The Latest in Veterinary Surgery

The veterinarians at Knoxville Veterinary Clinic are proud to offer the most advanced surgical techniques and equipment available, such as laser surgery, sevoflurane anesthetic, heated surgical tables, and micro-current therapy. Whether your pet needs a common spay or neuter surgery or a more complex procedure, take comfort in our surgical skill and experience. We offer the latest in veterinary surgical practice and the most compassionate team in the region.

Laser surgery is the safest and least painful surgical option available for your pet. The laser seals nerve endings as it moves through the tissue, resulting in less pain after surgery. Other benefits of laser surgery include less bleeding, less swelling, reduced risk of infection, and quicker recovery time.

During anesthesia, we monitor and record your pet's vital signs, such as body temperature, heart rate, and respiration, to ensure safety. We use sevoflurane gas, a general inhalation anesthetic that induces muscle relaxation and reduces pain sensitivity. This anesthetic is preferred for the patient's faster emergence from anesthesia and less irritation to the airway. In addition, your pet is cared for on heated tables to maintain consistent body temperature and enhance comfort.

Surgical options include pre-anesthetic blood testing. We strongly recommend these tests for optimum safety during the surgical procedure. These tests reveal a variety of hidden health conditions that could put your pet at risk. We offer the latest technology, allowing us to perform safe and accurate blood chemistries and receive the results within minutes. These tests are similar to those your physician would recommend if you were undergoing anesthesia, and these test results will serve as future reference values should your pet ever become ill.

We believe every patient has the right to maximum comfort through pain management. Every pet that has a surgical procedure will receive a pain shot that lasts for 24 hours. You also have the option of additional medication, such as Rimadyl. This is a chewable pain medication that will help alleviate the pain that may occur after the first few days of surgery. Added medications may be given to reduce or prevent vomiting or to prevent infection.

For the protection of our patients, all pets must have documentation of up-to-date vaccinations prior to surgical procedures. Vaccinations may be given on the day of surgery, if needed.

• DOGS–Required vaccinations include rabies, distemper/parvo combo (Da2ppc), and bronchitis/bordetella. A lepto vaccination is not required, but it is strongly recommended.
• CATS–Required vaccinations include CVR (distemper) and rabies. A feline leukemia vaccination is not required, but it is strongly recommended. It is highly recommended that all cats and kittens be tested for feline leukemia/FIV, deadly diseases that are highly contagious and can be transmitted from cat to cat.

After surgery, we may suggest micro-current therapy for your pet to enhance healing and stimulate growth of damaged tissue. Micro-current therapy works by mimicking the body's own bioelectrical system to restore balance and boost the healing process. This unique, non-invasive treatment was first developed by the Russians as an offshoot of their space program. Ask us about this alternative to traditional care for injury or illness.

For all of your questions or concerns about surgical care, contact us at Knoxville Veterinary Clinic. We also recommend you take our Virtual Tour for a close-up look at our surgical suite and recovery area.