Additional Surgical Services for Dogs and Cats in Boston

If your pet needs a specialized procedure, chances are we can help.

CORE’s board-certified surgeons treat a wide range of conditions beyond orthopedic, abdominal, and cancer surgery. If your pet has been diagnosed with a condition that requires surgical expertise, or your veterinarian has recommended a referral to a specialist, we’re here to help.

Why Do These Procedures Benefit from a Board-Certified Surgeon?

These may not be the surgeries people think of when they hear “specialist,” but many involve delicate anatomy, complex wound closure, or a higher risk of complications when performed without advanced training. A board-certified surgeon brings precise tissue handling, deep knowledge of anatomy, and experience managing the unexpected. That matters just as much for a hernia repair or ear canal surgery as it does for a cruciate ligament repair.

What Types of Surgical Procedures Does CORE Perform?

Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) for Dogs and Cats

For dogs and cats with chronic, end-stage ear disease that hasn’t responded to medical treatment, ongoing ear infections can cause severe pain and permanent damage to the ear canal. Total ear canal ablation (TECA) removes the diseased canal entirely, eliminating the source of infection and pain for good. Most pets are dramatically more comfortable afterward, and owners often say they wish they’d done it sooner.

Perineal Urethrostomy (PU Surgery) for Cats

Male cats are prone to urinary blockages, which are painful and can be life-threatening. When blockages keep happening despite medical management, perineal urethrostomy creates a wider urinary opening to prevent future obstructions. This is one of the most common emergency-to-surgery pathways for cats, and it’s a procedure that can save your cat from repeated, dangerous episodes.

Scrotal Urethrostomy for Dogs

A similar approach for male dogs dealing with urinary obstructions, urethral damage, or conditions affecting the urethra that can’t be resolved with medical treatment alone. Surgery creates a new, permanent urinary opening that bypasses the problem area, restoring your dog’s comfort and normal urinary function.

Wound Reconstruction and Skin Flaps

When a pet has a large wound from trauma, a severe infection, or tumor removal, the remaining skin sometimes can’t be closed with simple stitching. Our surgeons use advanced reconstruction techniques, including skin flaps and grafts, to rebuild the area, restore coverage, and support proper healing. This is especially common after removal of large tumors where wide surgical margins were necessary.

Hernia Repair Surgery for Dogs and Cats

Hernias occur when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or body wall. We repair umbilical hernias (belly button area), inguinal hernias (groin), perineal hernias (near the rectum, common in older intact male dogs), and abdominal wall hernias (often caused by trauma). Some hernias are present from birth, while others develop over time or after injury. Surgical repair prevents the hernia from worsening and protects the organs involved.

Anal Gland Surgery (Anal Sacculectomy)

Anal glands can become chronically infected, abscessed, or develop tumors. When medical management isn’t enough, surgical removal of the affected gland resolves the problem permanently. Anal sac tumors in particular benefit from early surgical intervention, so prompt evaluation is important if your veterinarian has identified a concern.

Episioplasty (Vulvoplasty) for Dogs

Some female dogs have excessive skin folds around the vulva that trap moisture and bacteria, leading to chronic urinary tract infections, skin irritation, and persistent discomfort. Episioplasty removes the excess tissue, which can dramatically reduce infections and improve your dog’s quality of life. It’s a relatively straightforward procedure that makes a big difference for dogs who’ve been dealing with recurring issues.

Lymph Node Biopsy or Removal

Lymph node sampling is an important part of cancer staging, helping determine whether cancer has spread beyond the primary tumor. Our surgeons perform lymph node biopsies and removals as standalone procedures or alongside tumor removal surgery, giving you and your veterinary team the clearest possible picture of your pet’s condition.

Don’t See Your Pet’s Condition Listed?

This page doesn’t cover everything we do. If your pet has been diagnosed with a condition that requires surgery, or your veterinarian has suggested a specialist referral, give us a call. Our surgeons are happy to discuss your pet’s case and let you know whether CORE is the right fit. If we’re not, we’ll point you in the right direction.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Your consultation includes a complete exam, a review of records and imaging from your primary vet, and an honest recommendation about whether surgery is appropriate and what the best approach is for your pet’s specific condition. Recovery timelines and home care instructions vary by procedure, and your surgeon will walk you through everything before and after surgery so you know exactly what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my pet’s condition needs a specialist?

If your primary vet has recommended a surgical referral, that’s a strong indicator that the procedure benefits from a board-certified surgeon’s training and experience. Even if you’re not sure, you’re welcome to call us and describe your pet’s situation. We’ll tell you honestly whether we can help or whether another specialist would be a better fit.

Do you treat conditions not listed on this page?

We may. This page covers the most common additional procedures we perform, but our surgeons handle a wide range of surgical cases. If you don’t see your pet’s condition here, call us and we’ll let you know.

Do I need a referral to see a surgeon at CORE?

No. You can contact CORE directly to schedule a consultation. We also welcome referrals from primary care veterinarians and will coordinate with your vet throughout the process.

What if CORE isn’t the right fit for my pet’s procedure?

We’ll tell you. If your pet’s condition requires a different type of specialist or a facility with capabilities we don’t offer, our surgeons will help point you in the right direction. The goal is always getting your pet the best care, whether that’s at CORE or somewhere else.

Schedule Your Consultation

If your pet has been diagnosed with a condition requiring surgical evaluation, or your veterinarian has recommended a specialist referral, your consultation includes a complete exam and honest guidance about the best path forward.

CORE Veterinary Surgical Clinic provides board-certified surgical care for dogs and cats across Greater Boston.