Surgery

Gray Dog Wearing a Cone with Veterinarian

Surgery Appointments at Boston West Veterinary Emergency & Specialty.

When surgery is the right choice, you won’t face it alone. Our service is led by board-certified ACVS specialists with decades of experience, supported by a highly skilled surgical nursing team dedicated to patient safety and comfort.

We pair advanced surgical care with clear communication and genuine compassion, guiding families and referring veterinarians with trust at every step.

At Boston West, surgery is more than a procedure. It's expert care delivered with local heart.

Surgery Department

While not every medical condition requires surgery, there are times when it is the best path forward. We understand that surgery can feel intimidating. Our experienced surgical team is here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and steady support, caring for your pet as if they were our own.

Our surgical service is led by Dr. Sean Aiken & Dr. Alane Kosanovich Cahalane, who bring decades of experience in advanced veterinary surgery. Their training and clinical judgment guide every case, allowing us to deliver precise, thoughtful care tailored to each individual patient. Every surgical plan is built on careful assessment, evidence-based decision-making, and a commitment to achieving the safest and best possible outcome.

From admission through recovery, patients are supported by a highly experienced surgical nursing team whose consistency and skill ensure seamless monitoring at every stage. We approach each procedure with meticulous preparation, advanced anesthetic oversight, and an unwavering focus on patient safety and comfort.

We work in close collaboration with pet families and referring veterinarians, prioritizing communication, transparency, and shared decision-making. Surgery requires trust, and we take that responsibility seriously. Families are supported with clear expectations, honest guidance, and access to our team throughout the process.

At Boston West, surgery is not simply about performing procedures. It is about delivering advanced care with compassion, accountability, and deep respect for the bond between people and their pets.

Surgery Services at Boston West Veterinary Emergency & Specialty:

Emergency Surgery

The experienced emergency veterinarians at Boston West Veterinary Emergency & Specialty are supported by our board-certified surgeons and will perform emergency surgeries seen through our emergency service. These surgeries may address:

Gastric dilatation–volvulus (GDV; “bloat”)
Gastrointestinal foreign body ingestion requiring surgical removal
Exploratory abdominal surgery for acute abdomen or undifferentiated intra-abdominal disease
Internal hemorrhage (e.g., splenic mass rupture, hemoabdomen)
Cesarean section (dystocia)
Pyometra (uterine infection)
Traumatic injuries: lacerations and penetrating wounds (e.g., dog bites, impalement)[AC1]
Emergency surgeries of the urinary tract

Whatever your pet's surgical needs are, our hospital is fully equipped with state-of-the-art surgical suites and skilled surgeons on staff to assist you. Learn more about the best veterinary surgical team in Natick, MA below.

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery corrects disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including:

Limb and Joint Procedures

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)
Medial and Lateral Patellar Luxation (MPL, LPL)
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
Fracture Repair and Trauma Surgery
Angular Limb Correction
Arthrodesis
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment of orthopedic and soft tissue conditions

Maxillofacial Procedures

Maxillectomy/Mandibulectomy

Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Total hip replacement surgery has been utilized in dogs over the past 30 years, and through the advancements in materials and medical science, it is the preferred option for pets that have debilitating disease in their hips.

Boston West Veterinary Emergency & Specialty’s board-certified surgeons, Dr. Aiken and Dr. Alane, can offer treatment options for hip diseases that cause progressive, long-term debilitation in dogs.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Soft tissue surgery involves the treatment of conditions affecting the internal organs, skin, and other non-orthopedic tissues, including:

Advanced Wound Care & Soft Tissue Surgery

Advanced wound management
Skin flaps and skin grafts
Amputation when medically necessary
Mass and tumor removals

Advanced Internal (Abdominal and Thoracic) Surgery

Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
Liver and biliary surgery
Lung lobectomy and other thoracic surgery
Stomach and intestinal surgery (including foreign body removal and tumor surgery)
Urinary and reproductive tract procedures

Reconstructive & Cancer-Related Surgery

Reconstructive procedures after trauma or tumor removal
Hernia repair
Jaw surgery (maxillectomy/mandibulectomy)

Ear and Airway Procedures

Brachycephalic airway surgery (breathing correction in short-nosed breeds) including nostril (nares) surgery to improve breathing
Laryngeal tieback surgery
Total ear canal ablation (TECA) for severe chronic ear disease

To schedule an elective procedure with one of our board-certified surgeons, we typically begin with a referral from your primary care veterinarian. From there, we’ll arrange a consultation to meet you and your pet, review their condition, and ensure they are a safe candidate for anesthesia.

Our team will take time to walk you through the recommended surgical options, answer your questions, and outline what to expect before, during, and after surgery so you feel informed and supported every step of the way.