Advanced Surgery

Provides Advanced Surgeries for Pets in Dallas, PA

Dr. Anjilla Cooley has been coming to the Back Mountain Veterinary Hospital for the last 10 years to perform orthopedic surgery, such as ACL repair and compound fracture plating, as well as advanced soft tissue surgery and special procedures like Myelograms. Dr.Cooley is available at Back Mountain Veterinary Hospital in Dallas, PA on a weekly basis to address your surgical needs. Dr. Cooley’s educational background consists of receiving a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Tennessee in 1992. In 1993, a certificate of completion for Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship was obtained from the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. She completed her Small Animal Surgical Residency and obtained a Master’s Degree in Veterinary Science from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, VA during the years of 1993 thru 1996. She also taught as a lecturer at The Cornell University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Ithaca, NY from 1996 thru 1999. Consequently, she created and implemented a didactic course at Cornell University, which became part of required curriculum. Her employment tenure includes Round Valley Referral Hospital in Lebanon, NJ from 1999 thru 2001, Valley Central Referral Hospital in Whitehall, PA from 2001 thru 2005, and Crown Veterinary Specialists, in Lebanon NJ from 2005 thru 2011 where she was employed as a staff surgeon. In conjunction, she has traveled throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey performing numerous advanced orthopedic, neurological and soft tissue surgeries at various hospitals and clinics since 1999.

Dr. Kelly Brooks, Veterinarian at Back Mountain Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Anjilla Cooley

Dr. A. J. Cooley, DVM, MS, is a veterinarian with over three decades of experience in small animal surgery. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary …

Meet Dr. Anjilla »

Appointments are made through Back Mountain Veterinary Hospital by calling 570-675-3406.

The soft tissue and orthopedic cases will be evaluated by Dr. Cooley at the determined appointment time. Once the consultation is performed, if surgery is indicated, the procedure can take place the same day in most cases. Blood work within 1-2 months is required prior to surgery, in addition to well-positioned radiographs of the affected area. If blood work or radiographs have not been performed prior to the scheduled appointment, they can be performed during the day of the consultation. Once the patient is awake from anesthesia, Dr. Cooley will notify the owners of their pet’s condition and discuss any questions the owners may have moving forward.. A trained technician monitors the patient overnight and provides antibiotics and pain relievers by IV to keep the patient comfortable, Rounds of ice therapy will also be done throughout the night to alleviate any post-op inflammation and/or swelling at the surgical site. All patients are discharged the next day with pain medication and antibiotics as well as detailed discharge instructions and thorough physical therapy plans. Any pending laboratory or biopsy results are given to the referring veterinarian once they are available so that the veterinarian for that patient can discuss or coordinate adjunct therapy, if that is required. A synopsis of physical findings, surgical description, discharge instructions and suggestion of further treatment options are also forwarded to the pet’s primary veterinarian. In keeping with the integrity, philosophy, and standards of the Back Mountain Veterinary Hospital practice, all non-clients are required to return to their regular veterinarian once the surgical treatment has come to an end.

Procedures Available Through Back Mountain Veterinary Hospital:

Orthopedic Procedures

Angular Limb Correction

Angular limb deformities occur when bones grow abnormally, causing the leg to bow inward or outward. This condition is often seen in young, growing dogs and can result from premature closure of growth plates, injury, or genetic factors. Angular limb correction surgery involves cutting the bone and realigning it to its proper position, often using plates, screws, or external fixators to hold everything in place while healing occurs. This procedure helps restore normal limb function and prevents arthritis and pain later in life.

Arthrodesis

Arthrodesis is a joint fusion procedure used when a joint is severely damaged by arthritis, fracture, infection, or ligament injury and cannot be repaired. The surgery permanently fuses the bones of the joint together, eliminating painful movement while maintaining limb function. Common sites for arthrodesis include the carpus (wrist), tarsus (ankle), and stifle (knee). While the joint will no longer bend, pets typically regain good use of the limb and experience significant pain relief.

Bone Biopsy

A bone biopsy involves removing a small sample of bone tissue for microscopic examination and analysis. This diagnostic procedure helps identify bone cancer, infection, metabolic bone disease, or other conditions affecting bone health. The biopsy can be performed using a needle or through a small surgical incision, depending on the location and size of the sample needed. Results from the biopsy guide treatment decisions and provide important prognostic information.

