Common Soft Tissue Surgeries in Pets
General veterinary hospitals perform a variety of surgeries on pets, ranging from elective procedures like spaying and neutering to operations that save their lives. Soft tissue surgeries and some orthopedic procedures can also be done in these hospitals. However, some soft tissue surgeries are intricate and can only be performed in veterinary hospitals that specialize in those procedures. Below are the five usual soft tissue surgeries performed in general veterinary practices.
#1: Foreign body removal surgery
Pets often swallow objects that can cause blockages, leading to several recoveries of these foreign bodies from their digestive tracts. The commonly found objects removed from cats and dogs include:
- Clothing, especially socks
- Bones
- Corn cobs
- Rubber and plastic toys
- Hair bands
- Thread
Dogs are pickier about what they chew on, while cats are attracted to string-like objects that can cause serious harm by causing the intestines to bunch up and potentially be cut by the string.
Pets can develop both cancerous and non-cancerous masses that can result in lumps and bumps. These masses can grow quickly, become ulcerated or obstruct movement, breathing, or eating, so it’s important to address them. They can be removed from various areas, such as the skin, inside the ears, mouth, or abdomen.
#3: Spay and neuter surgeries
The most frequently performed surgeries in general veterinary practices are spays and neuters, which are often done daily. These surgeries involve removing reproductive organs to reduce or eliminate various health and behavior problems in pets.
#4: Bladder stone removal surgery
Bladder stones are quite common in pets, often caused by urinary tract disease, inadequate hydration, improper diet, or genetics. Depending on their composition, a prescription diet can dissolve some stones, while others require surgical removal and intensive bladder flushing to prevent urinary blockage.
#5: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome repair surgery
Due to the increasing popularity of brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs, the frequency of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) repair surgeries has also increased. These pets with flat faces may require surgical procedures such as nostril opening, soft palate shortening, or laryngeal saccule removal to help them breathe more easily.
If you have any inquiries regarding your pet’s upcoming soft tissue surgery, feel free to contact our team for clarification.