Common Soft Tissue Surgeries for Pets
Pets require various surgeries, from elective procedures like spaying and neutering, to essential surgeries to save their lives. General practice hospitals often perform soft tissue surgeries, as well as some orthopedic procedures. However, some complex soft tissue surgeries can only be done in specialty veterinary hospitals. These are the top five soft tissue surgeries commonly performed in general veterinary practices.
#1: Spay and neuter surgeries
The most frequently performed surgeries in general veterinary practices are spays and neuters, which are carried out on a daily basis. These surgeries involve removing the reproductive organs and can help prevent a variety of pet health and behavior problems.
#2: Foreign body removal surgery
Pets often ingest objects that can cause blockages, resulting in the recovery of numerous foreign bodies from their gastrointestinal tracts. The most commonly removed objects from cats and dogs include:
- Clothing, especially socks
- Bones
- Corn cobs
- Rubber and plastic toys
- Hair bands
- Thread
Dogs tend to be more careful about what they chew on, while cats are usually attracted to string-like objects that can be dangerous if swallowed. This is because the string can bunch up the intestines and cut through them, causing serious harm.
#3: Mass removal surgery
Pets can develop masses that may be cancerous or benign. These masses, which can appear as lumps or bumps, may grow quickly, ulcerate, or occur in places that restrict a pet’s movement, breathing, or eating. Masses may be removed from areas such as the skin, inside the ears, mouth, or abdomen.
#4: Bladder stone removal surgery
Bladder stones are a common issue in pets due to various reasons such as urinary tract disease, poor diet, lack of adequate hydration, or genetics. Certain types of stones can be dissolved with a prescription diet, but others need surgical removal and thorough bladder flushing to prevent blockage of the urinary tract.
#5: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome repair surgery
The demand for brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs is increasing, resulting in more frequent surgeries to repair brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Flat-faced pets may require surgeries like nostril widening, soft palate shortening, or laryngeal saccule removal to improve their breathing.
If you have any questions regarding your pet’s upcoming soft tissue surgery, feel free to contact our team for answers.