Cast Application

Casts are used to immobilize and protect bones and soft tissues during the healing process. They are commonly applied for certain types of fractures, ligament injuries, and after some surgical procedures. Our veterinary team carefully molds the cast to your pet’s limb, ensuring proper support while allowing for necessary swelling. Cast care requires regular monitoring and periodic changes to ensure proper healing and prevent complications such as pressure sores or improper bone alignment.

Corkscrew Tail Amputation

Some brachycephalic breeds, particularly English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, can develop corkscrew tails that become infected, painful, or cause skin fold dermatitis. When conservative management fails, surgical removal of the tail may be necessary. This procedure eliminates the source of infection and discomfort, removes problematic skin folds, and prevents future complications. Recovery is typically straightforward, and most pets experience immediate relief from chronic irritation.

MPL Repair / Patellar Luxation

Medial patellar luxation (MPL) occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal groove, causing lameness, pain, and eventual arthritis. This condition is common in small-breed dogs but can affect any size pet. Surgical correction involves deepening the groove where the kneecap sits, tightening or releasing soft tissues around the joint, and sometimes repositioning the attachment point of the patellar ligament. The goal is to keep the kneecap tracking properly, restoring normal function and preventing progressive joint damage.

Fracture Repair

Broken bones require stabilization to heal properly and restore function. Our veterinary surgeons use various techniques depending on the type and location of the fracture, including plates and screws, pins, external fixators, or a combination of methods. The chosen approach depends on factors such as the patient’s age, activity level, bone quality, and fracture pattern. Proper fracture repair promotes faster healing, reduces pain, and helps prevent complications such as malunion or infection.

Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)

Femoral head ostectomy is a salvage procedure that removes the ball portion of the hip joint when it has been damaged by fracture, severe arthritis, hip dysplasia, or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. After removing the femoral head, scar tissue forms to create a “false joint” that allows for pain-free movement. While the hip will never function like a normal joint, most pets, especially those under 50 pounds, regain excellent mobility and comfort. This procedure offers an effective and more affordable alternative to total hip replacement.

Head and Neck Procedures

Orthopedic conditions affecting the head and neck region include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, skull fractures, and cervical vertebral instability. Surgical intervention may be necessary to repair fractures of the jaw or skull, address TMJ luxation, or stabilize unstable vertebrae in the neck. These delicate procedures require precision and specialized knowledge of the complex anatomy in this region. Treatment goals include restoring function, protecting the spinal cord and brain, and relieving pain.

Hemilaminectomy / Dorsal Laminectomy

These spinal surgeries are performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord caused by intervertebral disc disease, tumors, or fractures. A hemilaminectomy removes a portion of the vertebra from one side to access and remove disc material compressing the spinal cord. A dorsal laminectomy removes bone from the top of the vertebra, providing access from above. Both procedures aim to decompress the spinal cord, prevent further neurological damage, and give your pet the best chance at recovery. Early intervention is critical for the best outcomes, especially in cases of acute disc herniation.

Expert Orthopedic Care for Your Pet

If your pet is experiencing mobility issues, lameness, or has been diagnosed with an orthopedic condition, our experienced surgical team is here to help. Contact Back Mountain Veterinary to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can improve your pet’s quality of life.

CBLO – Cruciate Ligament Surgery

Cranial Closing Wedge Osteotomy (CBLO) is an advanced surgical procedure designed to stabilize knees affected by cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries. This surgery helps restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve long-term joint health in dogs suffering from ligament tears or instability. Our veterinary surgeons use state-of-the-art techniques to ensure precise alignment and optimal recovery, giving your pet the best chance at returning to an active, comfortable lifestyle.

Soft Tissue Procedures

Abdominal Exploratory Surgery

An abdominal exploratory is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure where we surgically open the abdomen to examine internal organs. This procedure is performed when imaging studies are inconclusive or when we need to directly assess organs for disease, trauma, or abnormalities. During the exploratory, we can identify problems such as tumors, foreign objects, internal bleeding, or organ damage, and often address these issues during the same surgery.

Biopsies

Surgical biopsies involve removing a small tissue sample from an organ, mass, or abnormal area for microscopic examination by a pathologist. This procedure is essential for diagnosing various conditions, including cancer, inflammatory diseases, and infections. Biopsies help us determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your pet and provide valuable prognostic information. We perform biopsies on skin masses, internal organs, and other tissues as needed.

