Veterinary Specialty Surgery in Winter Haven, FL
Veterinary Healthcare Associates is proud to be staffed with exceptional veterinary specialty surgeons here in Winter Haven, FL. Specialty surgery for dogs and cats is often more involved, specific, and advanced than the surgeries provided at general veterinarian practices. That is why we at VHA are happy to take patient referrals from hospitals around the region to help pets in need of more complex treatment.
Our two specialty surgeons are available to perform surgeries Monday through Friday, and our ICU is staffed 24/7 for continuous monitoring and post-surgery recovery. We also have a veterinary anesthesiologist to assist with pain management and make recovery easier for our Winter Haven, FL pet patients.
Do you have any questions about our specialty surgery for dogs and cats? Call us at (863) 324-3340 today!
Specialty Surgery Referrals for Winter Haven, FL Pets
Ask your primary care veterinarian for a referral to VHA to begin the process of booking a consultation with one of our specialists. If your pet does not have a primary care veterinarian at this time, give us a call at (863) 324-3340 to become a patient with us.
Once your primary care vet submits your referral to us, we will have our referral coordinators obtain medical records and other information on your pet. As soon as they have that information, they will reach out to help you schedule your consultation. If you have pet insurance, please let us know. Veterinary Healthcare Associates accepts Trupanion insurance and CareCredit.
Our Specialty Surgical Services for Dogs and Cats
Our skilled veterinary surgical specialists are able to treat a large number of medical conditions in pets with a similarly wide range of orthopedic and soft-tissue surgical services, including:
Why Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Compared to traditional open procedures, MIS provides:
- Smaller incisions
- Less pain and faster recovery
- Reduced risk of infection and complications
- Better internal visualization for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment
- Fewer medications and shorter hospital stays
What We Offer
Minimally invasive access to abdominal organs through small ports.
Currently offered at VHA:
- Laparoscopic Spay
- Cryptorchid Neuter
- Prophylactic Gastropexy (bloat prevention)
- Liver Biopsy
Future capabilities coming soon:
- Foreign Body Removal
- Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)
- Adrenal Gland Surgery (Adrenalectomy)
Laparoscopy is an ideal option for large-breed or deep-chested dogs, especially for elective spays and stomach tacking procedures.
Advanced visualization and treatment of orthopedic issues through small joint incisions.
Offered procedures include:
- Diagnostic Joint Evaluation
- OCD Lesion Debridement
- Elbow Dysplasia Treatment (fragment removal + cleanup)
- Stifle Arthroscopy for Meniscus Injury
This minimally invasive option is especially beneficial for pets needing joint diagnostics or mobility restoration with less recovery time.
Minimally invasive surgery of the chest (thoracic) cavity.
Currently offered:
- Pericardiectomy (to treat pericardial effusion)
Future capabilities coming soon:
- Thoracic Duct Ligation
- Partial Lung Lobectomy
- Thymoma Removal
Thoracoscopy provides a safe, less invasive alternative to traditional chest surgery — especially for heart or lung-related conditions.
Is Your Pet a Candidate?
Not all conditions or pets are ideal for MIS — and that's okay. At VHA, we believe in choosing the right approach for every patient.
Our team will evaluate your pet’s health, diagnostics, and individual case to determine whether a minimally invasive procedure is appropriate.
For Referring Veterinarians
We value our partnerships with local veterinarians — and we’re here to support your care with minimally invasive expertise.
Minimally Invasive Surgery is especially well-suited for:
- Older or large-breed dogs needing spays/gastropexies
- Complex joint disease evaluations
- Pets where quicker recovery and less post-op pain is a priority
If you're unsure whether a patient is a candidate, we’re happy to consult. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way — from diagnostics to discharge.
Referring a case? Submit a referral or call us directly at (863) 324-3340.
