Far from being a cause for concern, these surgeries represent enhancements in veterinary care, offering solutions to various medical conditions that pets may have to deal with throughout their lives. From routine procedures like spaying and neutering to more complex interventions such as tumour removals and orthopedic surgeries, choosing the right veterinarian means each surgical intervention is approached with expertise, compassion, and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our furry friends.
Most Common Pet Surgeries & What’s Involved?
Certain surgeries are commonplace in veterinary medicine, serving preventive and therapeutic purposes. Spaying and neutering are examples, as they prevent unplanned litters and keep pets safe from reproductive-related health issues. Some surgeries become necessary in response to sickness or accidents, restoring health and sometimes saving lives.
Procedures like tumour removals and bone repairs help navigate some pets’ challenges. Whether as proactive measures or urgent interventions, surgeries can help our furry companions, ensuring they lead healthy, fulfilling lives. We discuss the standard procedures below and what happens during them.
Spaying/Neutering:
- Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus in female pets, while neutering (castration) removes the testicles in male pets.
- The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia to ensure the pet is unconscious and pain-free during surgery.
- After making a small incision in the abdomen or scrotum, the veterinarian carefully removes the reproductive organs and closes the incision with sutures or surgical staples.
- Recovery usually involves rest and limited activity to allow the surgical site to heal properly.
Dental procedures:
- Dental procedures for pets often include professional dental cleanings performed under general anesthesia to ensure thorough cleaning of the teeth and examination of the entire oral cavity
- During the cleaning, tartar and plaque buildup get removed using specialised instruments, and the teeth are polished to prevent future plaque accumulation.
- If dental issues such as diseased or damaged teeth are present, extractions may be necessary to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
- Pet owners may receive instructions on at-home dental care techniques to maintain their pet’s oral hygiene between professional cleanings.
Mass/tumour removal:
- Mass or tumour removal surgeries vary depending on the growth’s size, location, and nature.
- The procedure typically involves an incision over the mass, dissecting surrounding tissues to expose the tumour, and then excising it while preserving healthy tissue.
- In some cases, particularly if the tumour could be malignant, the veterinarian may perform additional procedures such as biopsies or imaging to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.
- After removal, the surgical site is closed using sutures or surgical staples, and the excised tissue may be sent for further analysis to determine the nature of the tumour.
Orthopedic surgeries:
- Orthopedic surgeries address issues related to pets’ bones, joints, and muscles. Fractures, ligament tears, or congenital abnormalities often instigate them.
- Procedures may include fracture repair, joint stabilisation (such as cruciate ligament repair), or correction of skeletal deformities.
- Surgical techniques may involve the use of implants such as pins, plates, screws, or external fixators to stabilise fractures or realign bones.
- Post-operative care typically includes pain management, restricted activity to allow proper healing and physical therapy to restore mobility and strength.
Whatever surgery your pet might need, talking to your trusted veterinarian is the first important step. They’ll be able to help you understand what’s necessary, what the surgery involves and any downtime and recovery needed. At Rosebery Veterinarian Clinic, our skilled team specialises in caring for pets during surgery and ensuring their safety under sedation and anesthesia. With experienced staff and advanced monitoring equipment, we provide optimal care for your pet. Our well-equipped surgical theatre enables us to perform various surgeries in-house, from essential to advanced procedures.
Can You Prevent Your Pet Needing Surgery?
Certain surgeries can be reduced in risk, while others are essential and should not be avoided. Below, we outline the most common necessary surgeries and discuss options to minimise others’ risks.
Desexing Your Pet
Responsible pet ownership for most cats and dogs involves spaying or neutering at the appropriate age, generally between 4 and 6 months old. Beyond preventing unplanned litter, it offers significant health benefits. Spaying reduces the risk of severe conditions such as mammary cancer in females, while neutering decreases the likelihood of testicular cancer in males.
Early spaying and neutering can also reduce male pets’ behaviours like roaming, aggression, and urine marking. For females, it also reduces the risk of pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection. By prioritising these surgeries, pet owners help the population control and safeguard their pets’ long-term health and well-being.
Dental procedures:
Maintaining pets’ oral hygiene involves daily tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste and providing dental chews or toys. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for assessing oral health and may lead to professional dental cleanings if needed. A balanced diet rich in dental health-promoting ingredients further supports oral hygiene, preventing periodontal disease and enhancing pets’ overall health and quality of life.
Mass/tumour removal:
Early detection of masses or tumours is essential. Regular veterinary check-ups enable thorough examinations and prompt intervention if abnormalities are detected. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise reduces the risk of certain tumours. Minimising exposure to potential carcinogens helps prevent tumour development, allowing pet owners to play a vital role in safeguarding their pets’ health and well-being.
Orthopedic surgeries:
Preventing orthopedic issues requires proactive measures to minimise the risk of traumatic injuries. These include providing a safe environment, supervising activities, and using appropriate restraints during walks and car rides. Maintaining an ideal body condition and avoiding excessive strain on joints, particularly in large dogs, helps prevent conditions like hip dysplasia. These preventive measures promote pets’ musculoskeletal health and overall well-being, reducing the likelihood of orthopedic conditions and enhancing their quality of life.
Downtime, Pain Management, Post-Operative Care
If your pet requires surgery, it’s natural to feel anxious. Learning about the recovery time, available pain management options, and post-operative care can alleviate worries and prepare you and your companion for a speedy return to their best lives. We discuss below;
Downtime:
Pet surgeries vary in the downtime required for recovery, influenced by factors such as the type of surgery and the individual pet’s health. The downtime may be relatively short for routine procedures like spaying or neutering or dental cleanings, typically lasting a few days to a week. During this time, pets may need to rest and avoid strenuous activity to allow the surgical site to heal properly. However, surgeries such as orthopedic procedures or mass/tumour removals may necessitate more extended downtime, ranging from several weeks to a few months. The duration of downtime often depends on the extent of the surgery and the pet’s response to treatment.
Pain Management:
Pain management is critical to veterinary surgery, as it ensures pets are as comfortable as possible during recovery. Veterinarians employ pain management strategies, including administering medications before, during, and after surgery to minimise discomfort. These may include opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or local anesthetics tailored to the individual pet’s needs and the type of surgery performed. By effectively managing pain, veterinarians aim to promote a smoother recovery and improve the pet’s overall well-being.
Post-operative Care:
Post-operative care plays a vital role in the successful recovery of pets following surgery. Pet owners provide the necessary care and support during this period. Depending on the surgery, post-operative care may involve administering medications as prescribed by the veterinarian, monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection or complications, and following any specific instructions provided. Restrictions on activity may be necessary to prevent strain on the surgical site and facilitate proper healing. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your vet to monitor the pet’s progress and address any concerns that may arise during recovery.
By ensuring appropriate downtime, implementing effective pain management strategies, and providing diligent post-operative care, pet owners can help their furry companions recover successfully from surgery and return to normal activities with improved health and well-being. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian before the procedure.
Choose Rosebery Veterinarian Clinic for your pet’s surgery needs. Our modern facility offers top-notch pet care, including a wide range of surgical procedures our highly skilled vets perform. Equipped with state-of-the-art anaesthetic and surgical facilities, our veterinary hospital ensures your pet receives the best care possible. Get in touch today!