Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists

07/11/2024

05/15/2024

If you have gently used towels, soft blankets and comforters that you are no longer using, we will happily take them off your hands to make hospital stays a little cozier for our patients.

Materials can be dropped off to 10626 York Road in Hunt Valley. Our emergency partner, Pet+E.R., is open 24/7/365 and will also accept donated linens.

03/27/2024

Pawject Runway is almost here, and CVSS is proud to be a Cuddle Corner sponsor this year! We hope to see you at CGF Bank Arena on April 4 for this lifesaving and SUPER fun runway show. You’ll rub shoulders with famous faces…and rub a lot of furry bellies!

P.S. We’ve been told that BARCS Animal Shelter is bringing 50+ animals who need to step off the “catwalk” and into their forever homes that night. Let’s get all of them adopted!

03/20/2024

Patellar luxation is a common orthopedic condition where the kneecap moves out of its normal position. It can be genetic or can occur due to trauma to the knee. The kneecap could shift towards the inner thigh (medial) or the outer thigh (lateral).

According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, "Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs, diagnosed in 7% of puppies. The condition affects primarily small dogs, especially breeds such as Boston and Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and miniature poodles. The incidence in large breed dogs has been on the rise over the past ten years, and breeds such as Chinese Shar Pei, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Akitas, and Great Pyrenees are now considered predisposed to this disease. Patellar luxation affects both knees in half of all cases, potentially resulting in discomfort and loss of function."

Symptoms can vary widely and may range from non-clinical to your pet holding up the affected limb or walking with a skip in their gait. The severity of patellar luxation is measured on a grading system of grade I - IV, and recommended treatment considers the grade of the disease, longevity, clinical symptoms and owner considerations.

If your dog is exhibiting these signs, call us at 410-828-0911, opt. 3 in Hunt Valley or 410-224-0121, opt. 3 in Annapolis to schedule a consultation.

03/15/2024

This smiling beauty is Journey, a 3-year-old FS Akita who was recently cleared from her second TPLO surgery by Dr. Chris Gauthier, DACVS-SA in our Hunt Valley location.

Journey had surgery to correct a CCL tear in her right stifle in June 2023, followed by surgery to correct the same injury in her left stifle in January 2024. Journey's family has been dedicated to her recovery, and she healed wonderfully. We will miss seeing Journey around the hospital!

03/13/2024

The hip joint normally functions as a ball and socket, wherein the head of the femur fits into the acetabulum, but in dogs with hip dysplasia (a skeletal disorder), the ball and socket do not fit properly.

Because the bones of the joint don't line up correctly, the joint cartilage is subjected to abnormal wear and tear. Overtime, this wear and tear can result in pain and arthritis. This disorder is most often hereditary, but can also be caused by traumatic injury.

Signs of hip dysplasia can include:
🐕 Weakness in the hind legs
🐕 Limping, wobbling
🐕 Walking with a “bunny-hop” gait
🐕 Reluctance to rise from a sitting or lying position
🐕 Lameness, which may be mild, moderate, or severe, and is worse after exercise
🐕 Loose joint, stiffness of the joint, and a grating sound during full extension and bending of the joint

Hip dysplasia is more commonly noted in breeds like English Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Golden Retreivers, Laborador Retrievers, Newfoundlands and other medium to large breeds.

If you or your primary care veterinarian suspect your dog may be at risk for this condition, schedule a consultation with a surgeon at one of our three locations. Radiographs and a physical exam will help determine a treatment plan, which could include medical management, physical rehabilitation or surgery.

03/11/2024

Sometimes you just need a hug.

03/06/2024

If the dreary weather has got you feeling down, then look no further than these photos of our patients in their festive E-collars!

03/03/2024

The CVRC Spring Conference is one week away!

We hope to see you at the Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina on March 10.

Get ready for the CVRC Spring CE Conference, a must-attend in-person event packed with cutting-edge insights and networking opportunities.

02/09/2024

If you're a licensed veterinarian looking for continuing education and networking opportunities with local specialists, be sure to register for the CVRC Spring Conference!

Dr. Kristine Moss, Surgical Resident, will be speaking, alongside peers from Atlantic Veterinary Internal Medicine & Oncology, Compass Veterinary Neurology & Imaging, CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, Eye Care for Animals and Veterinary Radiation Oncology of the Chesapeake.

The event is March 10 from 8am - 4pm at the Hyatt Place Kent Narrows & Marina. Registration is free as always, and continental breakfast and buffet lunch are included.

