These are the most commonly-performed pet surgeries
If your pet is sick or injured, it can be difficult to stand back and give them space to heal. It can be even more difficult when they need to go for surgery.
Not to worry, however, as any procedure your vet recommends is in your pet’s best interest. Pet surgery can either be elective or non-elective. While you can schedule elective operations, non-elective procedures occur on short notice to stabilize your pet. Here are some common surgeries on animals, and what they entail.
Dental Procedures
From pain relief to protecting your pet’s teeth, dental care offers numerous benefits. These treatments also prevent organ damage by blocking oral bacteria from the kidney, heart, and liver. Pets may receive oral surgery to correct dental defects, jaw fractures, and even remove growths, such as tumors.
Remember, veterinarians administer some tests before each procedure. For example, they may use bloodwork to check the animal’s anesthetic suitability and prevent complications. The vet may then proceed with radiography to find abnormalities below the gumline followed by the corrective procedure.
ACL Repair
A torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) causes instability, pain, and swelling in your pet buddy’s knee joint. While humans have an ACL, this connective tissue is called the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) in animals and links the tibia and femur. If untreated, an ACL rupture could affect your pet’s ability to walk and even result in degenerative joint disease/arthritis. Generally, ACL surgeries fall into two categories.
The first procedure cuts into the animal’s bone to fix the joint angle. On the other hand, extracapsular techniques provide a leader line around the joint’s bony structures for stability throughout recovery. Note that pets can recover from CCL tears through therapy, rehabilitation, and hydrotherapy. However, the success of these alternative treatments is limited and depends on the injury’s severity and your animal’s health, age, and activity levels.
Spaying and Neutering
While spaying removes your pet’s ovaries and uterus, neutering removes the testicles. You might wonder how sterilization benefits your furry friend. First off, it prevents animal overpopulation and the public nuisance that comes with stray animals. Moreover, the decision saves you money since you don’t have to care for your pet’s offspring. Sterilization also increases your pal’s lifespan by reducing the risk of prostate, uterine, ovarian, and mammary gland cancers.
Another benefit is reducing aggressive behavior. By eliminating the mating instinct, you reduce your pet’s urge to fight, roam, and urinate constantly during the breeding season. Contrary to popular belief, sterilization doesn’t make your pet overweight. Provided they exercise and eat the right amounts, they should remain fit.
Foreign Body Removal
Animals can be curious and eat — well, just about anything. While some objects pass through harmlessly, toys, clothes, and bone fragments may remain in your pet’s digestive tract. Call a vet as soon as you suspect a foreign material ingestion. Moreover, look out for signs such as frequent vomiting, abdominal tenderness, lethargy, and appetite loss.
Ordinarily, the veterinarian starts with a full exam to check your pet’s overall condition. An x-ray and other imaging procedures may follow to confirm the object’s location. Afterward, the vet will discuss a surgical plan if necessary.
Post-Operative Care
Your pet requires specialized care after surgery regardless of the procedure. Usually, animals feel sleepy and weak after the anesthesia fades. While side effects progressively resolve, keep your pet in a contained area for maximum rest. Additionally, follow the vet’s prescription and dietary instructions to accelerate recovery and prevent complications.
If you have questions, of course, don’t be afraid to ask!
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