2601-A Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22201
Advanced Surgical Care. Compassionate Support. Every Step of the Way.
At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, we understand that the decision to pursue surgery for your pet can feel overwhelming. Our advanced surgical services provide access to a wide range of complex surgical procedures, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities, individualized treatment plans, and a team committed to your pet's comfort and well-being.
Led by Dr. Hawthorne, our surgical services include advanced soft tissue surgery, orthopedic procedures, oncologic surgery, and other specialized treatments.
We believe exceptional surgical care goes beyond the procedure itself. From the initial consultation through postoperative recovery, our team works closely with you to ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident in your pet's care.
Starting
1/4/2027
A Partner in Your Pet's Surgical Journey
Dr. Hawthorne believes that exceptional surgical care extends beyond the operating room. Her approach focuses on providing high-quality surgical treatment while ensuring pet owners feel supported before, during, and after their pet's procedure.
We understand that navigating a surgical diagnosis can be stressful. That's why we prioritize open communication, clear explanations, and a collaborative approach to treatment.
Our team takes the time to answer your questions, explain recommendations, and help you understand what to expect throughout the process.
We believe pet owners are an essential part of their pet's healthcare team. By working together, we can develop individualized treatment plans that prioritize each pet's health, comfort, and long-term well-being.
Our commitment doesn't end when surgery is complete. We're here to provide guidance, answer questions, and support you and your pet throughout recovery.
Meet Dr. Hawthorne
Comprehensive Advanced Surgical Services
Our surgical team offers a range of advanced procedures to address complex medical conditions, injuries, and other health concerns.
Treatment recommendations are based on each pet's diagnosis, overall health, and individual needs.
Abdominal & Soft Tissue Surgery
- Exploratory Abdominal Surgery
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Biopsies
- Gastrointestinal Foreign Body Removal
- Gastrointestinal Mass Removal
- Intestinal Resection & Anastomosis
- Splenectomy (Spleen Removal)
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)
- Liver Mass Removal & Liver Lobectomy
- Pancreatic Mass Surgery
- Adrenalectomy (Adrenal Gland Removal)
- Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair (Acute & Chronic)
- Nephrectomy (Kidney Removal)
- Lymphadenectomy (Lymph Node Removal)
- Cystotomy (Bladder Surgery)
Mass Removal & Oncologic Surgery
- Superficial Mass Removal
- Minor Mass Removal
- Intermediate Mass Removal
- Major Mass Removal
- Complex Oncologic Mass Removal
- Radical Mastectomy
Specialized Soft Tissue Surgery
- Thyroidectomy (Thyroid Gland Removal)
- Parathyroidectomy (Parathyroid Gland Removal)
- Salivary Mucocele Surgery
- Salivary Mass Removal
- Episioplasty / Vulvoplasty
- Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) *
- Esophagostomy Feeding Tube Placement
- Lung & Chest Surgery *
Orthopedic Surgery & Joint Care
- Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
- Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)
- Extracapsular Stabilization for Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Injuries
- Joint Injections, Including Arthramid
- Other Injectable Joint Therapies (Pending Confirmation)
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy (Pending Equipment Availability)
Amputation Surgery
- Tail Amputation
- Digit (Toe) Amputation
- Limb Amputation *
Advanced Wound Care & Reconstructive Procedures
- Complex Wound Management
- Skin Grafting
- Wound & Bandage Management
Important Information About Overnight Care
* Procedures marked with an asterisk may require overnight hospitalization or additional postoperative monitoring which will necessitate a transfer to another veterinary facility. Our team will discuss your pet's individual needs and work with you to help coordinate continued care or a transfer when necessary.
Comprehensive Care Through Advanced Diagnostics & Teamwork
Advanced surgical care begins with understanding your pet's condition and developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Our surgical service works collaboratively with our internal medicine team, including Dr. Dowling, to evaluate complex cases and provide comprehensive care.
With access to advanced diagnostic capabilities, including ultrasound and other diagnostic tools, our team can gather important information to support surgical planning and treatment decisions.
This collaborative approach allows us to consider each pet's overall health and individual medical needs throughout their care.
Prioritizing Your Pet's Comfort & Well-Being
Your pet's comfort and safety are important parts of every surgical care plan.
Our well-trained veterinary support team assists with surgical preparation, patient care, and postoperative recovery.
Comprehensive pain management is a standard part of every surgical patient's treatment plan, with recommendations tailored to their individual medical needs and procedure.
Our team is committed to providing attentive care and supporting your pet throughout their surgical experience.
Your Surgical Consultation
The first step is a consultation with our surgical team.
During this appointment, we will review your pet's medical history, evaluate their condition, discuss treatment recommendations, and help you understand the available options.
Your Consultation May Include:
- Review of medical history and existing records
- A physical examination
- Discussion of any additional diagnostic testing
- Review of recommended surgical treatment
- Explanation of the procedure and anticipated recovery
- A detailed, transparent cost estimate
- Review of surgical preparation instructions
- Time to ask questions and discuss concerns
Our goal is to ensure you understand your pet's treatment plan and feel comfortable with the next steps.
Scheduling Your Consultation
Both new and existing Caring Hands clients can request a surgical consultation directly.
A referral from another veterinarian is not required.
We ask that you provide your pet's available medical records so our team can review their medical history.
