Surgery

surgical

Why Choose Beacon Veterinary Specialists for Surgery and Orthopedic Care

For over 30 years, Beacon’s surgical team has been trusted by pet owners and referring veterinarians across the Bay Area for advanced, compassionate care. Our board-certified veterinary surgeons bring deep experience and stay at the forefront of surgical innovation — allowing us to evaluate your pet’s condition thoroughly and recommend the most appropriate treatment for their needs and your family’s circumstances.

Your pet’s comfort, safety, and pain management are our top priorities. From admission through surgery, recovery, discharge, and at-home care, we strive to make every step of the process seamless, personalized, and reassuring.

We understand that facing a possible surgery can be stressful — and sometimes, it’s not yet clear whether surgery is the right path. Our team is here to evaluate your pet’s condition, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision with confidence and support at every step.

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What to Expect During a Surgical Consultation

Before any procedure is scheduled, your pet will first have a consultation with one of our board-certified veterinary surgeons. During this visit, we’ll review your pet’s medical history, perform a comprehensive physical exam, and discuss their condition in detail — including whether surgery is appropriate or if other options may be available.

What to Bring:

To help us prepare for the most productive consultation, it’s helpful to bring:

  • Your pet’s medical records, including any imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI) or lab results
  • A list of current medications and supplements
  • Notes about your pet’s symptoms or mobility issues, including when they started and how they’ve changed

 

If surgery is recommended, we’ll walk you through the procedure step by step, explain any associated risks, and answer all your questions. We’ll also provide pre-operative instructions and review what to expect during recovery, including any follow-up care, physical therapy, or other assistance your pet may need.

Our surgical team is highly skilled in a variety procedures, including:

  • Tumor Removal: Excision of benign and malignant tumors
  • Foreign Body Removal: Extraction of ingested objects that could cause blockages
  • Bladder Stone Removal: Surgical treatment for pets suffering from urolithiasis
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery: For conditions such as intestinal obstructions, perforations, or severe digestive issues
  • Wound and Trauma Repair: Surgical care for severe lacerations, abscesses, or other trauma-related injuries
  • Cardio/Thoracic Surgery: Surgical procedures involving the heart, lungs, and chest cavity, such as repairing congenital defects or removing masses within the thoracic region.
  • Oncologic Surgery: Specialized surgery focused on the removal of cancerous tumors or masses, often performed in combination with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
  • IVDD/Spinal Surgeries: Specialized spinal surgery to remove or repair herniated intervertebral discs that compress the spinal cord, restoring nerve function and relieving pain. Learn More Here
  • Soft Tissue Surgery: Surgery on non-bone structures, including organs, muscles, and tissues, such as liver biopsies or spleen removal (splenectomy).

  • On-Site CT Imaging: Advanced imaging technology available at the clinic to provide detailed, 3D scans of internal structures, aiding in precise diagnosis and surgical planning.

Our surgical procedures are performed with precision and care, with a focus on minimizing discomfort and maximizing recovery potential.

  • Cruciate Ligament Surgery: Repairing torn cranial cruciate ligaments (CCL) in the knee using procedures like TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) or TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) to stabilize the joint and restore function.
  • Fracture Repair: Surgical fixation of broken bones using plates, pins, or screws to ensure proper healing and alignment.
  • Patellar Luxation Surgery: Corrective surgery for dislocated kneecaps, helping to stabilize the joint and improve mobility.
  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Surgery: Treatment options include joint reconstruction or replacement to alleviate pain and restore function in pets suffering from dysplasia.
  • IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) Surgery: Surgical decompression procedures such as hemilaminectomy or ventral slot are performed to relieve spinal cord compression caused by disc herniation, helping pets regain mobility and reduce pain.
  • Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive joint surgery used to diagnose and treat joint issues, such as cartilage damage or ligament tears, with reduced recovery time.

Surgery is just the first step toward your pet’s recovery. At Beacon Veterinary Specialists, we provide comprehensive post-operative care plans, including pain management tailored to your pet’s specific needs. Our goal is to support your pet’s recovery every step of the way, ensuring they regain mobility and return to their normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.

Dr. Randall Fitch

DVM, Diplomate ACVS

Dr. Randall Fitch received his DVM degree from University of Wisconsin in 1990. After graduation, Dr. Fitch completed a rotating small animal medicine and surgery internship at Washington State University, followed by a three year small animal surgery residency at Auburn University. He was retained as a research fellow for Scott-Ritchey Research Center before becoming an Assistant Professor of Small Animal Orthopedics at Louisiana State University, where he served for four years. 

Dr. Fitch went on to accept a faculty position at Colorado State University before entering private practice in 2003. During his academic tenure, he received multiple teaching and research awards in small animal orthopedic surgery. Dr. Fitch is the current President of the American Canine Sports Medicine Association and is recognized as a leader in advancing the understanding and treatment of orthopedic and sports medicine conditions.

The author of numerous scientific articles, Dr. Fitch continues to lecture nationally and internationally on topics related to sports medicine, the canine stifle (knee), juvenile bone and joint diseases, arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment, muscle and tendon injury, shoulder instability, hip dysplasia, pelvic injury, angular limb deformities, intervertebral disk disease, and fracture fixation.