Thoracic (Chest) Surgery for Dogs and Cats in South Florida

Over 17 years of surgical experience

Thoracic Surgery for Dogs and Cats – Advanced Chest Procedures
Chest surgery in pets, such as lung or heart-area procedures, are among the most complex operations – and Veterinary Surgical Services is equipped to provide these life-saving surgeries in South Florida. If your pet has a condition like a lung tumor, severe chest trauma, or certain congenital heart vessel issues, Dr. Fernand can perform thoracic surgery to address the problem. Common thoracic surgeries we handle include lung lobectomy (removing a diseased or cancerous lobe of the lung), pericardiectomy (removing part of the sac around the heart to relieve fluid build-up), and repair of a persistent right aortic arch (a birth defect that can trap the esophagus and cause swallowing issues in young dogs). We also manage emergency cases such as chest trauma – for example, repairing ribs or internal damage after an accident – and can perform thoracic duct ligation for certain cases of chylothorax (a type of fluid on the lungs). These procedures require opening the chest cavity (thoracotomy), and we take every precaution to do this safely, including ventilator support for your pet while they’re under anesthesia. We’ll discuss the procedure thoroughly with you, using straightforward language. While the thought of your pet having open-chest surgery is intimidating, knowing an experienced surgeon will come to your pet’s own veterinary clinic to do it can be a great relief.

State-of-the-Art Surgical Care, Close to Home
In the past, you might have had to drive hours to a specialty center for your pet to receive thoracic surgery. Now, with our mobile specialist service, those in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding areas have a closer option. Dr. Fernand has trained in and performed advanced thoracic surgeries with excellent outcomes. We bring along all necessary equipment, from surgical staplers for lung tissue to specialized retractors, to turn your vet’s operating room into a thoracic surgery suite. We understand that post-operative care for chest surgery is critical. Depending on the case, we may leave a temporary chest tube in your pet to drain any excess air or fluid; we’ll teach you and the clinic staff how to manage this if needed and typically remove it after a day or two. Your pet will receive intensive pain management (including local nerve blocks like an intercostal block to numb the chest area) to keep them comfortable. Recovery from chest surgery usually requires very quiet rest, and we’ll give you detailed instructions on how to keep your pet calm and supported. We can also arrange, if necessary, overnight observation through an emergency service for the first night after a major thoracic procedure – whatever is safest for your pet, we will facilitate it. Through it all, Dr. Fernand remains directly involved, checking in frequently as your pet recovers. This level of dedication is part of our commitment to compassionate specialty care.

Contact Dr. Fernand today to learn how his innovative approach can work for you.

Common Pet Surgeries Performed by Dr. Fernand