Veterinary Surgery by BluePearl Grand Rapids MI

BluePearl Pet Hospital
Grand Rapids, MI
Surgery

24/7 Emergency and Specialty
616.284.5300
2500 East Paris Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546
[email protected]
Emergency:
24/7
Specialty:
Mon-Fri 8 am-6 pm
Request Appointment

Pet surgery by BluePearl.

Surgical suite

Conditions treated

Learn which conditions our specialty team can help diagnose and treat, so your pet gets the right care for their needs.

A BluePearl vet smiles and looks at a cat he is cradling in him arms during an exam.

Success stories

Discover how other pets have overcome their diagnoses with specialized care, giving you hope for your pet’s recovery.

A BluePearl client smiles while holding her dog at the front desk of the animal hospital.

Request appointment

Take the next step toward answers and treatment by scheduling a specialty consultation for your pet.

Advanced veterinary expertise and precision care you can trust.

We understand that seeing your pet experience an emergency or condition that requires surgery can be stressful. Fortunately, our veterinary surgery team 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. 

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.

Play Youtube Video

Conditions we treat.

A BluePearl anesthesiology and pain management vet prepares to fix an anesthetic facemask on a yellow lab while a vet tech helps hold the dog on the exam table.

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.

  • Cancer
  • Chronic diseases like ear or respiratory tract infections
  • Congenital conditions like dysplasia or heart defects
  • Emergencies like swallowing a foreign body
  • Hernias
  • Trauma or injuries, including fractures, ligament and tendon injuries

Services we offer.

Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and they’ll be spoiled with love and attention, too).

Advanced diagnostics

Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to uncover the source of the problem.

  • Biopsy
  • Radiography (x-rays)
  • Ultrasound

Treatment plans

Just as no two patients are the same, neither are their treatment plans. Our surgery team has experience with a range of advanced procedures and minimally invasive options to get your pet on the path to wellness, including:

  • Orthopedic surgery (for the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons)
  • Soft tissue surgery (for non-bone tissues and internal organs)
A BluePearl veterinary surgeon performs a procedure while wearing a magnifying device.
A BluePearl veterinary surgeon and a surgery technician performs a procedure in a dark operation room.
Bri Miniter, MVB, DACVS-SA, performs surgery alongside Yeniree Denis and Alirirs Loperena
Bri Miniter, MVB, DACVS-SA, performs surgery alongside Yeniree Denis and Alirirs Loperena
A BluePearlveterinary surgeon scrubs her arms before performing a procedure.
Two BluePearl veterinary surgeons and a surgery vet tech perform a procedure in an operation room.
A BluePearl veterinary surgeon prepares sutures in an operation room.

Our board certified specialists and surgery team.

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.

Amanda Conkling

DVM, DACVS (SA)
Board Certified in Small Animal Veterinary Surgery
Surgery
Servicing locations
BluePearl Pet Hospital Grand Rapids, MI
On the job

Dr. Amanda Conkling is especially interested in soft tissue surgery, oncologic surgery and reconstructive procedures.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)
  • Residency, Surgery, Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital, Copley, OH
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital, Copley, OH
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames
  • Bachelor of Arts, Rutgers State University, East Brunswick, NJ
Off duty

Dr. Conkling enjoys staying active with her husband and five children, being a soccer mom and helping with the family’s race event company. The family has a Maltese mix named Peter Parker, two cats named Phineas and Ferb, and chickens.

Geoff Hennig

DVM, MS, DACVS (SA)
Board Certified in Small Animal Veterinary Surgery
Surgery
Servicing locations
BluePearl Pet Hospital Grand Rapids, MI
On the job

Before attending veterinary school, Dr. Geoff Hennig worked as a production artist specializing in biological and medical illustration, a path that ultimately inspired him to pursue veterinary medicine with a surgical focus. He later served on the surgical faculty at Louisiana State University as a visiting assistant professor. His research has centered on canine orthopedic diseases, including the effects of injectable local anesthetics on cartilage health.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)
  • Master of Science, Veterinary Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
  • Residency, Small Animal Surgery, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Georgia, Athens
  • Clinical Rotation, University of Georgia, Athens
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, St Kitts & Nevis, West Indies
Call us at 616.284.5300

What to expect.

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.

Before your visit

  • Make a consultation appointment by calling us directly or via referral from your pet’s primary vet. 
  • We’ll request records from your primary or emergency vet before your visit and collaborate with them to discuss your pet’s history and current condition.

During your visit

  • When possible, we’ll examine your pet with you by their side to make them more comfortable. If additional tests are needed, we’ll discuss those options with you.
  • You’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions as we go over your pet’s diagnosis and treatment plan options together.
  • If appropriate, we’ll schedule your pet’s procedure and make sure you’re aware of any symptoms you should watch out for at home. 

