There are multiple reasons your pet may come to the veterinarian’s office for surgical treatment. They need to be conducted because they are necessary to restore the health and well-being of your pet or to prevent further problems that could pose a health risk.
Understanding what surgical procedures can help ease your mind as your pet undergoes surgery. In the following sections, we’ll look at some of the most prevalent pet care surgical procedures and how they really help avoid potentially fatal ailments in your pet’s life.
Most Common Pet Surgeries
Any type of surgery performed on your pet might cause stress and anxiety, just as it would for a family member. Most pets will have some medical surgery done on them at some point in their lives, whether it be basic procedures or life-saving circumstances. Here are some of the surgical procedures that a certified veterinary surgeon often administers:
Spay and Neuter Surgery
Spaying and neutering your pet are the most common surgeries performed by your veterinarian. Spaying reduces the risk of uterine infections and cancer. It will also prevent the risk of problems related to pregnancy and birth in female pets.
In males, extracting the reproductive organs can aid in avoiding testicular cancer and prostate problems. The earlier a pet is neutered, the greater the health benefits, so speak to your veterinarian about setting up an appointment for your pet as soon as they reach the ideal age.
Dental Surgery
A cat’s or dog’s dental health is intimately connected with its general health. Bacteria from infected teeth can infect the heart, liver, and other body organs. That’s why it is essential to bring them for a regular cat or dog wellness exam for dental cleaning, tooth removal, and other dental surgical work as needed. To put it another way, this will help save your pet from contracting a potentially fatal disease due to inadequate dental care.
Foreign Body Removal
Most foreign objects accidentally ingested by pets just go through their gastrointestinal systems. In many cases, a foreign object could be harmful to your pet due to the substances it has or because of its shape, making it harder for your pet to defecate normally. Suppose your pet has consumed a foreign object, like plastic, wood, metal, bone, ball, piece of a toy, coins, batteries, socks, stones, refrigerator magnets, food skewers, or other foreign bodies.
In that case, your veterinarian will take or perform an x-ray of your pet’s digestive system to determine if it’s a life-threatening situation. The quicker you can get your pet to see a vet surgeon, the lower the risk of infection and other complications. Click here to learn more about how veterinarians perform a diagnostic test to decide whether surgery is required if your pet swallows a foreign item.
Mass Removal Surgery
Masses in pets are lumps that develop in the body when cells grow abnormally. Some are non-cancerous, while others are cancerous. Mast cell tumors are an example of a cancerous mass that builds on or beneath the skin. Lipomas are non-cancerous masses. These are fatty lumps that grow under the skin’s surface in pets. Depending on the form and location of the mass, your vet may suggest surgical extraction to avoid more serious issues.
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery is knowns as surgical techniques used to deal with ailments such as fractured bones, torn ligaments and muscles, and other soft tissue injuries. Orthopedic surgical treatment is often needed in pets experiencing arthritis whose joints have begun to deteriorate. Some pets, especially those with bone and joint disorders, are at a higher risk.
For instance, certain breeds of dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and torn anterior cruciate ligaments. Pet surgical operations may look daunting, but when performed by skilled and experienced professionals, they are very safe and can improve or even save your pet’s life.
