Owning a pet is similar to having a furry member of the family. We cherish their companionship and worry about their well-being, just as we do for our relatives. There are times when wellness checkups and preventive care aren’t enough to keep illness at bay, and we are faced with the possibility of vet surgery. Understanding when surgery is a necessary step for your pet’s health can be challenging, but it is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership.

Assessing Health and Behavioral Changes

Our pets are experts at hiding pain and discomfort. As a pet owner, keeping a curious eye on any changes in behavior or health can be crucial. Some changes might be subtle, such as a slight decrease in appetite or activity level, while others, like limping or obvious pain, are more apparent. These symptoms could be indicative of conditions that require medical intervention, potentially escalating to the need for surgery.

Common Conditions that Necessitate Vet Surgery

Various health issues could lead to your vet recommending surgery as the best treatment option. These include:

• Accidents and Injuries: Broken bones or wounds might need surgical repair.

• Gastrointestinal Obstructions: If your pet swallows an object that becomes lodged in their intestines, surgery might be necessary to remove it.

• Mass Removal: Lumps and bumps could be benign or cancerous, and removing them surgically may be advised for diagnosis or treatment.

• Dental Issues: Sometimes, dental disease requires surgical intervention to extract damaged or decayed teeth.

• Reproductive Surgeries: Spaying or neutering not only prevents unwanted litter but can also protect against health problems like infections and cancer.

While not directly related to surgery, staying up to date with pet vaccinations is a critical aspect of preventative care that can ward off diseases that might eventually necessitate surgical treatment. Vaccines protect against a variety of illnesses, and by keeping your pet vaccinated, you’re contributing to their overall well-being and potentially avoiding more severe health issues down the line.

Elective Surgery vs Emergency Surgery

Elective Procedures

Elective surgeries are planned with ample time for preparation.

• Example: Some common elective surgeries for pets include sterilization (spaying and neutering), dental cleanings, and certain orthopedic procedures.

• Preparation: The health of the pet is assessed thoroughly to ensure their body can handle the operation. This can include tests like bloodwork, ultrasonography, electrocardiography etc. Animals are usually fasted before the surgery, and owners are given preoperative instructions.

As elective surgeries are planned, there is usually less stress involved for the pet and the owner. Postoperative care and recovery procedures are made known beforehand, equipping the owner to handle the recovery phase efficiently.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency surgeries occur without any prior planning, usually due to unexpected, severe conditions or accidents. These could include traumatic injuries, bloat, twisted intestines, or a complicated birthing process.

• Immediate action: The nature of these surgeries demands immediate medical intervention, leaving no time for extensive preoperative procedures. Depending upon the severity, animals might need immediate anesthesia and operation.

• Increased stress: Since these surgeries are unplanned, they bring significant stress to both the pet and the owner. Postoperative care and recovery procedures often have to be explained in a stressful environment and can be quite complex.

The outcomes of emergency surgeries are often less predictable than those of elective surgeries due to the sudden and severe nature of the condition. The owner may have little time to consider options or make decisions, making the situation even more challenging.

Determining the Need for Surgery

Based on the results from these diagnostic tests, the veterinarian will make an informed decision about whether or not surgery is needed. Factors that might lead to this decision can include:

• The severity of the underlying condition: Serious diseases or injuries often warrant surgical procedures.

• Ineffectiveness of other treatment options: In some cases, medical treatments such as medication or physical therapy may prove ineffective, leaving surgery as the most viable option.

• The pet’s overall health: The pet’s general health status is considered when deciding on surgery. A healthy pet is more likely to handle the surgery and recover faster after the procedure.

• Owner preferences: Finally, while veterinarians can make recommendations based on their professional opinion, the decision ultimately lies in the hands of the pet owner. Some might choose to pursue surgery for their pet, while others might opt for alternative treatments.

What to Expect During the Surgical Procedure

• Pre-Surgical Bloodwork: The vet conducts a pre-surgical bloodwork to assess the pet’s health, determine their fitness for anesthesia, and identify potential health risks. Abnormal results may warrant further tests, delayed veterinary surgery, or alternative treatments.

• Anesthesia: Anesthesia is administered during surgery to prevent discomfort and pain. The type and dose depends on the pet’s specifics and the surgery type. Pets usually fast before anesthesia and are monitored closely during its effect.

• The Surgical Procedure: The surgery varies based on the pet’s health condition. Sterilized tools are used, and vital signs are monitored throughout. Some procedures may require post-surgery hospitalization.

• Recovery: After surgery, pets are monitored in a recovery area, pain is managed, and post-surgical care, like medications or diets, is provided. Follow-up visits check on progress, remove stitches, and pet owners receive home-care instructions.

Post-Surgical Care Is Crucial

After surgery, your pet will require a quiet space to recover. You’ll need to follow your vet’s instructions for postoperative care, which may include administering medication, dietary restrictions, and limiting your pet’s movement to prevent strain on the surgical site. Regular follow-up appointments will be necessary to ensure proper healing.

Cost Considerations for Pet Surgery

The cost of surgery can be a significant factor in your decision-making process. Preparing for this financial aspect is part of responsible pet ownership. However, the cost should be weighed against the potential benefits of the procedure. Some owners opt for pet insurance to help mitigate these costs, especially for emergency surgeries.

When Surgery Is Not the Right Option

Not all health issues are solved in the operating room. Sometimes, conditions like endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, or chronic renal failure must be managed through the expertise of veterinary internal medicine. These specialists focus on diagnosing and treating diseases within the body without the immediate recourse to surgical methods. The goal is to manage diseases through medication, lifestyle changes, and non-invasive treatments to improve your pet’s quality of life.

Final Thoughts 

Deciding on your pet’s health can be daunting, especially when surgery is on the table. Recognizing the signs that indicate potential health issues, understanding common conditions that may require surgical intervention, and knowing the role of vet internal medicine and vaccinations in your pet’s overall health are key factors. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action, and remember that your pet relies on you to make choices that will lead to a long, healthy, and happy life.