Soft tissue surgeries
Soft tissue surgeries in dogs and cats involve procedures that focus on the organs, skin, muscles, and connective tissues rather than bones or joints. These surgeries are essential for treating various medical conditions, from routine to complex. Here's an overview of some common soft tissue surgeries in dogs and cats:
1. Spaying (Ovariohysterectomy) and Neutering (Castration)
- Spaying (Females): Removal of the ovaries and uterus to prevent reproduction and reduce the risk of certain cancers and infections (e.g., pyometra).
- Neutering (Males): Removal of the testicles to prevent reproduction and reduce the risk of prostate issues and certain cancers.
2. Mass Removals (Tumors, Cysts)
- These procedures involve the excision of abnormal growths, which may be benign or malignant. It's essential for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent the spread of cancer or other complications.
3. Foreign Body Removal
- Dogs and cats sometimes ingest foreign objects that become lodged in the digestive tract, requiring surgical removal to prevent life-threatening obstructions.
4. Cystotomy
- A surgical procedure to open the bladder, often to remove bladder stones or other obstructions, which can cause urinary blockage or infections.
5. Wound Repair
- Soft tissue surgeries also include closing traumatic wounds or abscesses, sometimes requiring the placement of drains to prevent infection.
6. Gastrointestinal Surgery
- This includes surgeries such as:
- Enterotomy: Opening the intestines to remove blockages or foreign bodies.
- Resection and Anastomosis: Removing damaged or diseased parts of the intestine and reconnecting the healthy sections.
7. Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair
- This surgery corrects a tear in the diaphragm, often caused by trauma, which allows abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity, affecting breathing.
8. Liver, Spleen, or Kidney Surgeries
- Soft tissue surgeries may involve the removal of diseased or cancerous portions of these organs or biopsies to diagnose various conditions.
9. Ophthalmic Surgeries (Eye-related)
- These include procedures like:
- Enucleation: Removal of a damaged or diseased eye.
- Eyelid tumor removal or repair of entropion/ectropion (abnormal eyelid positioning).
10. Brachycephalic Airway Surgery
- Common in flat-faced breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs), this surgery improves breathing by widening the nostrils and shortening the soft palate.
11. Splenectomy
- This surgery involves the removal of the spleen, often due to trauma or splenic tumors.
12. Ear Surgeries
- Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA): Removal of the ear canal in cases of severe infection or tumors.
- Lateral Ear Canal Resection: Helps improve air flow in the ear to prevent chronic infections.
Pre-Surgery Considerations:
- Pre-operative testing (e.g., bloodwork, X-rays) is critical to assess the pet’s overall health.
- Anesthesia is used for most surgeries, and monitoring throughout the procedure ensures safety.
Post-Surgery Care:
- Pets require rest and restricted movement after surgery to allow for proper healing.
- Pain management, antibiotics, and wound care are often part of post-operative recovery.
These surgeries are essential for improving pets' quality of life, addressing both routine and emergency medical issues.
Book an appointment to discuss the surgery might be required for your furry friends.