BluePearl Pet Hospital
Irvine, CA
Surgery

24/7 Emergency and Specialty

Pet surgery by BluePearl.

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 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.

A vet specialist holds a small grey puppy wearing a cone on an exam table.

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)

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.

Gayle Donner

DVM, DACVS
Board Certified in Veterinary Surgery

Surgery
Servicing locations

On the job

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.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  • Residency, Small Animal Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville
  • Internship, Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
Off duty

If not with patients, pets or family, Dr. Donner can be found at the stable on her horse.

Christopher Eich

DVM, DACVS
Board Certified in Veterinary Surgery

Surgery
Servicing locations

On the job

Skilled in all aspects of surgery, Dr. Christopher Eich particularly enjoys orthopedic and wound construction cases.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  • Residency, Small Animal Surgery, Animal Medical Center, New York City
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Animal Medical Center, New York City
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
  • Bachelor of Science, Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville
Off duty

Dr. Eich and his wife, a veterinary ophthalmologist, have two active boys. His hobbies include gardening, especially orchids and bonsai.

Adam Gassel

DVM, DACVS
Board Certified in Veterinary Surgery

Surgery
Servicing locations

On the job

Skilled in all aspects of surgery, Dr. Adam Gassel’s clinical interests include TPLO (knee-stabilizing surgery), portosystemic shunts, surgical oncology and minimally invasive procedures, especially arthroscopy and laparoscopy. He has a unique interest in regenerative medicine, including stem cell and platelet-rich plasma therapy.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
  • Residency, Small Animal Surgery, Univeristy of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • Internship, Small Animal Surgery, Animal Specialty Group, Inc., Los Angeles CA
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Animal Specialty Group, Inc., Los Angeles CA
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette IN
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine
Off duty

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.

Amy Zide

DVM, MS, DACVS-SA
Board Certified in Veterinary Surgery-Small Animal

Surgery
Servicing locations

On the job

Dr. Amy Zide is an experienced surgeon with a particular interest in head and neck surgery and arthroscopic treatment of orthopedic disease.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons-Small Animal
  • Residency, Small Animal Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Minnesota, St. Paul
  • Master of Comparative Veterinary Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Southern Methodist University, Dallas TX
Off duty

When not at work, Dr. Zide enjoys spending time outside in the sun, especially horseback riding and traveling. She has one cat named Lola.

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 get 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.