With over two decades of veterinary experience caring for dogs, cats, and rabbits, Dr. Rastetter has studied and trained in complex surgeries like total ear canal ablation, brachycephalic obstructive airway correction, limb amputation, and mass removal, as well as common procedures like spaying and neutering.
The services listed below are not all-inclusive. If you are seeking a specific surgical need, please contact Dr. Rastetter to learn more.
Dr. Rastetter develops individualized anesthetic and pain management protocols for each patient, tailoring the plan to their health, species, and surgical procedure requirements. She uses the latest in anesthetic dispensation technology to ensure safe and measured inhalations, reducing anesthesia-related risks. The patient’s vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, carbon dioxide, oxygen saturation, temperature, and heart rhythms, are closely and continuously monitored so abnormalities can be detected and addressed quickly.
Pets may undergo a limb amputation to address:
Many pets that have had a limb amputated live a longer and happier life without the limb. Rest assured, if your dog or cat faces this procedure, there are many who have paved the way ahead. Dr. Rastetter is proud to help pets who may need an amputation performed, no matter the reason.
Most pets’ anal sacs (two small glands on either side of the rectum) empty naturally when they have a bowel movement. However, sometimes these sacs can become impacted, infected, or develop a painful abscess. In rare cases, a tumor may form. When these problems keep reoccurring despite attempts to manage them, removing the anal sacs surgically (also called an anal sacculectomy) is often the best long-term solution to relieve pain and prevent future infections.
During the procedure, the abnormal anal sac(s) is removed. The area is then cleaned and closed to promote healing. While it is a delicate procedure due to the surrounding nerves and muscle, it permanently eliminates the source of the chronic discomfort.
The word “brachycephalic” describes the shape of certain dog breeds’ skulls, which are broader and shorter than other breeds’. American Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus are some breeds considered brachycephalic. Unfortunately, these dogs’ distinctive features can lead to health concerns, especially problems with breathing. Brachycephalic dogs can develop Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a condition that describes a specific group of upper airway abnormalities such as stenotic nares, an elongated soft palate, and/or everted laryngeal saccules, among others. Brachycephalic dogs can have one or more of these specific conditions.
For dogs with BOAS or respiratory issues related to brachycephaly, surgery is often recommended. Dr. Rastetter offers several respiratory surgeries that address three common issues for brachycephalic dogs:
A Caesarian Section is a surgical procedure to deliver puppies or kittens when the mother cannot safely give birth naturally. It involves making an incision into the abdomen and uterus to remove the newborns. Following the delivery, the surgical sites are closed, and the focus shifts immediately to stimulating the newborns and ensuring the mother is stable and able to care for her litter.
Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) and neutering (castration) is a foundational part of responsible pet ownership and can help improve your dog’s long-term health:
Dr. Rastetter is dedicated to performing these procedures with meticulous care, focusing on minimal discomfort and a smooth recovery for your furry friend.
Pain management is a vital part of your pet’s comfort and recovery, especially during and after surgical procedures. Epidurals and local blocks are advanced anesthetic techniques Dr. Rastetter uses to provide targeted, effective pain relief:
Eye removal, or enucleation, is a procedure performed to relieve a pet from significant pain or to resolve an untreatable condition of the eye. Your pet may need an eye removal due to:
While the thought of eye removal can be alarming, it is often the most humane option for pets suffering from chronic or severe eye disease. The procedure involves carefully removing the eyeball and closing the eyelids permanently. Pets usually adapt quickly and comfortably to life with one eye, as their sense of smell and hearing are more dominant. Dr. Rastetter has the experience and compassion to perform this procedure with the utmost care, prioritizing your pet’s recovery and comfort.
One of the biggest challenges in curbing the feral cat population is that mother cats can become pregnant again well before their kittens are weaned. Traditionally, spay surgeries are delayed for nursing mothers because healing can be difficult or complicated due to nursing. A flank spay is a spay procedure that allows new cat mothers the option of surgery.
When performing a flank spay, the ovaries are accessed through a small incision on the side of the mother’s abdomen, away from delicate mammary tissue. This allows an active nursing cat mother to continue providing nutrition to her kittens, while healing from this important surgery. Dr. Rastetter is well-versed in feline flank spay procedures and has years of experience helping to control the cat population to ensure cats already in existence have the resources they need to thrive.
Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) and neutering (castration) are surgical procedures that prevent unwanted litters and can benefit your cat’s overall health.
You can trust Dr. Rastetter to ensure your cat receives the best care during and after the procedure.
Pet owners know that dogs and cats love to chew, but sometimes they ingest things they shouldn’t, like toys, socks, bones, or string. These items, called foreign bodies, can get stuck in the esophagus, intestines, stomach, or elsewhere, causing dangerous blockages, severe vomiting, pain, and loss of appetite. If the object doesn’t pass naturally or can’t be removed endoscopically (with a scope), then surgery is necessary.
Surgical foreign body removal involves performing an exploratory surgery (laparotomy) to locate the object. Depending on where the foreign body is lodged, an incision is made into the stomach or the intestine to safely retrieve the item. This surgery is often a life-saving emergency procedure that relieves the blockage and prevents permanent damage to the digestive tract.
A gastropexy is a preventive surgery that is often life-saving, especially for large, deep-chested dog breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Boxers. It is performed to prevent a condition called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), or “bloat,” in which the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself. GDV can rapidly lead to death without immediate surgery.
The gastropexy procedure permanently attaches the stomach wall to the abdominal wall, preventing the stomach from twisting in the future and dramatically reducing the risk of GDV. This procedure can be performed at the time of a spay or neuter, or as a standalone procedure for at-risk adult dogs. Dr. Rastetter often recommends this preventive surgery to give pet owners peace of mind and protect their beloved dog from a truly devastating condition.
