Your pet may visit the vet’s clinic for surgical treatment for many different reasons. They must be carried out because they are necessary to restore the health and well-being of your pet or to prevent more issues that could pose a health risk.
Understanding what surgical procedures can help ease your mind as your pet goes through surgery. In the following sections, we’ll look at some of the most prevalent pet care surgical procedures and how they help avoid potentially fatal conditions in your pet’s life.
Most Common Pet Surgeries
Any surgery performed on your pet might cause anxiety, just as it would for a family member. The vast majority of pets will have some sort of medical surgery done on them at some point in their lives, whether it be basic operations or life-saving situations. Below are some of the surgical procedures that a qualified veterinary surgeon often administers:
Spay and Neuter Surgery
Spaying and neutering your pet are one of the most common surgeries performed by your vet. 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, removing the reproductive organs can help avoid testicular cancer and prostate issues. The earlier a pet is neutered, the greater the health benefits, so talk to your vet and visit their website to schedule a consultation.
Dental Surgery
A cat’s or dog’s dental health is 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 your pet for a routine pet wellness exam for dental cleaning, tooth extraction, and other dental surgical work as needed. To put it another way, this will help save your pet from contracting a potentially fatal illness due to inadequate oral care.
Foreign Body Removal
Most foreign objects accidentally swallowed 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 contains or because of its shape, making it harder for your pet to defecate normally. Suppose your pet has consumed a foreign object, like a plastic, wood, metal, bone, ball, piece of a toy, coins, batteries, socks, rocks, fridge magnets, food skewers, or other foreign bodies.
In that case, your vet will conduct a veterinary diagnostic laboratory test like an x-ray to check on your pet’s digestive system and identify if it’s a life-threatening situation. The sooner you can get your pet to see a vet surgeon, the lower the risk of infection and other complications.
Mass Removal Surgery
Masses in pets are lumps that develop in the body when cells expand abnormally. Some are non-cancerous, while others are cancerous. Mast cell tumors are an example of a cancerous mass that forms on or beneath the skin. Lipomas are non-cancerous masses. These are fatty lumps that grow beneath the skin’s surface in pets. Depending on the type and specific location of the mass, your vet may recommend surgical removal to prevent more serious issues.
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery is known as surgical procedures used to deal with ailments like fractured bones, torn ligaments and muscles, and other soft tissue injuries. Orthopedic surgical treatment is often required in pets experiencing arthritis whose joints have begun to deteriorate. Some pets, particularly those with musculoskeletal disorders, are at a higher risk.
For instance, certain breeds of pet dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and torn anterior cruciate ligaments. Pet surgeries may seem daunting, but when carried out by skilled and experienced professionals, they are very risk-free and can improve or even save your pet’s life.