The Denise and Michael Kellen Institute for Surgical Care

About Surgery at AMC

The Denise and Michael Kellen Institute for Surgical Care specializes in safe and effective surgical procedures for dogs, cats, and other small animals. Our team works collaboratively with AMC’s other specialties to ensure holistic treatment that reduces pain and promotes rapid healing. Our highly trained and experienced veterinary surgeons are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year to provide the best possible care to your pet.

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The AMC Surgery Team

The AMC Surgery team features four board-certified surgeons supported by a full staff of residents, interns, criticalists, and licensed veterinary technicians. As an AMC patient, your pet benefits from the wide range of expertise that comes with having 20+ veterinary specialties under one roof. When planning surgical treatments, our surgeons often consult with board certified specialists in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Oncology, Radiology, Critical Care, and Pathology. In addition, our state-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging Service and cutting edge Rehabilitation team help our patients recover safely and return to a high quality of life through post-operative therapy and monitoring.

Services

Orthopedic Surgery

Our orthopedic veterinary surgeons specialize in injuries of bones, joints, and the spine. We use state-of-the-art techniques – such as bone plating, pinning, and fixation devices – and work closely with our Integrative and Rehabilitative Medicine Service to provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Our goal is to treat your pet safely and effectively and return them to high levels of mobility and quality of life.

Some common orthopedic procedures we perform at AMC include:

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) and Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Medial or Lateral Patella Luxation (MPL/LPL), or dislocated kneecap
Cranial cruciate ligament rupture
Fracture stabilization (shoulder, elbow, and knee)
Arthroscopy and minimally invasive fracture repair
Osteoarthritis treatment
Musculotendinous injury treatment (strains, sprains, or trauma to soft tissue)
Regenerative therapies, such as:
- Shockwave therapy
- Stem cell therapy
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment

Surgical Oncology

AMC’s surgical oncologist, Dr. Jonathan Ferrari, is the only veterinary surgical oncologist in New York City and is one of only a handful of veterinary surgical oncologists worldwide. With Dr. Ferrari on staff, AMC can offer cats, dogs, and other animal patients comprehensive cancer care. Dr. Ferrari works with both the Surgery and Oncology services to coordinate treatment between surgical procedures, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. As a single treatment, surgery cures more animals with cancer than any other treatment, offering new hope for pets with cancer.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Soft tissue surgery treats diseases of the chest, abdomen, skin, and other soft tissues. When performing soft tissue procedures, AMC’s veterinary surgeons work closely with specialists in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Diagnostic Imaging, and Critical Care to find safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapies. This collaborative approach means your pet benefits from a range of medical and surgical expertise, ensuring the best possible care.

Some common procedures we perform include:

Mass removal
Biopsy
Laparoscopic spay
Laparoscopic gastropexy
Cystotomy
Splenectomy
Gastrointestinal surgery
Brachycephalic syndrome surgery
Lung tumor removal
Liver mass removal
Extrahepatic portosystemic shunt surgery

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive procedures use small incisions to surgically treat patients. Small incisions allow for quicker recovery times and less discomfort than conventional surgery. Whenever possible and medically appropriate, AMC opts for minimally invasive procedures for its patients. These procedures include:

Arthroscopy: a surgical procedure used to examine and treat joint disease
Fluoroscopy: a continuous x-ray that allows veterinarians to see an injured area in detail (often used with broken bones)
Thoracoscopy: a procedure used to examine or biopsy the inside of the chest to help identify and treat certain heart and lung diseases
Laparoscopy: a surgical tool used to view internal organs and treat certain conditions
Interventional radiology and interventional endoscopy: these image-guided techniques help veterinarians diagnose and treat conditions in nearly every organ system

Adjunct Services

Anesthesia and Pain Management

The surgical team works closely with AMC’s board-certified anesthesiologist to take a safe, effective, and holistic approach to anesthesia and pain management. We make sure to fully understand your pet’s medical history and condition before administering anesthesia or performing any procedure.

Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery

AMC’s team of veterinary dentists specialize in the treatment of many diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the oral (mouth) and maxillofacial (jaws and face) region. Some of the surgical procedures we perform in collaboration with AMC’s dentists include:

Jaw fracture repair
Surgical tooth extractions
Fillings and restorations
Treatment of gum disease
Oral cancer surgery

Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology

AMC’s Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology Service uses advanced imaging techniques to assist the Surgery Service in surgical planning for companion animals. The department is led by two board-certified radiologists and employs state-of-the-art veterinary imaging technology, including:

Radiography (x-ray)
Ultrasound
Computed tomography (CT)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Neurosurgery

The Surgery Service often supports AMC’s board-certified neurologists in neurosurgical procedures in dogs, cats, and other small animals. These surgeries treat spinal disease and conditions that cause back pain, paralysis, or lameness. Our Neurology Service is also on the cutting edge of veterinary brain surgery and tumor removal procedures.

Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine

The Surgery Service collaborates with board-certified specialists in veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation to help return dogs, cats, and other pets to improved levels of mobility and quality of life after surgery. The only facility of its kind in New York City, AMC’s Tina Santi Flaherty Rehabilitation & Fitness Service uses state-of-the-art therapies and innovative techniques to provide the best possible care.