South Texas Veterinary Surgery

For pet owners across the vast state of Texas, the thought of their beloved animal companion needing surgery can be a source of significant anxiety. When such a critical need arises, finding a veterinary surgical specialist who combines advanced expertise with genuine compassion and clear communication becomes paramount. South Texas Veterinary Surgery (STVS), located in San Antonio, Texas, stands as a premier referral practice dedicated to providing high-level surgical care for pets. Led by a board-certified surgeon, STVS offers a specialized environment where complex orthopedic and soft tissue conditions are addressed with precision and a deep commitment to patient well-being, earning the trust and gratitude of pet parents throughout the region.

Veterinary surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures, from routine interventions to highly complex operations necessitated by trauma, disease, or congenital conditions. When a pet requires surgery beyond the scope of a general veterinary practice, referral to a specialized surgical center ensures access to advanced equipment, specialized training, and focused expertise. This is precisely the role that South Texas Veterinary Surgery fulfills for Texans. Their singular focus on surgical procedures means they are equipped with the latest technology and a team specifically trained to manage the intricacies of pre-operative assessment, surgical execution, and critical post-operative recovery. This specialization is a significant advantage, providing pet owners with the assurance that their animal is in the hands of professionals dedicated to achieving the best possible surgical outcomes.

The experiences of real customers vividly illustrate the exceptional care provided by STVS. Pet owners consistently highlight the "superior care," "extremely competent, caring and professional staff," and excellent communication. Such testimonials underscore the critical importance of not only surgical skill but also the empathetic support and transparent dialogue that is essential during a pet's surgical journey. For Texans, knowing that a facility exists where medical excellence is matched by genuine human kindness offers invaluable peace of mind when facing difficult decisions about their pet's health. This article aims to shed light on why South Texas Veterinary Surgery is a trusted name for specialized veterinary surgery in the San Antonio area and beyond.

South Texas Veterinary Surgery is strategically located at 4522 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA. This address places the clinic within a key medical and commercial hub in Northwest San Antonio, making it highly accessible for residents across the city and surrounding areas of Texas. De Zavala Road is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, providing straightforward navigation to the facility.

STVS operates within the San Antonio Veterinary Specialists (SAVS) facility, which is home to several independent veterinary specialty practices. This co-location with other specialists (such as oncology and ophthalmology) creates a collaborative environment, allowing for comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care when needed. For pet owners traveling from various parts of San Antonio or other Texas cities, the area's developed road network and proximity to major highways facilitate relatively easy access. Adequate parking is typically available in such professional medical complexes, ensuring convenience for clients during what can often be stressful visits. This strategic location in a professional specialty referral center underlines its role as a dedicated resource for complex veterinary surgical needs in South Texas. STVS operates on a referral-only and by-appointment basis, emphasizing its specialized nature.

South Texas Veterinary Surgery (STVS) specializes exclusively in advanced surgical procedures for dogs and cats, addressing a wide range of complex conditions that often require specialized expertise. Their services are referral-based, meaning patients are typically referred by their primary care veterinarians when specialized surgical intervention is required. Key surgical services offered by STVS include:

• Orthopedic Surgery: This is a major focus, encompassing various procedures related to bones, joints, and ligaments. Specific orthopedic services include:
  • Fracture repairs for various types of bone breaks.
  • Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries (a common knee injury in dogs).
  • Patellar luxation correction.
  • Femoral head/neck ostectomy (FHOs) for hip conditions.
  • Closed and open repair of joint luxations.
  • Ligament and tendon reconstruction.
  • Bone grafting.
• Soft Tissue Surgery: Addressing conditions related to internal organs, skin, and other soft tissues. This includes:
  • Abdominal surgery (gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and urinary tract surgery).
  • Removal of masses and tumors (oncologic surgery), including skin masses, abdominal, and thoracic masses. Dr. Esterline has a particular affinity for thoracic and oncologic procedures.
  • Amputation.
  • Biopsies for diagnostic purposes.
  • Reconstructive surgery.
  • Splenectomy.
  • Cardiovascular and respiratory surgery for specific diseases.
  • Head and neck surgery.
• Advanced Diagnostics Support: While the primary service is surgery, STVS is well-equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to support surgical planning and evaluation, including digital radiography, ultrasound, and CT support. They also review CT and MRI studies from referring veterinarians.
• Perioperative Care: This includes comprehensive pre-operative protocols, dedicated patient monitoring during surgery, and meticulous post-operative care and pain management to ensure optimal recovery. They provide detailed discharge instructions and schedule follow-up recheck appointments, including X-rays for orthopedic cases.

It is important to note that STVS typically does not offer arthroscopy, neurological cases, total hip replacement, or care for unstable polytrauma patients, which are often handled by other highly specialized emergency or referral centers.

South Texas Veterinary Surgery is distinguished by several key features and highlights that consistently receive high praise from their clients:

• Board-Certified Surgical Expertise: The clinic is led by Dr. Meredith Esterline, a highly experienced and board-certified small animal surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Her specialized training and expertise are a significant draw for complex surgical cases.
• Superior Patient Care: Customers consistently report "superior care" for their pets. This includes attentive pre-operative preparation, meticulous surgical procedures, and dedicated post-operative monitoring and recovery support.
• Highly Competent and Professional Staff: The entire team, including veterinary technicians, is described as "extremely competent, caring and professional." They are skilled, qualified, and committed to providing premier perioperative surgical care.
• Excellent Communication: A standout feature is their commitment to clear and efficient communication. Clients highlight that the staff "communicate well" and "explained everything to me very clearly and prepared me for what to expect." They also "checked in each day to see how our cat was doing," and Dr. Esterline "communicated testing results and next steps efficiently and clearly." This is crucial for reducing client anxiety.
• Collaborative Approach: STVS actively fosters a collaborative environment, allowing pet owners to be "part of Grady’s treatment team." They work closely with referring primary care veterinarians to ensure seamless and comprehensive care.
• Specialized and Focused Practice: Their exclusive focus on surgery means that all resources, equipment, and staff expertise are dedicated to surgical excellence, leading to optimized outcomes for patients.
• Advanced Diagnostic Support: Their integration within the SAVS facility provides access to advanced imaging (digital radiography, ultrasound, CT) for thorough pre-surgical planning and follow-up.

For referrals, appointments, or inquiries about specialized surgical services for your pet, please contact South Texas Veterinary Surgery:

Address: 4522 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA

Phone: (210) 962-5388

Mobile Phone: +1 210-962-5388

South Texas Veterinary Surgery is an invaluable resource and highly suitable for pet owners across the Texas region, particularly those in San Antonio and surrounding areas whose beloved animals require specialized surgical intervention. For locals, knowing that a facility with a board-certified surgeon and a team dedicated to superior perioperative care is accessible offers immense peace of mind during often stressful times. The clinic's commitment to clear, empathetic communication ensures that pet owners are fully informed and supported throughout their pet's surgical journey, from initial consultation to recovery.

The consistent positive testimonials, highlighting the team's competence, professionalism, and genuine care, underscore why STVS is a top choice for complex orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries. When your primary veterinarian determines that your pet needs specialized surgical attention, South Texas Veterinary Surgery provides the advanced expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and compassionate approach necessary to achieve the best possible outcomes for your cherished animal companion in the Lone Star State. Their focused, referral-based model ensures a high level of specialized care, making them an essential part of the advanced veterinary care landscape in Texas.

South Texas Veterinary Surgery

4522 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA