procedures with minimal disruption and excellent visualization.

Nephrosplenic ablation

Nephrosplenic ablation is a surgical procedure used to prevent recurrent left dorsal displacement of the large colon (a common cause of colic) in horses. By closing the space between the spleen and kidney, we reduce the risk of the colon becoming trapped again. This can be performed laparoscopically, offering a less invasive solution for horses with a history of displacement colic.

Now Offering: Dynamic Endoscopy

This advanced technology allows our team of specialists to better identify and treat upper airway conditions in horses. When at rest, a horse may not present with clinical signs indicative of airway dysfunction. With dynamic endoscopy, our clinicians evaluate your horse’s upper airways using videoendoscope that connects via bluetooth display live imaging while your horse is in action, whether on a lead, riding, or hauling.

Collage of horse using dynamic endoscopy for upper airway evaluation


Latest News

CVM faculty recognized as distinguished graduate

Dr. Kelsey A. Hart (PhD ’10), DVM, DACVIM (Large Animal), has been recognized with the 2026 Distinguished Graduate Award, an honor presented to alumni of M.S. and Ph.D. programs who demonstrate excellence in research, teaching, service, and professional achievement.  Hart currently serves as Professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine and holds the Hodgson Chair […]

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going beyond the expected