Veterinary Specialties

Veterinary Specialties Referral Center is proud to partner with Shaker Veterinary Hospital, P.C. in order to provide advanced surgical care for your pet. Shaker Veterinary Hospital, P.C. is conveniently located in Latham, NY. Appointments can be scheduled in Latham by calling 518-269-3035 or in Pattersonville by calling 518-887-2260. For more information, please Click Here

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The HARMONIC SCALPEL®

Veterinary Specialties Referral Center is now utilizing the The HARMONIC SCALPEL®.

The HARMONIC SCALPEL® is the leading ultrasonic cutting and coagulating surgical device. It is a comprehensive system that has been used by thousands of surgeons worldwide in both endoscopic and open surgical procedures. The HARMONIC SCALPEL® uses ultrasonic energy for both precise cutting and controlled coagulation.

Please click on the following link for additional information on the benefits of this new technology:

HARMONIC SCALPEL®

TTA Procedure

With over 35 years of combined clinical surgical experience, our Doctors are the only board certified veterinary surgeons in the Capital District to offer this procedure. Please call our office at (518) 887-2260 to schedule a consultation appointment with our surgeons.

Overview of the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) procedure:

It has been widely accepted that a major factor causing the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) to rupture is an abnormal force (shear force) which is a component of the total joint force generated through the stifle (knee) joint when the dog stands and walks. This abnormal force is due in large part to slope at the back of the tibial plateau.

The first method to dynamically eliminate the shear force was the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) designed by Dr. Barkley Slocum. This is accomplished by cutting the upper portion of the tibia and rotating the plateau until the slope is level to the ground surface. TPLO surgery has resulted in great success for stabilization of the stifle joint and restoration of limb function.