Common Soft Tissue Surgeries in Pets
General veterinary practices perform a variety of surgeries on pets, including routine procedures like spaying or neutering and more serious operations to save their lives. While most hospitals can handle soft tissue and some orthopedic procedures, there are certain complex soft tissue surgeries that require specialized veterinary hospitals. Here are five of the most common soft tissue surgeries that you can expect to find in general veterinary practice.
#1: Foreign body removal surgery
Pets, especially cats and dogs, often eat things that can block their digestive system. As a result, many objects are retrieved from their gastrointestinal tracts. The following are some of the most frequently removed foreign bodies found in pets.
- Clothing, especially socks
- Bones
- Corn cobs
- Rubber and plastic toys
- Hair bands
- Thread
Dogs are usually more careful about what they chew, while cats are attracted to string-like objects that can be very dangerous if swallowed. This is because the string can bunch up in the intestines and potentially cause damage by cutting through them.
#2: Spay and neuter surgeries
The most frequent surgeries performed in general veterinary practices are spays and neuters, which are usually done on a daily basis. These surgeries involve removing the reproductive organs, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate various health and behavior issues in pets.
#3: Mass removal surgery
Pets can develop various benign or cancerous masses, which can grow rapidly, become ulcerated, or develop in a spot that restricts movement, breathing, or eating. These masses may appear on the skin or inside the ears, mouth, or abdomen, and can be removed.
#4: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome repair surgery
Surgery to treat brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is becoming more frequent as brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs, gain popularity. These pets with flat faces may require surgery to widen their nostrils, shorten their soft palate, or eliminate laryngeal saccules in order to breathe more easily.
#5: Bladder stone removal surgery
Bladder stones are a common problem in pets and are often caused by urinary tract disease, inadequate hydration, improper diet, or genetics. A prescription diet may dissolve stones of a specific composition, but surgical removal and thorough bladder flushing are required to prevent urinary blockages in other cases.
If you have any questions about soft tissue surgery for your pet, please reach out to our team for assistance.