Top 10 Most Common Veterinary Surgical Procedures
As a pet owner, being familiar with the different types of veterinary surgeries your beloved animal companion might need in their lifetime is essential. Veterinary surgical procedures can range from routine to life-saving, so being informed about them can help well-prepared pet parents in making the right decisions.
Surgical Procedures for Pets
Here are the top 10 most common veterinary surgical procedures for your furry friends:
1. Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering are necessary surgeries to control the pet population and improve overall pet health. For females, it’s called spaying (ovariohysterectomy), which involves removing ovaries and the uterus to prevent unwanted pregnancies and cancer. Neutering, the process of removing the testicles from a male animal, can reduce aggression, roaming behavior, and certain medical conditions like prostate cancer.
2. Dental Surgery
Dental health is crucial for ensuring the well-being of pets. A veterinary dentist in Benicia, CA, often perform dental cleanings, tooth extractions, root canal treatments, and dental surgeries to treat pets with severe periodontal diseases, broken teeth, and oral tumors.
3. Mass Removal
Especially as they age, pets can develop masses or growths on their skin or internal organs. Veterinarians often recommend removing these growths to biopsy and determine if they are cancerous. Early removal of cancerous masses can save a pet’s life in many cases.
4. Wound Repair
Whether it’s a minor laceration or a deep puncture wound, pets may require surgical intervention to close the wound and prevent infection. Wound repair surgery can be as simple as suturing the area or as complex as using skin flaps and grafts to close large wounds.
5. Eye Surgery
Common eye surgeries for pets include cherry eye repair, entropion surgery (correcting inward rolling of the eyelid), and cataract removal. These procedures help improve your pet’s quality of life and prevent more severe issues.
6. Gastrointestinal Surgery
Gastrointestinal issues, like foreign body ingestion, can lead to life-threatening complications for pets. A veterinary surgeon may need to perform abdominal surgery to remove the foreign object or repair damaged intestinal tissue.
7. Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgeries, like fracture repairs, cranial cruciate ligament surgeries, and hip replacements, help pets regain mobility and minimize pain caused by bone and joint issues. These procedures are often complex and require a skilled veterinary surgeon.
8. Bladder Surgery
Bladder stones, tumors, or other obstructions can cause pet urinary tract issues. Bladder surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction and restore urinary function.
9. Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgeries include procedures involving pets’ skin, muscles, and tendons. These surgeries can treat hernias, reconstructive surgery after tumor removal, and repair muscle tears or tendon injuries.
10. Emergency Surgery
In the event of a vet urgent care situation, such as traumatic injuries, internal bleeding, or a ruptured organ, emergency surgery may be necessary to save a pet’s life. Veterinarians must act quickly and skillfully in these dire situations.
Conclusion
Knowledge of veterinary surgical procedures can help you make the best decisions for your pet’s health. Establishing a relationship with a skilled veterinary surgeon and keeping up with routine veterinary exams ensures your pet receives the best care possible.
Remember that some surgeries are more complex and require specialized knowledge and skills. The most important thing, however, is to be a proactive and responsible pet owner who’s always looking out for your furry friend’s best interests.
