5 Common Animal Soft Tissue Surgeries
General veterinary hospitals perform a variety of surgeries on pets. These surgeries range from routine procedures like spaying or neutering to critical life-saving surgeries. They commonly perform soft tissue surgeries and some orthopedic procedures, while more complex soft tissue surgeries have to be carried out in specialty veterinary hospitals. Below are the top five soft tissue surgeries performed in general veterinary practices.
#1: Spay and neuter surgeries
The most frequently performed surgeries in general veterinary practices are spays and neuters. These surgeries involve removing the reproductive organs of pets to prevent many health and behavior problems that could arise. They are carried out on a daily basis.
#2: Foreign body removal surgery
Pets, especially cats and dogs, often eat things that get stuck in their digestive system. This has led to many cases of items being retrieved from their intestines. The common items found in pets’ gastrointestinal tracts include:
- Clothing, especially socks
- Bones
- Corn cobs
- Rubber and plastic toys
- Hair bands
- Thread
Dogs are usually pickier about what they chew on, while cats tend to be intrigued by string-like objects that can cause serious harm if ingested, as they can knot up the intestines and potentially cut through them.
#3: Mass removal surgery
Pets can develop lumps and bumps that can be either benign or cancerous. These masses can grow quickly, become ulcerated, or develop in areas that restrict movement, breathing, or eating. They can be removed from the skin or from inside the ears, mouth, or abdomen.
#4: Bladder stone removal surgery
Pets frequently develop bladder stones due to urinary tract disease, insufficient hydration, inappropriate diet, or genes. Prescription food can dissolve stones made of a particular composition, but others require surgery and bladder flushing to avoid a urinary obstruction.
#5: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome repair surgery
Due to the increasing popularity of brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs, there has been a rise in surgeries to repair brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). These surgeries involve opening the nostrils, shortening the soft palate, or removing laryngeal saccules in order to improve breathing for flat-faced pets.
If you have any questions regarding your pet’s upcoming soft tissue surgery, please do not hesitate to contact our team for answers.