5 Common Pet Soft Tissue Operations
General veterinary hospitals perform a variety of surgeries on pets, ranging from routine elective procedures like spaying or neutering to surgeries that can save the pet’s life. Soft tissue surgeries and some orthopedic procedures are frequently performed in these clinics. However, there are certain complex soft tissue surgeries that can only be done in specialty veterinary hospitals. The following are five of the most frequently conducted soft tissue surgeries in general veterinary practices.
#1: Spay and neuter surgeries
The surgeries of spaying and neutering are very frequent in general veterinary practices, sometimes even performed on a daily basis. They involve the removal of reproductive organs and are effective in preventing numerous health and behavioral problems in pets.
#2: Foreign body removal surgery
Cats and dogs often eat things that can cause blockages, leading to the need for surgical removal of foreign objects from their gastrointestinal tracts. Among the most commonly removed items are:
- Clothing, especially socks
- Bones
- Corn cobs
- Rubber and plastic toys
- Hair bands
- Thread
Although dogs are choosier about objects they chew, cats are easily attracted to string-like items that can cause a dangerous condition called a linear foreign body. In this condition, the intestines get clumped up, and the string may cut through them, posing a significant risk to the cat’s health.
#3: Mass removal surgery
Pets can develop benign or cancerous masses. These lumps and bumps can grow quickly, become ulcerated, or appear in areas that restrict movement, breathing, or eating. Masses can be removed from various places such as the skin, ears, mouth, or abdomen.
#4: Bladder stone removal surgery
Bladder stones are not uncommon in pets and are often caused by urinary tract disease, inadequate hydration, an improper diet, or genetics. Prescription diets can dissolve certain types of stones, but surgical removal and thorough bladder flushing are required for others to prevent urinary blockage.
#5: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome repair surgery
Surgery to repair brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is becoming more common as the popularity of flat-faced breeds like pugs, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs increases. These pets may require surgery on their nostrils to open them, their soft palate to be shortened, or their laryngeal saccules to be removed in order to make breathing easier.
If you have any questions regarding your pet’s upcoming soft tissue surgery, feel free to reach out to our team for answers.