Skilled Surgery from Trained Experts
Dr. Philippe Coudrai has advanced training in orthopedic and dental surgeries. Performing more than 3,000 orthopedic surgeries, he brings expertise in procedures such as cruciate ligament repair, fractures, luxating patellas, and femoral head and neck surgeries. Dr. Coudrai is certified to take PennHip x-rays to detect hip dysplasia in puppies as young as 4 months of age and is a member of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society.
Dr. Coudrai earned his master’s degree in biology and doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He has completed continuing education courses in the diagnosis, surgery, and rehabilitation of elbow, stifle and shoulder diseases in dogs. Through hands-on surgical wet labs taught by board-certified surgeons, Dr. Coudrai has developed his advanced skills in the application of plates and screws, external fixators, and interlocking nails for long bone fractures.
Dr. Sandra McBee was born in Oklahoma and raised in Oklahoma, New York City and Connecticut. From the time she was young Dr. McBee had a love of animals and science. She put the two together and decided to pursue veterinary medicine. She received her Bachelor of the Arts degree in Biological Sciences from Mount Holyoke College. She then continued on to complete her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University. She is USDA accredited and a member of the American Veterinary Medicine Association. She has a special interest in wellness care and truly enjoys watching her patients grow and thrive. Dr. McBee also has a special interest in dentistry, pain management, and behavioral medicine.
When Your Best Friend Needs Orthopedic Surgery
Dogs and cats get orthopedic injuries just like people do. Athletic breeds and large or overweight dogs can be prone to orthopedic injuries. Broken bones, complex fractures and joint problems demand the expertise of an experienced doctor with sophisticated orthopedic instruments. Orthopedic surgery can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life.
Since 1996, our doctors have operated a non-boarded, orthopedic referral service serving southern New Jersey from Cape May to Burlington County. During the last 14 years, Dr. Coudrai has performed more than 2,500 orthopedic surgeries for 45 area hospitals including Winslow Animal Hospital.
Common surgeries Include:
Making Surgery Safe and Comfortable
VCA Winslow Animal Hospital uses the same state-of-the-art equipment found in many human hospitals. All surgery patients receive preanesthetic blood tests to check the health of organs, as well as an IV catheter and fluids for safety and hydration. Heated surgery tables, safe anesthetics, and careful monitoring help ensure that your best friend is comfortable. During surgery, we monitor your pet’s heart rhythm and rate, level of oxygen in the blood, blood pressure and temperature to ensure anesthetic safety.
In addition to sophisticated monitoring equipment, a certified veterinary technician provides a watchful eye and caring touch while assisting the doctor. When patients recover from surgery, they’re never alone. A veterinary technician checks vital signs every few minutes and comforts pets with warming devices, blankets, and hugs.
Providing Pain Relief for Orthopedic Patients
Pain management is a cornerstone of our surgeries, ensuring your pet’s comfort. At VCA Winslow Animal Hospital, your pet will receive medication to relieve pain before, during and after orthopedic surgery. Patients continue taking pain relief drugs at home to improve healing and rehabilitation. Dr. Coudrai and Dr. McBee have been trained in the latest pain management techniques and seek ongoing continuing education.
Follow-Up Care After Surgery
Dr. Coudrai or Dr. McBee will thoroughly explain your pet’s orthopedic surgery and provide written home-care instructions. During medical progress exams following surgery, one of our doctors will check the healing process and your pet’s range of motion. You’ll learn home-care techniques to achieve the goals of physical rehabilitation. For bones to heal properly, recovery and rehabilitation after orthopedic surgery is typically 12 to 16 weeks for most patients. Many orthopedic surgeries, including all ACL surgeries, receive a minimum of 6 sessions with a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner trained in rehabilitation therapy on an aquatic treadmill to strengthen muscle mass.
Working with Your Referring Veterinarian
Dr. Coudrai and Dr. McBee work in partnership with your family veterinarian to provide orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation for your best friend. Your family veterinarian will receive a summary report about the surgery and needed follow-up care.