Visit the link to grab your seat to this popular continuing education opportunity:

Get ready for the CVRC Spring CE Conference, a must-attend in-person event packed with cutting-edge insights and networking opportunities.

01/18/2024

These boots were made for....swallowing?

That's certainly what Dude, an 8-year-old MN Akita mix, thought when he started snacking on a leather boot while his owner was away. When she returned to find her boots missing a significant portion of...boot....she rushed Dude to a local emergency hospital. There, radiographic findings confirmed that Dude (pictured here having what could be considered an existensial crisis, or at least a lot of regret) not only had a belly full of footwear, but found a suspicious and unexpected mass surrounding his spleen.

Dude was transferred to Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic for further care and potential transfer to our surgery service. Dr. Mindy Wolfe, DACVS-SA, took over Dude's and care and confirmed: he would need surgery to remove the contraband boot, and to remove the splenic mass that could spontaneously, and fatally, rupture.

Dr. Wolfe performed a gastrotomy to remove the foreign material, a splenectomy to resect the splenic mass, and a prophylactic gastropexy to reduce the threat of gastric dilation volvulus or bloat, another potentially fatal condition. With 50% of splenic masses being cancerous, Dr. Wolfe submitted pathology samples from Dude's spleen to determine whether the mass was cancerous or benign.

Dude caught a lucky break, because his splenic mass came back clear - no cancer for this dude.

In this case, Dude's unconventional dietary habits actually saved his life. If he hadn't eaten the boot, his owner may have never known about the splenic mass. That said, we recommend leaving any tasty footwear out of paws' reach, especially if your furry friend has been known to gnaw on the occasional shoe.

01/15/2024

Jagger, an 11-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever, came to see Dr. Lis Moore, DACVS-SA in Annapolis, directly following Christmas for a castration and removal of masses around his.....hind quarters, if you will. He has been healing well and pathology on the masses was confirmed to be benign. At his recheck yesterday, Dr. Moore cleared Jagger to return to pre-surgery activities.

Jagger's dad reports that they are best friends, and that Jagger expresses his admiration through chattering and smiling while they are doing conditioning work together. Surprisingly (for the breed), Jagger despises bath time and water in general.

01/13/2024

If you're attending VMX by NAVC in Orlando, be sure to say hi to Dr. Chris Gauthier, DACVS-SA. Dr. Gauthier is co-presenting a SOLD OUT hands-on training event entitled, "Basic Fracture Repair: Femoral Shaft Fractures Workshop."

In this workshop, Dr. Gauthier and his colleagues will teach participants about the IM pin, cerclage wiring, bone plating principles and techniques for the femur so primary care veterinarians can repair femoral shaft fractures in general practice settings.

01/10/2024

Gene, a 10-year-old MN Border Collie mix, is with us today in Annapolis under the care of Dr. Mindy Wolfe, DACVS-SA, to remove two masses. In this photo, provided by his family, they shared that Gene loves to play catch, enjoys the company of cats and is most fond of his perch on the ottoman facing the front of his home, where he can bark as passersby. Best of luck with your surgery today, Gene, and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

12/25/2023

Happy Holidays from everyone here at Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists! 🐾🌟🎁

12/22/2023

We will be closed for appointments in all three locations on Monday, December 25 and Monday, January 1 in observance of Christmas and New Year's Day.

If your pet requires emergency care, please contact Pet+E.R. - Columbia , Pet+E.R. Hunt Valley or Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic.

You can also connect with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (consultation fees may apply).

12/20/2023

This little cutie is Dasha, and she has quite the story. Originally hailing from Ukraine, Dasha was adopted by her family this past August. She was treated for a hookworm infestation, but her clinical signs persisted. Her health declined and she began experiencing vomiting, lethargy and inappetence.

Dasha was evaluated by the emergency team at Anne Arundel Veterinary Emergency Clinic and received an in-hospital ultrasound with Atlantic Veterinary Internal Medicine & Oncology that showed thickening in Dasha's small intestines, with significant thickening and mass effect changes in her ileum (the shortest portion of the small intestine, which connects to the large bowel). The specialists agreed that the next step to diagnosing the root cause of Dasha's problems would be an exploratory laparotomy with biopsies of the affected tissues.

Dr. Mindy Wolfe, DACVS-SA, performed Dasha's surgery, which included a jejunal colic anastomosis - a procedure wherein the diseased ileum is removed. Biopsy samples were submitted and a feeding tube was placed to ensure that Dasha recevied appropriate nutrition. Her biopsies indicated a severe and unusual variation of inflammatory bowel disease.