After your visit

  • Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as part of the ongoing management of your pet’s care.
  • You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in their treatment plan. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication, maintaining a specific diet or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.

Frequently asked questions.

At BluePearl, our board-certified surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, including soft tissue surgery (like mass removals and gastrointestinal surgery), orthopedic surgery (for fractures, joint repair and cruciate ligament injuries) and advanced or minimally invasive procedures. Each surgery is tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
Your pet may need surgery if they have an injury, tumor, congenital condition or another medical issue that cannot be fully treated with medication or other therapies. BluePearl specialists work closely with your primary veterinarian to evaluate your pet and recommend surgery only when necessary.
Before surgery, our team performs a thorough examination, reviews lab results and discusses anesthesia and pain management plans. During surgery, your pet is carefully monitored by trained anesthesiologists and veterinary technicians. After surgery, our team provides post-operative care, including monitoring, medications and detailed home care instructions for a smooth recovery.
We use advanced anesthesia protocols tailored to each pet, with continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels and breathing. Our anesthesiologists and surgical teams are trained to quickly address any complications, ensuring the highest level of safety during procedures.
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery and your pet’s overall health. Some pets recover within a few days, while others may need weeks to regain full strength. Your surgery team will provide a detailed recovery plan and schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing and adjust care as needed.
Pets may experience mild discomfort after surgery, but our surgery team uses comprehensive pain management strategies, including medications, to minimize discomfort. Our goal is to keep your pet as comfortable as possible throughout recovery.
Post-surgery care may include administering medications, limiting activity, monitoring incision sites and attending follow-up appointments. We'll make sure you have step-by-step instructions to help you support your pet’s healing and prevent complications.
While most surgeries are safe, risks can include infection, bleeding, anesthesia reactions or complications specific to the procedure. BluePearl surgeons review all potential risks with you before surgery and take every precaution to reduce them.
BluePearl uses multimodal pain management, including medications, local anesthetics and other therapies tailored to your pet and the type of surgery. Our goal is to ensure pets recover comfortably and maintain their quality of life.
Yes. BluePearl offers minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgeries, for many soft tissue and orthopedic conditions. These approaches often result in less pain, smaller incisions, and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgery techniques.
Soft tissue surgery focuses on organs, skin and other non-bony structures, such as tumor removal or gastrointestinal procedures. Orthopedic surgery addresses bones, joints, ligaments and tendons, such as fracture repair or cruciate ligament surgery. BluePearl surgeons specialize in both surgical areas.
Many pets are able to go home the same day, especially for routine or minimally invasive procedures. Some complex surgeries or pets requiring extended monitoring may stay at the hospital overnight to ensure their safety and comfort.
Monitor your pet for swelling, redness, bleeding, changes in appetite, vomiting or unusual behavior. If you notice any concerning signs, contact us immediately. Early detection helps prevent potential complications.
To schedule a surgical consultation, just give us a call. For your appointment, please bring your pet’s medical history, recent test results and any imaging or lab reports, if available. Our surgeons will review your pet’s condition and create a personalized surgical plan in collaboration with you and your pet's primary veterinarian.
Not all veterinary specialists perform surgery. BluePearl surgeons are board-certified or specially trained in surgical procedures. While some specialists may perform minor procedures, complex surgeries are best handled by our dedicated surgical team to ensure safety and optimal outcomes.
“The hard work and dedication of both teams was inspiring,” said Sierra, reflecting on Everest’s care at both hospitals. “No one gave up on him and because of that he thrived and was able to come to his forever home.” Read Everest's story.
Sierra
Sierra
“I cried so many happy tears and I am forever grateful to this team. Dr. Duffy walked us through what we needed to do moving forward, and I put full trust in her recommendations. She always made us feel so welcome, remembered Malakai, and was excited to see his progress. I will never forget the people who helped me, my dog and our family on our scariest days.”
Read Malakai's story.
Holly
Holly
“Eight weeks later and he got the all-clear from the surgeon to resume normal activity over the next two weeks! It's been a long (and emotional) road, but I'm so happy my guy will live many more years free of pain! He's got bionic legs now. BluePearl is the best of the best. I highly recommend Dr. Salas and their entire team to everyone.”
Read Cooper's story.
Kim
Kim

Make an appointment.

A veterinary technician holding a dog and smiling

Take the first step to getting your pet back to their best self – call us to speak with the surgery team and make an appointment.

Prioritize your pet’s health with the experts in specialty medicine.

Call us at 616.284.5300
Request Appointment