Cherry Eye Correction

Cherry eye occurs when the gland of the third eyelid prolapses and becomes visible as a red, swollen mass in the corner of your pet’s eye. This condition is common in certain breeds and can cause irritation and decreased tear production. Our surgical correction involves repositioning and anchoring the gland back into its normal location rather than removing it, which preserves your pet’s natural tear production and eye health.

Cholecystoenterostomy

This specialized procedure creates a surgical connection between the gallbladder and the small intestine, bypassing an obstruction in the bile duct. It’s performed when bile flow is blocked due to tumors, stones, or severe inflammation. This surgery allows bile to drain properly into the digestive system, relieving symptoms such as jaundice, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and preventing potentially life-threatening complications.

Cystotomy

A cystotomy is a surgical procedure to open the urinary bladder, most commonly performed to remove bladder stones that cannot pass naturally or be dissolved with medication. During this surgery, we also examine the bladder lining for tumors, polyps, or other abnormalities. Cystotomy can provide immediate relief from urinary obstruction and discomfort, and the stones removed are typically analyzed to help prevent recurrence.

Enucleation

Enucleation is the surgical removal of the eye, a procedure performed when an eye is severely diseased, painful, or has been traumatically injured beyond repair. Common reasons include glaucoma unresponsive to treatment, severe trauma, intraocular tumors, or chronic painful conditions. While this may seem drastic, it often provides significant pain relief and improves your pet’s quality of life. Most pets adapt remarkably well to having one eye or being completely blind.

GDV with Gastropexy (Pexy)

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat, is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Emergency surgery is required to untwist the stomach, assess tissue viability, and perform a gastropexy, which permanently attaches the stomach to the body wall to prevent future episodes. This procedure can also be performed preventatively in high-risk breeds such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles.

Intestinal Resection and Anastomosis

This procedure involves removing a diseased or damaged section of intestine and reconnecting the healthy ends. It’s necessary when intestinal tissue has been compromised by foreign objects, tumors, severe inflammation, or loss of blood supply. The surgery requires precise technique to ensure proper healing and return of normal digestive function. Post-operative care and monitoring are critical for successful recovery.

Laryngeal Tie Back (Laryngeal Paralysis Surgery)

Laryngeal paralysis occurs when the cartilages of the larynx fail to open properly during breathing, causing respiratory distress. This condition is most common in older, large-breed dogs. The tie-back procedure permanently holds one side of the larynx open, significantly improving airflow and exercise tolerance. While this surgery greatly enhances quality of life, owners must be aware that it increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia, requiring some lifestyle adjustments.

Mass Removal (Cutaneous)

Removal of skin masses is one of the most common surgical procedures we perform. Whether benign or malignant, skin masses should be evaluated and often removed for your pet’s comfort and health. We excise the mass with appropriate margins and submit it for histopathology to determine the type of tumor and whether additional treatment is needed. Early removal of suspicious masses often leads to the best outcomes.

Nephrectomy/Nephrotomy

Nephrectomy is the removal of a kidney, typically performed when a kidney is severely diseased, cancerous, or has been damaged by trauma or chronic infection. Nephrotomy involves surgically opening the kidney, usually to remove large stones or investigate masses. These procedures are only performed when the remaining kidney function is adequate to support your pet’s health, as determined through pre-operative testing.

Perineal Hernia Repair (Unilateral or Bilatera)

Perineal hernias occur when the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm weaken, allowing abdominal or pelvic contents to protrude beside the rectum. This condition is most common in intact male dogs and can cause difficulty defecating, urinating, or result in bladder entrapment. Surgical repair involves reconstructing the pelvic diaphragm using nearby muscles or synthetic materials. Concurrent neutering is typically recommended to reduce recurrence risk.

Salivary Mucocele Treatment

A salivary mucocele develops when a salivary gland or duct is damaged, causing saliva to accumulate in the surrounding tissues. This creates a fluid-filled swelling, most commonly under the jaw or tongue. Treatment involves surgical removal of the affected salivary gland and drainage of the accumulated fluid. This resolves the swelling and prevents recurrence, restoring your pet’s comfort and normal eating function.

Subtotal Colectomy

Subtotal colectomy involves removing most of the colon, leaving only a small segment to connect the small intestine to the rectum. This procedure is performed in cases of severe chronic constipation (megacolon) that don’t respond to medical management, or when the colon is severely damaged or diseased. While recovery requires adjustment, most pets go on to have normal bowel function with more frequent, softer stools.