Dr. Rastetter focuses on hormone sparing sterilization options for dogs, offering both ovary-sparing spay (hysterectomy) and vasectomy. Learn more about hormone sparing sterilization options.
Any time you detect a new lump or bump on your pet, it is cause for concern. Not only are they unattractive, but they can also be bothersome — or even dangerous. The cornerstone of treatment for many types of growths on pets is surgical removal. Depending on the size and location of the lesion, the procedure can be simple, or complex and involved. Dr. Rastetter can assess whether the mass may be benign (not cancerous, generally harmless) or malignant (cancerous and fast-growing), and provide a recommended course of treatment.
Common in unneutered male dogs 5 years and older, perineal hernias are the result of a tear in the pelvic muscles. You may notice swelling around your dog’s anus. Dogs with perineal hernias may strain when trying to defecate or urinate, or may seem constipated or lose their appetite. In more severe cases where the small intestine gets trapped in the herniated area, vomiting may occur. Often, perineal hernias require surgery to treat but are usually not considered emergency situations.
Dr. Rastetter can recommend the appropriate treatment based on the severity of the hernia. Typically, this will include surgical intervention to repair the hernia and prevent complications.
Pyometra, a potentially life-threatening condition affecting female dogs, cats, and rabbits, is a severe infection of the uterus that can cause significant health complications, including death. When pyometra is diagnosed, immediate treatment is vital to save the pet’s life. The most important treatment is surgical removal of the infected uterus, a procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy or “spay.” This surgery not only eliminates the infection but also prevents future episodes of pyometra. Medical management with antibiotics and supportive care is also necessary. Dr. Rastetter has years of experience performing this life-saving treatment.
When your pet suffers a severe injury or has a large tumor removed, reconstructive surgery is sometimes necessary to repair large or complex wounds. Often healthy skin is moved from one area of the body to cover a difficult-to-close wound, using methods like skin flaps or skin grafts. Dr. Rastetter’s goal in performing these procedures is to maximize your pet’s comfort and mobility by providing strong, durable coverage over the injured area, minimizing healing time and complication risks.
Many people are surprised to learn that spaying and neutering rabbits is actually in their best interest. Similar to dogs and cats, having a rabbit “fixed” supports health, longevity, and can make life more pleasant for your bunny (and you). Altered rabbits enjoy a wide range of health and behavioral benefits, including an increased lifespan, better behavior, and greater enrichment through bonding and socialization.
Dr. Rastetter regularly performs spay and neuter surgeries on rabbits of all ages. If you have questions, she is happy to discuss the benefits and risks associated with the procedures.
A salivary mucocele is a buildup of saliva that has leaked out of a damaged salivary gland or duct and collected under your pet’s skin. It isn’t a tumor, but instead a fluid-filled pocket that can become quite large and uncomfortable for your dog or cat.
When draining the fluid does not fully resolve the issue, salivary gland removal (sialoadenectomy) may be recommended. This procedure involves identifying and surgically removing the affected salivary gland and its associated duct to stop the saliva leak entirely. This is a delicate surgery as the glands are close to important nerves and blood vessels, but it permanently resolves the painful swelling and prevents recurrence. Dr. Rastetter is trained to perform this precise surgery, which can give your pet lasting relief.
If your pet is struggling with constant, painful ear infections that just won’t go away, a Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) is a definitive surgical solution used when medical treatments are no longer effective for treating chronic ear infections.
The TECA procedure involves surgically removing the entire ear canal so only smooth skin remains at the base of the ear flap. The primary goal is to eliminate the source of pain and infection, and is often combined with a Lateral Bulla Osteotomy (LBO), which cleans out the infected middle ear. Dr. Rastetter has received advanced training in performing this intricate surgery, which, for many pets, is the key to finally living a pain-free life. Contact her for more information.
When a male dog or cat experiences recurrent, severe, or life-threatening blockages in the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) a urethrostomy is often necessary. This procedure is typically needed because of numerous small urinary stones (grit) or scar tissue that repeatedly get stuck in the narrowest part of the urethra, leading to a dangerous inability to urinate.
A urethrostomy involves surgically creating a new, permanent opening for urination that is wider and further up the urethra, bypassing the narrow area where blockages happen. During the procedure, Dr. Rastetter creates this new opening, ensuring smooth edges for easy urine passage and stitching it into place. This surgery offers immense, long-term relief by preventing future blockages, drastically improving your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Is your pet having trouble urinating, or are you noticing blood in their urine? These can be signs of urinary stones in the bladder. Urine stones are mineral deposits that form in the urine, and can cause severe irritation, infection, and can even block the flow of urine. While some stones can be dissolved with special diets, many types require surgical removal, known as a cystotomy.
This common surgery involves placing your pet under general anesthesia and making an incision into the abdomen to access the bladder. Dr. Rastetter carefully opens the bladder, removes the stones, and then thoroughly flushes the bladder and urethra of small debris. The bladder and abdomen are then closed with stitches. Removing these painful stones provides immediate relief and can prevent serious complications.
Cats that frequently snore or struggle to breathe easily may have a nasopharyngeal polyp or aural polyp. These benign growths commonly develop at the back of the throat or in the middle ear cavity, called the bulla. While they are noncancerous, they can block air flow, irritate the middle ear, and lead to chronic infections and severe breathing difficulties.
While some polyps can be removed, they often grow back. A Ventral Bulla Osteotomy (VBO) can prevent recurrence. This procedure involves accessing the bony bulla on the underside (ventral aspect) of your cat’s neck. Dr. Rastetter makes a small incision to enter the bulla, carefully removes the entire base of the polyp, and cleans out the infected middle ear cavity. This approach removes the source of the problem, finally giving your cat lasting relief from those annoying, uncomfortable symptoms.