Dr. Wolfe recently cleared Dasha from her surgery and she is now in the capable hands of Dr. Paola at AVIM&O for continued care.

12/12/2023

🌟HANUKKAH PET SAFETY TIPS🌟

Hanukkah is a time that is spent with the ones you love and that includes your pets! Keep your dogs and cats safe this season with these tips:

🕎 The menorah is one of the most important Hanukkah traditions. However, keeping flame-lit candles in the house can be dangerous for both humans and our pets - especially when some pets like to jump on tables. We suggest considering battery-operated candles or that you place the menorah in pet-free rooms and at an unreachable height.

🕎 Traditional Hanukkah foods such as latkes or sufganiyots are delicious but they could be toxic to your pets. Keep cats and dogs away from these treats, keep all human food or leftovers out of paw's reach, and cover trash bins securely.

🕎 Hanukkah wouldn't be the same without the spinning of the dreidel. However, like any small object, they can become a pet safety hazard. Watch where the dreidel goes after the game is over and keep it out of your pet's mouth to avoid a choking hazard or foreign body obstruction.

🕎 Speaking of foreign body obstructions - gifts with ribbon and gift wrap may seem like toys to your pets. Keep a bag or secure trash can nearby to dispose of all trash immediately.

Consider these extra steps so that your furry friends can join in on the fun safely!

12/09/2023

🌍🐾 Happy International Day of Veterinary Medicine! 🐾🌍

Today, we celebrate the unsung heroes who dedicate their lives to the well-being of our furry companions. 🐕🐈 A heartfelt thank you to all the amazing veterinarians and veterinary professionals around the world for their tireless dedication, compassion, and expertise.

Your commitment ensures that our pets lead happy, healthy lives. Let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible bond between animals and those who care for them.

Drop a shoutout or share your favorite pet story to honor the fantastic work of our veterinary community!

12/07/2023

As the Festival of Lights begins, our team at CVSS sends warm wishes of joy, love, and good health to all celebrating Hanukkah. May the glow of the menorah fill your homes with happiness!

Just like the candles that illuminate the menorah, may your pets bring light and warmth to your hearts.

12/04/2023

🏆 CLIENT TESTIMONIAL 🏆

A huge shoutout to our awesome pet parents for the positive reviews! Your trust means everything.

If you've had a great experience, we'd love to hear about it! Thanks for choosing CVSS!

11/28/2023

🏆 CLIENT TESTIMONIAL 🏆

Your feedback is the heartbeat of our practice, and our hearts are brimming with gratitude for the wonderful clients who've shared their kind words and appreciation with us. Your trust and support mean the world, and we're honored to be a part of your pet's journey.

11/23/2023

🦃🐾 Thanksgiving Tales from Our Hospital Family 🐾🍁

As we gather 'round the table to give thanks, we're taking a moment to reflect on what makes our veterinary hospital family so special. We're thankful for our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, and support staff who work tirelessly to care for your beloved pets every day.

🐶🐱 Our patients hold a special place in our hearts, and we're grateful for the trust you place in us to keep them healthy and happy. Your furry companions brighten our days and inspire us to provide the best care possible.

🩺💖 And let's not forget the families who entrust us with the well-being of their pets. You are the reason we do what we do, and we're immensely grateful for the bonds we've formed with you and your four-legged family members.

🍂 This Thanksgiving, we're celebrating the love, compassion, and unity that make our hospital family so incredible. From all of us here, we wish you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and furry companionship.

Share your Thanksgiving moments with us, and let's celebrate together! 📸

11/21/2023

🏆 CLIENT TESTIMONIAL 🏆

We're overjoyed to receive such positive feedback from fellow veterinarians in the community! Collaboration and trust are the cornerstones of exceptional pet care, and we're honored to work alongside so many talented professionals. Thank you for your kind words and for entrusting us with the care of your personal pets and your patients.

11/17/2023

Many pet owners are nervous if anesthesia is needed for a surgery or procedure. However, anesthesia or sedation may be the best way for your pet to receive high-quality care without pain, stress, or discomfort.

🐾 Our team is trained to carefully select, dose, administer medications, and monitor your pet while they are at the hospital.

🐾 Some pain medications can last for 8-12 hours in dogs and up to 24 hours in cats. Your pet may act groggy and confused within this timeframe after their procedure.

🐾 Keep your pet from climbing, jumping, or running around for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Your doctor will instruct proper recovery time to prevent injury.

