Surgical Services

Today, much like in human medicine, veterinarians offer advanced care. At Northeast Veterinary Referral Hospital our surgical center is a state-of-the-art facility. We specialize in treatment of a wide array of surgical conditions, including orthopedic, soft tissue, neurologic, oncologic (cancer), and thoracic conditions. In addition to our surgeons, our team of highly skilled licensed veterinary technicians and surgical assistants care for your pet as if it was their own. Surgical procedures are performed using the latest in pain management techniques and the safest anesthetic protocols. All patients are attentively supervised throughout their procedure. After surgery, your pet will recover under the supervision of a surgical team member. If an overnight stay is required, the compassionate team of emergency veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants will care for your pet twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week!

Our Staff
Surgical Chief of Staff Dr. Kirk Hassinger
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Dr. Kirk Hassinger graduated from The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. After two years in private practice he returned to The University to complete a year long internship in internal medicine/surgery and a three year residency in surgery. In 1996, he was awarded the Jacques Jenny Orthopaedic Resident Award. Dr. Hassinger has served the veterinary community of Northeast Pennsylvania for ten years, providing expert surgical services and lecturing to local veterinary associations.

Dr. Chas McBrien
Chas McBrien, DVM, is a veterinary surgeon whose professional interest includes arthroscopy and stifle surgery, surgical emergencies and surgical oncology. Dr. McBrien graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he was awarded Excellence in Small Animal Surgery and Excellence and Clinical Proficiency in Small Animal Internal Medicine by the faculty. He completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Michigan State University. He also earned a Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine degree and completed a small animal surgery residency at the University of Minnesota, where he was awarded Resident Excellence in Clinical Teaching by the senior class. He will test for board certification through American College of Veterinary Surgeons in February 2011.

Technical Support Staff

The surgical staff is both skilled and compassionate, a winning combination providing assurance for you and comfort for your pet. They have over fifteen years of experience in veterinary health care.

What to expect when you are referred by your primary care veterinarian for surgical service
Upon referral by your regular veterinarian, we will schedule your consultation with the surgeon. This appointment allows the surgeon to evaluate your pet and any diagnostic information provided by your regular veterinarian.

We are committed to providing a safe and pleasant environment for all our visitors. With this in mind, we ask that all patients entering our facility be restrained on a leash or in a carrier. If your pet is aggressive to people or other pets, please inform us prior to your arrival and we will do our best to minimize their anxiety.

Prior to your consultation appointment, your pet should fast from food for 12 hours. See the surgery admitting information under “Forms” for more information.

When you arrive for the consultation appointment, you will be greeted by the surgical client service staff. Please bring a copy of your pet’s blood work results (less than two months old) and any radiographs pertinent to your pet’s present condition. You will meet with the veterinary surgeon who will evaluate your pet and make appropriate recommendations. If surgery is necessary, a future appointment will be made and we will provide you with an estimate of charges. When you arrive on the day of surgery, a surgical assistant will meet with you and admit your pet to the hospital. Upon completion of the procedure, Dr. Hassinger or Dr. McBrien will call you. For many surgeries, your pet is able to return home that same evening. We will provide you with complete home care instructions at your pet’s discharge.

Payment
Payment is expected at the time of service. For your convenience we accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and CareCredit. We understand your financial concerns and provide an itemized estimate of your pet’s procedure at the time of your consultation so that you may plan for his or her procedure. A deposit is required at the time your pet is admitted to the hospital. The balance is due at the time of discharge. We are not able to offer payment plans.