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Precision care for what matters most – helping your pet live a longer and better life.
We understand that seeing your pet experience an emergency or condition that requires surgery can be stressful. Fortunately, our veterinary surgery team in Irvine is made up of experts in performing complex procedures using the latest state-of-the-art techniques and equipment, and we’re here to help.
We serve pets and their families in Santa Ana, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Orange, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo and the greater Orange County area.
Our commitment is not just to delivering highly advanced surgical care; it’s to enhance the well-being of your pet and be with you every step of the way.
More about our veterinary surgery services:
If your pet has a condition or injury that requires advanced care and procedures, you’ll have an entire surgery team helping to improve your pet’s quality of life so you can get back to what matters most – spending precious moments together.
Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and our team will spoil them with love and attention, too).
More about total hip replacement surgery for dogs at BluePearl:
Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to uncover the source of the problem.
Just as no two patients are the same, neither are their treatment plans. Our surgery team in Irvine has experience with a range of advanced procedures and minimally invasive options to get your pet on the path to wellness, including:
Experience makes all the difference.
Our surgery team is made up of veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants, and support staff with rigorous training and experience in specialty medicine. The team works hand in hand to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves. Because we’re a multidisciplinary hospital, the team can consult the expertise of other specialty departments, too.
Dr. Gayle Donner specializes in surgical oncology (the surgical treatment of cancers and tumors) and general soft tissue surgery. Her particular areas of interest include head and neck cancer surgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery. The first veterinary surgeon to specialize in surgical oncology in a private practice referral setting, she pioneered the surgical technique that combines the removal of tumors with the implantation of chemotherapy beads in dogs and cats eliminating the need for postoperative radiation in many cases.
Dr. Donner’s caseload also includes cancers of the limbs and trunk, chest, abdomen, and urogenital system, as well as other soft tissue disorders and injuries. She performs all of her surgeries using magnification and microsurgical instrumentation, for the utmost in precision to achieve the best possible outcome.
If not with patients, pets or family, Dr. Donner can be found at the stable on her horse.
Skilled in all aspects of surgery, Dr. Adam Gassel’s clinical interests include:
He has a unique interest in regenerative medicine, including stem cell and platelet-rich plasma therapy.
Some of Dr. Gassel’s favorite pastimes include surfing, snowboarding and CrossFit training. He and his wife have a son and two daughters, and the family rescue pet, Hank.
Dr. Kelly Schrock is a skilled surgeon whose clinical interests include a wide range of general and soft tissue surgical procedures, emergency surgery and complex wound management.
Dr. Schrock enjoys gardening, horseback riding, powerlifting and biking. She and her three-legged dog, Levi, also love hiking along the local canyon and beach trails.
Dr. Amy Zide is a very skilled surgeon in all respects. She has a true passion for her work and a special interest in soft tissue surgery, emphasizing surgical oncology. Her clinical interests include:
Dr. Zide is well-versed in integrating her knowledge of oncologic disease processes with surgical treatment for a global approach to the individual patient. She also enjoys orthopedic surgery, including:
Dr. Zide is an Orange County native. Outside of work, she enjoys taking barre classes, traveling and enjoying the outdoors. She has one cat named Lola, who has been with her since her internship.
Our veterinary surgeons perform various surgeries, including emergency surgeries, soft tissue surgeries (such as brachycephalic surgery, splenectomy, foreign body removal and tumor removal), orthopedic surgeries (bone, knee and hip procedures), neurosurgery (IVDD, spinal and nerve injuries), urological surgery (pyometra, bladder stone removal, urinary obstructions), oncological surgery (cancerous tumor removal, sarcoma treatments), and ophthalmic surgery (corneal lacerations, glaucoma, eyelid abnormalities .
Your veterinarian will recommend surgery based on a thorough examination, diagnostic tests (such as x-rays, CT, MRI or blood work), and discussions about your pet’s condition and prognosis. Call us today to schedule a consultation for your dog or cat.
A board-certified veterinary surgeon is a veterinarian who has completed advanced training in surgery and has passed rigorous certification exams by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Our surgery team is made up of board-certified veterinary surgeons, vet technicians and assistants, and support staff with advanced training.
Preparation may involve fasting your pet for several hours before surgery, ensuring they are up-to-date on vaccinations, and following any specific instructions from your veterinarian for our surgery team.
Yes, pets undergoing surgery are given anesthesia to ensure they do not feel pain and remain still during the procedure. The type of anesthesia used depends on the type and length of the surgery.
Anesthesia is generally safe, and veterinarians take precautions by performing pre-anesthetic blood tests and monitoring vital signs throughout the procedure to minimize risks.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery, your pet’s age, and their overall health. Some procedures may require a few days of rest, while others may need weeks for full recovery. Our surgery team will have specific discharge instructions for your pet.
Follow our veterinary surgery team’s post-operative care instructions, including administering prescribed medications, limiting physical activity, keeping the surgical site clean, and scheduling follow-up visits.
Watch for excessive swelling, redness, discharge, persistent pain, lack of appetite, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately.
Costs vary based on the type of surgery, your pet’s health condition, diagnosis and treatment plan. Call us today to schedule a consultation and we will review treatment plans and costs with you.
Many pet insurance plans cover surgical procedures, but coverage depends on your policy. Check with your insurance provider for details about covered conditions and reimbursement options. We also accept CareCredit at our Irvine hospital.
We want you to be prepared for your pet’s visit to the surgeon, so you have one less thing to worry about. Our entire BluePearl team will be with you every step of the way.
Take the first step to getting your pet back to their best self – call us to speak with our Irvine surgery team for pets and make an appointment.
Prioritize your companion’s health with the experts in specialty medicine.