- 966 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
- Mon–Fri 8am–7pm · Sat 9am–4pm
- (215) 516-7000
Dr. Sam Hurcombe carries ACVIM and ACVECC board certifications — credentials usually found at referral centers. Most of what a surgeon does, we do here.
2nd Street Animal Hospital offers a wide range of soft tissue surgical procedures involving multiple body systems.
Airway Surgery
Abdominal Surgery
Gastrointestinal System
Intestinal obstruction / foreign body removal
Tumor removal
Megacolon
Commonly seen in cats with repeated constipation due to stretch and poor motility of the colon. A subtotal colectomy (removal of the majority of the colon) may provide relief from repeated fecal obstruction.
Gastric dilatation ± volvulus (bloat surgery)
Urogenital Systems (Urinary & Reproductive)
Ovariohysterectomy
Removal of the ovaries and uterus. Some cases can be more challenging, such as large-breed dogs, overweight dogs, or dogs with uterine infections (pyometra). In many cases, the Ligasure® vessel sealing device is used to reduce potential complications and shorten surgery and anesthesia times.
Abdominal cryptorchid (retained testicle)
Hysterotomy (C-section)
Bladder stone removal (cystotomy)
Other Abdominal Procedures
Splenectomy (removal of the spleen)
Organ biopsies (liver, intestinal, lymph nodes, prostate)
Umbilical hernia repair
Additional Soft tissue Procedures
Perineal hernia repair
Most commonly affects intact small-breed male dogs. This occurs when weakening of the perineal muscles allows abdominal structures to protrude, causing discomfort and difficulty passing stool. Surgical reconstruction may involve the dog’s own tissue and/or mesh placement.
Anal sac removal for tumors or anal gland disease
Neuter
Perineal urethrostomy / scrotal urethrotomy for urinary obstruction
Skin and soft tissue tumor removal. Submission of removed masses for pathology evaluation is recommended to determine whether additional care or referral is needed.
2nd Street Animal Hospital provides a variety of orthopedic surgical procedures for dogs and cats.
Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Repair
Several stabilization techniques are available depending on patient size, age, and activity level.
Lateral suture (fabello-tibial suture) is commonly used for dogs under 40 pounds or older, more sedentary, larger dogs.
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap) repair
Torn meniscus treatment
Femoral head ostectomy (FHO)
This procedure may provide pain relief for select dogs and cats with hip joint disease, fractures, avascular necrosis, or severe osteoarthritis by removing the femoral head and neck.
Limb, digit, or tail amputation
In cases of severe injury or cancer, amputation may be necessary. Pathology assessment is strongly recommended when cancer is suspected.
Comprehensive panel to confirm organ function and flag anesthetic risk before the procedure begins.
Every surgical patient receives IV access. Not optional, not upsold — it’s the baseline of safe anesthesia.
Dr. Hurcombe’s ACVECC certification in emergency and critical care means anesthetic risk management is part of his core training — not an afterthought.
A licensed technician monitors vitals continuously throughout the procedure — heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and temperature.
Patients wake in a warm, quiet recovery area. Pain management protocols are tailored to the procedure and the individual animal.
Leash walks only, no running or jumping — duration depends on the procedure. Orthopedic patients typically require 8–12 weeks of strict rest.
Keep the incision dry for 10–14 days. No licking — use the e-collar or recovery suit we send home with you.
We prescribe a take-home pain protocol. Administer as directed; do not supplement with human NSAIDs — they are toxic to dogs and cats.
Soft tissue patients return in 10–14 days for suture check. Orthopedic patients have a structured recheck schedule at 2, 6, and 12 weeks.
Discharge or swelling at the incision, refusal to eat past 24 hours post-op, labored breathing, excessive lethargy, or evidence of self-trauma to the site. When in doubt, call — (215) 516-7000.
