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Dakota Hills Veterinary Clinic

Locally and Privately Owned

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Surgery

Whether simple or complex, bringing your pet in for an operation is never easy.  From the moment you arrive, we’ll be there to ease your mind and help keep your loved one calm and relaxed.

Pre-Surgical Testing & Anesthesia Procedures

There is nothing more important to us than your pet’s safety. That’s why we perform a variety of pre-anesthetic tests to carefully screen and tailor our anesthetic protocol specifically for each patient. Our trained staff and doctors monitor your pet before, during, and after anesthesia to help ensure the best possible outcome. 

Many pet parents are extremely concerned by the thought of their loved one undergoing anesthesia. In some cases, this fear and uncertainty can prevent pets from receiving the medical care they need and deserve. Rest assured that your pet will receive safe, comprehensive, advanced anesthesia care from our staff of experienced professionals. From minor diagnostic procedures to major surgery, you can count on us to manage all your pet’s anesthetic needs.  

We’re also happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have about the medications, monitoring and care your pet will receive. When you trust our dedicated health care professionals to manage your pet’s anesthetic care, you can be confident that safety, efficacy, and comfort are always foremost in our minds.

Surgery

Once carefully sedated, our team will complete the surgery as efficiently as possible.  As the doctor works, our experienced support staff will be there to assist with surgery and closely monitor your pet’s wellbeing.  

At Dakota Hills Veterinary Clinic, we offer routine surgeries, including spay and neuter procedures and dental cleanings as well as various advance surgical procedures, including but not limited to:

  • Fracture repair
  • Cruciate repair which includes CBLO procedures
  • Arthroscopy
  • Foreign body removal
  • Abdominal exploratory surgery
  • Cystotomy
  • Endoscopy
  • Laparoscopic capabilities
  • Mass removal
  • Splenectomy
  • Pyometra surgery
  • GDV surgery

Dakota Hills Veterinary Clinic uses advanced equipment when appropriate, including a vessel sealing device and an Ellman cautery device, which are electrosurgical instruments that utilize advanced technology to seal blood vessels and allows for more precise incisions during surgical procedures.  These devices offer the following benefits to both the patient as well as the surgical team:

  • Clearer, more visible operating plane
  • Reduces the risk of bleeding complications
  • Shortens surgical time
  • Prevents the damage of nearby tissue and organs
  • Minimal scarring and improved recovery time

After Care

After surgery, our staff will continue to monitor your pet’s recovery while offering comfort and reassurance.  When you arrive to pick up your pet, we’ll go over our home care instructions including a plan for pain management.

Contact us today and let us know how we can help with our companion’s surgical care needs.

Dakota Hills Veterinary Clinic

Working Hours

Monday-Friday 7am-7pm
Saturday 7am-5:30pm
Sunday Closed

Posted on Yelp Yelp
G L. profile picture
G L.
Yelp star 1Yelp star 2Yelp star 3Yelp star 4Yelp star 5
The team at Dakota Hills Vet Clinic is wonderful! We stopped here while out of town with a sick pup (eye infection and respiratory issue) and they were so kind and caring. We got everything we needed without having to pay an arm and a leg. Dr Jordan Stratman made sure we understood everything that was going on and made suggestions of other non-prescription things we could do to offer our pup relief. Services were thoroughly explained before being performed and we were even able to get monthly medication we had forgotten to bring with us. They even coordinated with our home vet to review the record and fully understand the medical history. Excellent service and very thankful to have found them!
Posted on Yelp Yelp
Christa M. profile picture
Christa M.
Yelp star 1Yelp star 2Yelp star 3Yelp star 4Yelp star 5
Dixie had an issue develope all of a sudden while we were at the truck stop in town on a Saturday. I called Dakota Hills and they got her in & didn't charge an emergency fee. Her issue was just an inflamed eye. The people here were so nice and caring. Definitely recommend them, if your pets are in need of a vet in this area to check them out.
Posted on Yelp Yelp
Paul W. profile picture
Paul W.
Yelp star 1Yelp star 2Yelp star 3Yelp star 4Yelp star 5
The best vet in town. We have been bring our pets to Dakota Hills and they have been getting the best care. Dr Stonecipher and staff have took care of our dog throughout it's life; leg injury rebuild at age 8 and later years around 12 when going blind after developing diabetes and cushions disease. Daisy is still active around home at age 14 1/2. He and staff have took care of daughter's chinchilla's Lotti and Azazel during their many times of needing care. Azazel with it's many visits taking care rehabbing it's left back leg has been great care and attention. The office staff and facility hours have accommodating to the many times our pets have needed care. Evening and weekend hours have assisted us also around our busy schedules. Thanks for all you do and the compassionate care to our pets. Paul, Barb, Amanda Warren
Posted on Yelp Yelp
Rita D. profile picture
Rita D.
Yelp star 1Yelp star 2Yelp star 3Yelp star 4Yelp star 5
Can't say enough good about our experience at Dakota Hills today! Abra and Dr Shipman were so loving and gentle with our 14-yr-old Chihuahua mix. We just arrived from Oklahoma yesterday for a 5-day camping trip outside of Custer. Apparently, our pup tweaked her knee after being spooked as we were hiking, and she can't put any weight on that back leg. We called this morning, and Emma was very kind, efficient, and able to give us an appointment right away. They had a steady stream of local patients, so we were grateful our girl could be seen, especially on a holiday weekend. They were thorough, knowledgeable, and very fairly priced. Would highly recommend this vet practice!
Posted on Yelp Yelp
Lise V. profile picture
Lise V.
Yelp star 1Yelp star 2Yelp star 3Yelp star 4Yelp star 5
Just the best place: staff, doctor, the building itself are all top notch. We were tourists in town for a few days, and were concerned about our lab's ongoing ear infection. She's been seen twice by our vet back home, we just needed to make sure we weren't backsliding. We got an appointment the same day, saw Dr. Shipman who examined her thoroughly, and discussed what to do, what to look for, possible options about future treatment etc. great bedside manner. Couldn't be more pleased.
Posted on Yelp Yelp
David J. profile picture
David J.
Yelp star 1Yelp star 2Yelp star 3Yelp star 4Yelp star 5
Five years later. A friend needed a vet and went to "one that was closest." That clinic had two vets and one vet he felt was not very compassionate. I told him about this place and how they had four very nice vets. I also mentioned the Animal Hospital certification and as I mentioned that I thought I had better confirm my facts. Yup. Five years later and there still are only TWO vet clinics in all of Rapid City that are certified as animal hospitals. ( Like hospitals for people, there are a set of standards that have to be met.) I have never had a problem getting my Chihuahuas in to be seen. A routine appointment is usually within a week and an urgent one is less than a day. They have recently remodeled the place and it looks great and is always very clean. Staff is friendly and helpful.