Urethrostomy

Urethrostomy creates a new, permanent opening in the urethra to allow urine to exit the body, bypassing an area of chronic obstruction or stricture. In male cats, perineal urethrostomy is commonly performed for recurrent urethral blockages. In dogs, this may be performed at various locations depending on where the obstruction occurs. This surgery can be life-saving for pets with recurrent urinary blockages and provides lasting relief.

Ventral Bulla Osteotomy

This procedure involves surgically opening the tympanic bulla (middle ear chamber) from beneath the skull to treat severe middle or inner ear infections, polyps, or tumors that haven’t responded to medical therapy. The surgery allows thorough cleaning and removal of diseased tissue, culture collection, and drainage. Ventral bulla osteotomy can resolve chronic head tilting, facial nerve paralysis, and balance problems associated with deep ear infections.

TECA/LBO – Total Ear Canal Ablation and Lateral Bulla Osteotomy (Unilateral or Bilateral)

This procedure is the most definitive treatment for end-stage ear disease, chronic infection, or ear canal tumors. TECA involves complete removal of the ear canal, while LBO opens and removes diseased tissue from the middle ear (bulla). Though it results in hearing loss in the affected ear, this surgery eliminates chronic pain and infection that haven’t responded to other treatments, dramatically improving quality of life.

Brachycephalic Syndrome (Upper Airway Surgery)

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) affects short-nosed breeds, often causing breathing difficulties, snoring, and exercise intolerance. Soft tissue surgery for brachycephalic syndrome addresses issues such as elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, and everted laryngeal saccules. These procedures improve airflow, reduce respiratory distress, and enhance your pet’s quality of life. Our team customizes each approach to your dog’s specific anatomy, ensuring safe and effective results.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture

The cruciate ligament is a major part of the canine knee. Cruciate injury is one of the most common orthopedic complications seen in dogs. Sometimes called ACL or CCL tear, a ruptured cruciate is often a painful and immobilizing injury. While not a serious or life-threatening injury, it is still one that must be addressed for the sake of your dog’s mobility. It is important to understand the signs and treatments of this injury, as well as know how to prevent it.

Treatment Options

Conservative Management of Cruciate Ligament Rupture: While most dogs with cruciate injuries require surgery, a small number will improve with conservative therapy. This mostly involves several weeks of cage rest, with very brief, calm leash walks for bathroom breaks only. Some vets will place knee braces or only prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, but these methods are most often ineffective. A small percentage of dogs will eventually recover with cage rest, but typically these are dogs that weigh less than 25 or 30 pounds. Even the dogs that do recover can re-injure the knee in the future, or even tear the cruciate ligament on the other knee.

Surgical Repair of Cruciate Ligament Rupture: The initial part of the surgery is joint “housekeeping”. The remnants of the torn ligament are removed and the joint is inspected for other damage. If damage to the meniscus is found, the torn portion is removed.

Lateral Suture Stabilization/Extracapsular Repair: The preferred method of cruciate ligament repair is surgical. In general, prognosis is good. However, there are different surgical approaches, each with its pros and cons. The traditional surgical procedure is often called the “extracapsular repair.” In this method, the damaged ligament is removed and a very strong suture essentially replaces the function of the cruciate ligament. The tissue of the knee heals over several months and the suture eventually breaks, leaving the healed tissue to stabilize the knee. This is a relatively quick and uncomplicated procedure that can be successful in many dogs, especially medium and small dogs. It is less expensive than other methods, and has been used successfully in veterinary surgery for over 40 years in all sizes of dogs and cats, but long-term success is not excellent in large or giant breed dogs.

TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) Procedure: The TTA allows the knee to function without a cruciate ligament. The details of this method involve cutting of the tibia and placement of hardware. In the TTA the osteotomy is made into the tibial tuberosity (not a weight bearing part of the knee joint). Most TTA dogs are able to begin weight bearing within the first 24 to 48 hours postop. Some surgeons describe the TTA as a less invasive procedure than other tibia reconstruction procedures.Regardless of the surgery type, a postoperative resting period of eight weeks or more is crucial to the healing process. In addition, physical therapy is recommended and can be extremely successful for long term recovery.

