Veterinary SurgeryRefer a case
Soft-tissue surgery · Kentucky & Southern Indiana
GI and abdominal surgery in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky
Dr. Joshua A. Bruce, DVM, DACVS-SA provides board-certified gastrointestinal and abdominal surgery through KVS partner veterinary clinics.
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What is GI and abdominal surgery?
Abdominal surgery covers procedures on the stomach, intestines, spleen, liver, and other organs. Common examples include removing swallowed objects (foreign bodies), taking intestinal biopsies, removing a diseased section of intestine, removing the spleen, and gastropexy, which tacks the stomach in place to help prevent bloat (GDV) in at-risk breeds.
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When is surgery recommended?
Your veterinarian may recommend surgery for a suspected foreign body or obstruction, a mass in the abdomen, chronic vomiting or diarrhea that needs biopsies, or as a preventive gastropexy for large, deep-chested breeds. KVS offers splenectomy, liver lobectomy, gallbladder surgery, GI and liver biopsies, and gastropexy, which is done through an open approach.
If your pet is in distress right now, contact your primary veterinarian or the nearest emergency hospital first. KVS does not provide emergency care and is not a walk-in hospital. Once your pet is stable, your veterinarian can contact KVS about surgical options. Repeated vomiting, a swollen or painful belly, retching without bringing anything up, or a pet who swallowed something can be emergencies. Bloat (GDV) needs emergency care immediately.
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What surgery involves
Under general anesthesia, the abdomen is opened and the organs are explored. The surgeon then removes the foreign object, takes biopsies, removes diseased tissue, or performs the planned procedure. Any tissue removed is sent to a pathologist. Testing before surgery depends on the procedure and on what disease may be present.
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How the KVS referral model works
Your veterinarian evaluates your pet and submits a referral.
KVS reviews the records and plans the case.
Surgery stays with the local team at the participating clinic, followed by a coordinated recovery and recheck plan.
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Recovery
Hospital stay depends on the procedure, from same-day discharge after a preventive gastropexy to several days after intestinal surgery. Many pets can go home the same day, and some need to be transferred for overnight hospital care. Early feeding is encouraged in most cases, with small, bland meals reintroduced gradually. Activity is restricted for about 2 weeks while the incision heals, and your veterinarian will watch for signs such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite that need attention. A recheck is scheduled at 2 weeks.
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Service area
Louisville Metro and surrounding Kentucky communities; Lexington and Central Kentucky partner practices; Southern Indiana. KVS is not a walk-in hospital. Availability is coordinated with participating veterinary clinics.
Common questions
Common questions about gastrointestinal and abdominal surgery
Who performs this surgery for KVS?
Dr. Joshua A. Bruce, DVM, DACVS-SA, an ACVS board-certified small-animal surgeon and the owner of Kentucky Veterinary Surgery.
Where is surgery done?
At participating veterinary clinics in Louisville, Lexington, surrounding Kentucky communities, and Southern Indiana.
Can KVS see my pet for an emergency foreign body?
KVS does not provide emergency care. If your pet may have swallowed something or is vomiting repeatedly, contact your primary veterinarian or the nearest emergency hospital right away.
Should my dog have a preventive gastropexy?
Gastropexy is often recommended for large, deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes and Weimaraners, and it can be done at the time of spay or neuter. Ask your veterinarian whether your dog is a good candidate.
How do I get started?
Begin with your primary veterinarian, who can examine your pet, take imaging, and submit a referral to KVS.
Sources
References
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/gastric-dilatation-volvulus/
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Splenic Masses. https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/splenic-masses/
Next step
Start with the veterinary team who knows your pet.
Pet owners: ask your primary veterinarian to submit the referral.
Find a partner clinic