Dog and Cat Surgery in Philadelphia, PA

Our team is well-equipped and trained to handle a wide range of veterinary surgical procedures for dogs and cats at 2nd Street Animal Hospital (2SAH) on an outpatient basis. We do not offer 24-hour monitoring, and surgical cases that require overnight hospitalization are referred to another facility. Our team will help guide you in determining whether your pet’s surgery can be safely performed at 2SAH or is better handled elsewhere.

Surgery Consultations

Prior to surgery, we will discuss your pet’s condition and provide a thorough review of their medical history, current medications, and the results of any diagnostic testing. We then explain available treatment options so you can make an informed decision about proceeding with surgery, with expectations clearly outlined from the start.

Soft Tissue Surgery

2nd Street Animal Hospital offers a wide range of soft tissue surgical procedures involving multiple body systems.

Airway Surgery
  • Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
    Surgical procedures may be performed to improve airflow and comfort in brachycephalic (“smoosh-faced”) dog breeds, including French Bulldogs.

  • Laryngeal paresis (“tie-back”)

  • Soft palate repair

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

Ophthalmology Surgery

  • Cherry eye (prolapsed nictitans gland)
  • Eyelid tumor removal

Oncology Surgery

  • Skin and soft tissue tumor removal. Submission of removed masses for pathology evaluation is recommended to determine whether additional care or referral is needed.

Orthopedic Surgery

2nd Street Animal Hospital provides a variety of orthopedic surgical procedures for dogs and cats.

Knee Surgery
  • 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

Hip Surgery
  • 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.

Amputation
  • 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.

Surgical Referrals

Because 2nd Street Animal Hospital does not provide overnight monitoring, surgical cases that require hospitalization are referred to another facility. Our team will help coordinate appropriate referral care when needed.

Call (215) 516-7000 or book your pet's appointment today!