To request a consultation, call 571.777.0100 or click the button below to contact our surgical team at:
Request a Surgical Consultation
For Referring Veterinarians
We welcome referrals from fellow veterinary professionals seeking advanced surgical care for their patients.
Our surgical team is committed to working collaboratively with referring veterinarians to provide coordinated care, clear communication, and a supportive experience for pets and their families.
To refer a patient for a surgical consultation, please click the button below to submit a referral.
DVM Referral
What to Expect: From One Week Before Surgery Through Recovery
We understand that preparing for your pet's surgery can bring questions and concerns.
Our team is here to help you feel prepared, informed, and supported throughout the process.
The following guide provides general information about what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
Every pet and procedure is different. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your veterinary team.
One Week Before Surgery
Prepare for Your Pet's Procedure
The week before surgery is an important time to review your pet's care plan and make arrangements for recovery.
- Review all instructions provided by the surgical team.
- Confirm that we have your pet's current medical records.
- Provide a complete list of medications and supplements.
- Ask whether any medication adjustments are needed.
- Complete any recommended diagnostic testing.
- Inform our team of any changes in your pet's health.
- Prepare a quiet, comfortable recovery space at home.
- Arrange transportation for surgery and discharge.
- Contact our team with any questions about the procedure, cost estimate, or recovery.
Important: Do not stop or change your pet's medications unless instructed by your veterinarian.
The Night Before Surgery
Final Preparations
The evening before surgery, take time to review your pet's instructions and prepare for the following day.
- Follow the specific food and water instructions provided by our team.
- Give medications only as directed.
- Confirm your scheduled arrival time.
- Prepare any requested records, medications, or other items.
- Make sure we have a reliable phone number where you can be reached.
- Provide your pet with a quiet, comfortable place to rest.
Important: Fasting instructions vary based on your pet's age, medical condition, and procedure. Please contact our team if you are unsure about your pet's instructions.
The Morning of Surgery
What to Expect at Check-In
On the morning of surgery, our team will guide you through the check-in process and review important information.
Before leaving home:
- Follow all food, water, and medication instructions.
- Arrive at your scheduled check-in time.
- Bring any requested items.
- Let our team know about any recent changes in your pet's health.
- Make sure your contact information is current.
During check-in, we will review your pet's procedure, answer any remaining questions, and discuss the plan for the day.
During Your Pet's Surgery
Care & Communication Throughout the Day
While your pet is in our care, our surgical team will focus on their comfort, safety, and individual medical needs.
Each patient receives an individualized care plan, including comprehensive pain management.
We prioritize communication and will discuss what updates you can expect throughout the day.
Please remain available by phone in case our team needs to contact you.
After Surgery
Discharge & Continued Care
Following surgery, our team will monitor your pet's recovery and determine the appropriate next steps.
Many patients may be able to return home the same day, depending on the procedure and their recovery.
Before discharge, we will review:
- Medication and pain management instructions
- Feeding and hydration recommendations
- Activity restrictions
- Incision or bandage care
- Expected recovery milestones
- Follow-up appointments
- Signs that require veterinary attention
Some advanced procedures require overnight hospitalization. If your pet needs continued monitoring, our team will help coordinate a transfer to an appropriate veterinary facility.
The First 24–48 Hours After Surgery
Helping Your Pet Rest & Recover
The first few days after surgery are an important part of recovery.
- Provide a quiet, comfortable resting area.
- Give all medications as prescribed.
- Follow feeding and hydration instructions.
- Limit activity according to your pet's discharge plan.
- Monitor your pet's comfort and behavior.
- Check the surgical incision as directed.
- Prevent licking or chewing at the surgical site.
- Contact our team with questions or concerns.
Recovery experiences vary based on the procedure and patient.
Recovery at Home
Supporting Your Pet's Healing
Your pet may need temporary activity restrictions, medications, incision care, or other accommodations during recovery.
Please follow your individualized discharge instructions and attend all recommended follow-up appointments.
Our team is here to answer questions and provide guidance as your pet heals.
Follow-Up Care
Continued Support Throughout Recovery
Depending on your pet's procedure and recovery needs, follow-up appointments may be conducted in person or virtually.
These visits allow our team to evaluate healing, address concerns, and make adjustments to your pet's care plan when needed.
We encourage you to reach out with any questions between appointments.
When to Contact Our Team
Please contact your veterinary team if your pet experiences:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Refusal to eat or drink beyond the timeframe discussed in discharge instructions
- Increasing redness, swelling, bleeding, or discharge at the surgical site
- Significant or worsening pain
- Problems with a bandage or incision
- Unexpected changes in behavior or recovery
Seek emergency veterinary care immediately for difficulty breathing, collapse, unresponsiveness, or severe uncontrolled bleeding.
Coordinating the Care Your Pet Needs
Some advanced surgical procedures may require overnight hospitalization or additional monitoring following surgery.
If your pet requires overnight care, our team will work with you to help coordinate a transfer to an appropriate veterinary facility for continued monitoring and treatment.
We are committed to helping you understand your pet's recovery plan and supporting a coordinated transition of care when additional services are needed.
Advanced Care Starts with a Conversation
Whether your pet has been diagnosed with a condition that may require surgery or you are exploring treatment options, our team is here to help.
We will work with you to understand your pet's needs, explain the available options, and develop an individualized treatment plan.
New and existing clients are welcome, and a veterinarian referral is not required.