Aftercare

Some surgeons bandage the affected leg for 24-48 hours, regardless of the method of repair. Activity is restricted to leash walking for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. Supervised rehabilitation of the knee should start within 48 hours and should include a regime of passive range of motion, balance exercises, and walks on leash. Prescribed medications should be given as directed to control pain and reduce swelling in the stifle joint. The incision needs to be checked for signs of infection daily which include swelling, pain, discharge and redness. A cold compress should be applied to the stifle three times daily, ideally 20 minutes per session for the first 2 days to help reduce the swelling. Metamucil or a stool softener of choice should be added to your pet’s food to ease your pet’s ability to pass stool. Starting on the third day after surgery, a warm compress is applied to the stifle in order to soften the connective tissues. This should be done 10 minutes per session prior to passive range of motion exercises of the joint. Passive range of motion of the joint involves flexing and extending the stifle joint, and should be done 10 minutes. This therapy should be done until your pet is using the limb well. Exercise should be limited to short leash walks for two months. During the third and fourth months after surgery, exercise should be gradually be increased to normal. Running, jumping, and rough play are not allowed during the first four months after surgery. Swimming is also an excellent non-weight bearing activity, once the incision is healed. All therapies should first be cleared through your veterinary surgeon, prior to their implementation. Long term prognosis for animals with repaired CCL is good, with clinical reports of improvement in 85-90% of the cases. Unfortunately, degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis progresses regardless of treatment. It is expected that 50% of all dogs operated will have some degree of lameness that may be associated with weather changes or heavy activity. Long term outcome includes a decrease in activity over time, an increasing level of disability, an adverse response to cold weather, and stiffness after inactivity related to progressive degenerative joint. Weight loss, joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluranic acid, and/or MSM) and an exercise regime of daily moderate activity can help to alleviate these clinical signs.

How will I take care of my pet following surgery?

Care of the incision: You should monitor your pet’s incision at least once daily for evidence of infection. Infection generally appears as a painful red swelling associated with the incision. Other incisional problems include separation of the incision line. This ...

Postoperative Care

After surgery is completed, the affected leg(s) may be bandaged for three to seven days. Passive physical therapy is begun immediately after bandage removal to work out the stiffness and reestablish a normal range of motion in the joint. During ...

Exam, Screening Tests, and Imaging

The diagnosis of patellar luxation is essentially based on palpation of an unstable kneecap on orthopedic examination. Additional tests are usually required to diagnose conditions often associated with patellar luxation and help the surgeon recommend the most appropriate treatment for ...

What Options are Available for Treating Patellar Luxation?

Patellar luxations that do not cause any clinical sign should be monitored but do not typically warrant surgical correction, especially in small dogs. Surgery is considered in grades 2 and over. Surgical treatment of patellar luxation is more difficult in ...

Incidence of Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is one of the most common congenital anomalies in dogs, diagnosed in 7% of puppies. The condition affects primarily small dogs, especially breeds such as Boston Terrier, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Miniature Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier. The incidence in large ...

Patellar Luxations

The patella, or kneecap, is a small bone buried in the tendon of the extensor muscles (the quadriceps muscles) of the thigh. The patella normally rides in a femoral groove within the stifle. The patellar tendon attaches on the tibial ...

Complications of Cruciate Surgery

Success Rate Currently the success rate of either surgery is between 85-90%. This means your pet should get back to normal or near normal activity over a 2-4 month period. There are a small percentage of dogs and cats that ...

Patellar luxation involves displacement of the knee-cap from its normal position towards the inside of the knee with medial luxation and toward the outside with lateral luxation.
Small dogs are affected approximately 10 times more often than large breed dogs and females are affected 1.5 times more frequently than males. Patellar luxations are divided into medial (inside) and lateral (outside) categories with four degrees of severity. Grade one luxations are the least severe and grade four luxations are the most severe.
Dogs with patellar luxation most often have an intermittent non-weight bearing lameness that does not generally appear painful. A definitive diagnosis is made upon physical examination, most often with the aid of radiographs of the entire limb.

Surgery is recommended for animals with grade 2, 3 or 4 luxation and a history of lameness. Surgery generally involves deepening the distal femoral groove, movement of the tibial tuberosity and manipulation of the tissues that surround the knee cap.
The prognosis for a complete resolution of lameness following surgery with grade 1, 2 or 3 luxation is excellent. The prognosis for return to normal or near normal function with grade 4 is less predictable.
Activity restriction following surgery is required for 8 weeks to promote the best chance of a return to normal function and avoid potential surgical complications.