🐾 Call your us if your pet isn’t eating within the anticipated timeframe, or if your pet vomits, develops diarrhea, or refuses to eat or drink for more than 12 hours.

Remember, it takes time for the effects of anesthesia to wear off. Don't hesitate to ask your care team questions!

11/14/2023

🏆 CLIENT TESTIMONIAL 🏆

We can't help but smile when we receive such heartwarming client feedback! Your kind words and satisfaction with our services mean the world to us. Thank you for being a part of our wonderful community, and for letting us care for your beloved pets. Your trust and support are truly appreciated!

11/10/2023

On this Veterans Day, we pause to pay tribute to the courageous humans and canines who have selflessly served our nation. Your sacrifice and unwavering dedication to protecting our freedoms inspire us every day.

At CVSS, we have the privilege of serving those who have served, and we're deeply grateful for the veterans and their loyal service and working animals who have become a part of our extended family.

To the veterans who have sacrificed so much, and to the four-legged heroes who stand by your side, thank you for your service and for entrusting us with the care of your cherished companions. 🐕🐈

Today, we celebrate and honor you. Happy Veterans Day!

11/07/2023

🏆 CLIENT TESTIMONIAL🏆

"My husband and I do not have the words to expressed our gratitude for the outstanding care our boy, Lou, received at CVSS during his extended stay after chest wall resection surgery. Dr. Jeyakumar, Dr. Arnold and the entire Surgical - ICU team went above and beyond our expectation to make sure our boy got home. From the beginning Lou’s condition was questionable. His tumor was located in a place where even the CT guided biopsy was not feasible. Options for his treatment were presented to us by Dr. J, and she answered all of our questions and concerns with professionalism and honesty to help us arrive at our decision to move forward with surgery.

Throughout Lou’s seven day stay, my family was treated with respect and an abundance of kindness. We were given updates each morning, encouraged to call throughout the day, and daily visits were arranged so that we could spend time with Louie. Never once were we made to feel we were an inconvenience. The ICU staff sat with Lou 24/7, played music for him and treated him with so much love just to keep him relaxed. Dr. J and Dr. Arnold came in during the late evening/early morning hours to check on him. I’m sure it was taxing at times.

Because of the skill, dedication and selflessness of these beautiful people we have been gifted a bit more time with our precious boy, and for that we will be forever indebted. Thank you, Dr. Jeyakumar, Dr. Arnold and the entire CVSS TEAM!" - K. Marconi

11/04/2023

Daylight saving time ends this weekend! ⏰

At 2:00am on Sunday, clocks will "fall back" an hour, giving us an extra hour of sleep (and snuggle time with our pets!).

As a result of the time change, pets may need extra time to adjust -- something to keep in mind when it comes to their meal times and bathroom breaks."

11/02/2023

Meet Reggie, our resilient Boxer mix patient who's facing life with unshakeable spirit! Reggie recently underwent a left forelimb amputation to conquer osteosarcoma, and he's taking his journey one paw at a time.

Reggie's journey to the tripod lifestyle began in October 2022 after his left front limb was wrapped up in his leash and it was je**ed backwards due to him getting scared. After the incident, he immediately collapsed and cried out in pain. Since then, he has had intermittent left forelimb lameness that has been medically managed, and previous x-rays were unremarkable.

His lameness was starting to improve on medication but, in mid-September of this year after playing tug, he started knuckling and dragging his left forelimb. The medications were no longer working, and Reggie seemed to be much more painful.

He presented to an urgent care clinic for the acutely worsening lameness. On physical examination, he was grade 2-3 lame on his left forelimb with muscle wasting on his left pelvic limb. The urgent care clinic had taken him off of his anti-inflammatory pain medication and started him on Prednisone, which caused a increase in pain and lameness to be non-weight bearing. They found him to have the heart murmur and referred him for CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets consultation and for a neurology consultation due to dragging his forelimb.

Reggied was subsequently evaluated by Compass Veterinary Neurology & Imaging a few days later, where they found him to be non-weight bearing lame on his left forelimb with great pain elicited over his humerus. CVNI switched him back to his anti-inflammatory medication, and his lameness improved. Radiographs were obtained that showed a suspected aggressive lesion of the left humerus. Based off results, he was referred for surgical evaluationn with CVSS.

Reggie's amputation was performed by Dr. Rich Burgess, DACVS-SA in our Annapolis office. He's proving that three legs are just as awesome as four, and we're in awe of his determination and strength. Reggie's journey to recovery is an inspiring tale of courage and collaboration, and we're honored to be part of it. Join us in sending him your love and support on this incredible journey!