What Is Soft Tissue Surgery in Pets?
The most basic definition of soft tissue surgery is a surgical procedure that is not an orthopedic case. This consists of cardiothoracic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital, hepatic, and oncological conditions. It also includes disorders involving the ear, nose, and throat.
Surgery can be very frustrating for you and your pet; this article aims to give you appropriate information concerning soft tissue surgery. You’ll know what to expect if your pet is referred or scheduled for a surgical procedure.
Common Soft Tissue Surgery Procedures
Congenital Defects
The frequently reported congenital and inherited defects in canines and felines consist of genetic problems affecting the eye, heart, and skeletal muscle. It likewise includes neurologic defects, failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum, and hip and elbow abnormalities.
Spaying/ Neutering
This refers to taking out either the ovaries or testicles to make your dog or cat sterile. Not just to prevent overpopulation, but it also helps avoid certain types of cancers in their later life.
Intestinal Foreign Body Removal
Foreign bodies occur when pets consume items that will not readily pass through the gastrointestinal tract. It could include the removal of bones, trash, children’s toys, leashes, etc.
Prophylactic Gastropexy
Prophylactic gastropexy is a surgical procedure that tacks the stomach to the body wall to avoid gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat.
Splenectomy
A splenectomy is a treatment that removes the spleen of your pet when a serious condition that damages the spleen happens.
Stenotic Nares
Stenotic nares mean the nostrils are narrow or pinched, making it very hard for an animal to breathe, causing open-mouth breathing and panting.
Tumor Removal
Vet oncologists must be proactive in managing tumors. Early detection and removal lead to a better prognosis and might not need additional therapy.
Urinary Tract Surgery and Stone Removal
If your canine or feline has bladder stones, your vet might refer you to a dog and cat surgery in Harlingen for stone removal. Bladder stones cause discomfort, trouble to urinate, and blood in urine and may cause urinary blockage.
What to Do Before a Surgery
Because there are various soft tissue surgeries, each problem needs a unique surgical procedure. A visit to a coperhensive veterinary hospital will ensure that you’ll be getting the appropriate information resulting in an informed choice.
As with every surgical procedure for cats and dogs, a pre-consultation is necessary to guarantee all your pet’s needs are met in the best possible way. It is an opportunity to seek advice from a reputable pet surgeon to get as much insight to secure the best comfort for your pet during and after surgical treatment.
What to Do After a Surgery
Some surgeries require your pet to remain in the medical facility for at least a couple of days. The vet will keep an eye on the post-op results for any complications. In some cases, even after returning from home, you should restrain your pet from physical activities for a week to help with fast recovery and prevent complications. In this case, you might choose to avail of dog boarding services to free you from the tension of performing post-op care independently.
Conclusion
Like humans, your pet might inherit congenital disabilities or become susceptible to developing age-related medical conditions. Undergoing soft tissue surgery may help your furry friend by removing lumps, fixing injuries, identifying the cause of gastrointestinal problems, etc.
Some medical problems need surgical intervention. Board-certified surgeons are in the best position to resolve any medical issues requiring immediate surgical intervention or otherwise, which may lead to fatality. The continuous development in veterinary surgery brings about fewer complications leading to death; and better clinical prognosis.
