Common Types of Surgical Procedures in Animal Care
Surgical procedures are often necessary to improve or maintain the well-being and quality of life for dogs. Surgeries in the field of animal care cover a wide range of procedures, from those needed for regular health maintenance to those addressing more critical medical issues. Understanding the most common types of surgeries can help pet owners be better prepared when their dogs need surgical care. Here are some of the most performed procedures in animal care facilities.
1. Surgical Sterilisation Procedures
Spaying for females and neutering for males are some of the most common procedures performed on pets. These procedures involve the removal of the reproductive organs to reduce the likelihood of certain health concerns and to prevent unintended pregnancies. In female pets, spaying involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. In male animals, the procedure of neutering consists of removing the testes.
Spaying and neutering offer significant health advantages alongside helping to manage the pet population. These advantages encompass a decreased likelihood of developing certain malignancies, including those affecting the uterus, ovaries, and testes, as well as the removal of the risk for serious conditions like pyometra, which can pose a significant threat to female health. These procedures help in preventing aggressive behaviours and decreasing the likelihood of dogs roaming or marking their territory.
2.Oral Health Treatments
Dental procedures are commonly conducted in animal care, as maintaining dental health is crucial for a pet’s overall wellness. Dental cleanings, tooth extractions, and treatment for periodontal disease are common procedures, especially for older animals. Neglecting dental problems can lead to serious complications, such as infections, tooth decay, and broader health concerns that may affect the heart, liver, or kidneys.
In cases where teeth are infected, unstable, or fractured, extraction is usually the recommended course of action. Routine dental cleanings performed under anaesthesia help prevent these issues and ensure the health of a pet’s gums and teeth. Owners may notice signs like excessive drooling, trouble eating, or bad breath that indicate the need for dental surgery. For pet owners seeking vet surgery in northern beaches, dental treatments, including routine cleanings and extractions, are critical to maintaining overall health.
3. Mass Removal (Tumour Excision)
As pets grow older, it’s common for them to develop lumps or masses on their skin or within their internal organs. While some of these may be harmless, others could be harmful and require surgical intervention. Mass removal surgeries are performed to excise growths that could be cancerous or interfere with a pet’s normal bodily functions.
Prior to surgery, it is common practice to recommend a biopsy to determine if the mass is benign or malignant. The vet might suggest further treatment options, like chemotherapy or radiation, following surgery, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.
4. Surgical Procedures for Bone and Joint Health
Orthopaedic surgeries are conducted to address issues related to bones, joints, and muscles. Cruciate ligament repair is a frequently performed orthopaedic procedure in dogs, especially in larger breeds, and is similar to ACL surgery in humans. Lameness, pain, and instability in the knee joint may occur when dogs experience a tear in their cruciate ligaments during physical activity. In numerous situations, surgical intervention is essential to relieve discomfort and restore movement.
Other common orthopaedic surgeries involve addressing hip dysplasia, a hereditary condition often seen in larger dog breeds, as well as fracture repairs stemming from injuries or accidents. These procedures often require lengthy recovery times and ongoing care, which might involve rehabilitation and limited movement.
5.Surgical Extraction of Urinary Calculi
Bladder stones, also known as uroliths, are mineral formations that can develop in the urinary tract of your pet. If not addressed, these stones may lead to blockages, increased urination, or pain, potentially posing serious health risks. If the stones are too large to pass on their own or if medication isn’t working to break them down, surgical intervention will be required to remove them.
Cystotomy is a surgical procedure performed to eliminate bladder stones. A cut is made in the bladder, the stones are taken out, and then the bladder is stitched back together. Dietary changes and medications are often recommended to help prevent the return of stones after surgery.
6.Surgery for Digestive Issues
Removing foreign bodies is a common procedure in gastrointestinal surgery, especially for dogs and cats that tend to ingest items not meant for them, like toys, bones, or string. Foreign objects can get stuck in the digestive system, leading to blockages that require urgent surgical treatment to avoid serious issues like intestinal perforation or infection.
Gastric torsion, commonly known as bloat, is a serious condition in dogs that causes intense pain and discomfort when the stomach twists, leading to a disruption in blood flow. Additional gastrointestinal surgeries might be required to manage this condition. To address the deformity and ensure the well-being of the pet, prompt surgical intervention is essential.
7.Eye Surgery
Surgical intervention might be required for various eye conditions that impact our furry friends.Entropion repair is a common surgical procedure that addresses the inward rolling of a pet’s eyelid, which may lead to eye irritation or injury. The surgical procedure addresses the eyelid’s position, helping to prevent additional injury and reduce discomfort. Additionally, surgical intervention for cataracts is performed on animals to improve their eyesight, especially in older pets that have developed cataracts due to ageing.
“Animal surgeries include a range of procedures, from routine ones like spaying and neutering to more complex operations such as orthopaedic and gastrointestinal surgeries. While the idea of surgery may feel daunting for pet owners, understanding the common types of procedures can help you know what to expect. Many animals bounce back effectively and go on to enjoy healthier, more joyful lives thanks to the progress in medical practices and careful aftercare.”