Veterinary Emergency & Urgent Care
I Have An Emergency
Expert Veterinary Surgical Care in Oakdale, MN
When pets require surgery, families want confidence that their companion is in expert hands. At Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC), our board-certified veterinary specialists, dedicated anesthesia team, and skilled support staff work together to provide precise, surgical patient-centered care—from consultation through recovery.
Types of Surgery We Perform
We offer a comprehensive range of surgical services. Some of the most common procedures we perform include:
- Orthopedic Surgery—Procedures to restore mobility and function, including TPLO for cruciate ligament repair, patellar luxation repair, and fracture repair.
- Cardiovascular & Respiratory Surgery—Including pericardectomy, lung lobectomy, exploratory thoracotomy, diaphragmatic hernia repair, and brachycephalic airway surgery.
- Abdominal Surgery—Such as gastrointestinal foreign body removal, mass resection, splenectomy, and liver lobectomy.
- Endocrine Surgery—Procedures including thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, and partial pancreatectomy.
- Urogenital Surgery—Including cystotomy/cystectomy, laparoscopic spay, subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) placement, and nephrectomy.
- Soft Tissue Surgery—Mass removal, reconstructive flaps, and other specialized procedures.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery—Arthroscopy of the shoulder, elbow, and stifle; laparoscopic liver biopsies; laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy; and laparoscopic ovariectomy.
Safety and Advanced Monitoring
What sets our surgical program apart is our dedicated anesthesia team. Every pet undergoing surgery is assigned an anesthesia technician, who closely monitors their vitals throughout the procedure.
AERC offers MRI and CT imaging to guide surgical planning when needed. Specialized operating rooms are maintained for orthopedic and soft tissue procedures, ensuring a sterile environment. For orthopedic surgeries, a C-arm is available to support accurate implant placement.
Post-Operative Care
Healing continues well after surgery, and thoughtful post-operative care is essential to your pet’s recovery. Following any neurological procedure, our veterinary team provides detailed, personalized instructions tailored to your pet’s needs.
While every pet’s recovery journey looks a little different, post-operative care may include:
- Rest and restricted activity to allow for proper healing
- Pain management with medications designed to keep your pet comfortable
- Incision monitoring to ensure the surgical site is healing as expected
- Nutritional guidance to support strength and recovery
- Follow-up visits for ongoing assessment and to adjust care as needed
For more on recovery, see our blog: General Post-Operative Care for Pets.
Learn More About Common Procedures
For more information about the types of surgeries we perform and what to expect, you may find these resources helpful:
How to Schedule A Surgical Consult
Surgical services are available by appointment at our Oakdale location.
- Pet Owner Appointments
Please contact us by phone or email. We’ll request medical records directly from your primary vet. - Veterinarian Referrals
Submit referrals through the online form, by email, or by calling us. Please include a full patient history.
