Our surgical facility, anesthesia monitoring equipment, medications, sterilization protocols, and post-operative patient care are no different than what you would find in a veterinary school. For minor procedures requiring sedation, we often utilize reversible drugs that allow for a quick recovery. This is beneficial for procedures such as small lacerations, painful ear cleanings, painful x-rays, abscess treatment, etc. Every patient is monitored closely by a technician, who uses one of our advanced vital signs monitors. Pain management is always implemented when appropriate.
Dr. Andy Murphie has been pursuing orthopedic and soft tissue surgical training for the past 30 years. He has remained up to date on the latest advancements and surgical knowledge needed in the ever-changing environment of veterinary surgery. Orthopedic surgery has been a major focus of his training since the mid 80's. To make sure that your pet is receiving the best care, Dr. Murphie occasionally performs surgeries using a team approach with veterinary surgeons from the Richmond region as well as from veterinary teaching hospitals. Many of his cases are referrals from other hospitals in the region and Dr. Murphie is grateful to all the veterinarians and clients who have entrusted him with their pet's orthopedic surgery cases over the years.
Dr. Robb Murphie has a special interest in Dentistry and Oral Surgery. He is always striving to stay up to date and has completed many of the courses offered at the Animal Dental Training Center which is headed by renowned veterinary dentist Dr. Ira Luskin. Dr. Robb has also pursued one on one education in this field at various veterinary colleges, including The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.
Has you pet been scheduled for a “Surgery/Anesthesia” appointment with Anderson Corner Animal Hospital? This means that your pet will undergo anesthesia and a medical or surgical procedure . Click Here to find out a few things to consider that may help you and your pet prepare for your this procedure.
Typical Pet Surgeries performed at Anderson's Corner Animal Hospital:
Cranial cruciate ligament (ACL) repair via Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) or extracapsular reconstruction
Bone fracture repair
Luxation/Subluxation repair
Ligament and tendon reconstruction
Patella (Kneecap) luxation correction
Osteochondritis dissecans joint repair
Perineal urethrostomy
Third eyelid repair
Lateral ear canal resection
Stomach/intestinal foreign body removal
Whether we are performing a spay/neuter or more complex surgeries Anderson's Corner Animal Hospital always operates with your pet's safety in mind. That is why we always use the "A.C.A.H 11 Steps for Safe Anesthesia"
1. Physical Examination & History - We have to make sure that every patient is healthy enough to handle anesthesia. If an underlying problem is noted during the exam and/or history, we can then decide whether surgery is still an option, and what needs to be addressed to minimize the risk.
2. Breed Specific Predispositions - Some breeds are prone to certain diseases and adverse reactions to specific drugs. We therefore individualize their anesthetic protocol to make it as safe as possible.
3. Pre-Anesthetic Blood Panel - This allows us to evaluate organ function and detect early problems that may not be apparent on physical examination. Adjustments with anesthesia and medication protocols can be used to minimize the risk of anesthesia if a problem is noted.
4. Modern Anesthetic Drugs - These are used for premedication, induction, gas maintenance, and the postoperative time frame. We utilize many of the same drugs used in human hospitals. For example, local anesthesia such as epidurals and bupivacaine, induction agents such as propofol, and systemic pain management drugs such as oxymorphone and buprenorphine are used on a daily basis.
5. Sterilization - After the appropriate clipping and scrubbing of the surgical site in the treatment room, we also perform a second 'sterile' room scrub after transport into the operation room.
6. Surgical Scrub Room - We have our own separate surgical prep room that allows the veterinarians and technicians to scrub and gown up in an extremely clean environment. This is where gowns, gloves, masks, and shoe covers are put on. Only then do we enter the operating room. All of the sterilization of instruments also occurs in this room.
7. Operation Room - Our spacious operating room is thoroughly cleaned between surgeries, has modern surgical lighting, and positive-out ventilation to minimize air contamination.
8. Technician Monitoring - This is the most vital part of the entire anesthetic process. Anesthetic depth, pulse quality, heart rate, pain control, temperature, etc. are evaluated and recorded. Any problems or concerning trends are addressed immediately.
9. IV Fluids and Additives – Every major surgery receives an IV catheter and fluids during the procedure. This allows maintenance of blood pressure and tissue perfusion during long periods of anesthesia.
10. Advanced Monitoring Equipment - We have some of the most modern anesthetic monitoring equipment for your pet while they are under anesthesia.
11. Postoperative Care - Most anesthetic complications occur after the surgery is over. This is why we have treatment sheets and monitor your pet's vital signs closely during the recovery process. Many surgical procedures require overnight monitoring and hospitalization to ensure appropriate recovery before discharge.
