5 of the Most Common Pet Soft Tissue Surgeries
The number of surgeries performed on pets varies, ranging from common elective procedures like spaying or neutering to operations necessary for saving their lives. Commonly carried out in general practice hospitals are soft tissue surgeries as well as some orthopedic procedures. But some soft tissue operations are difficult to perform and are restricted to specialized veterinary hospitals. The following list includes five of the most frequent soft tissue operations carried out in general veterinary clinics.
#1: Spay and neuter surgeries
Spays and neuters are the most common surgeries performed in general veterinary practices—often daily. These two surgeries remove reproductive organs to greatly minimize or eliminate the potential for many pet health and behavior issues.
#2: Foreign body removal surgery
Many items have been recovered from pets’ gastrointestinal tracts because cats and dogs frequently eat items that become blocked. Some of the most common foreign bodies removed from pets include:
- Clothing, especially socks
- Bones
- Corn cobs
- Rubber and plastic toys
- Hair bands
- Thread
Dogs are more discriminating about items they put in their mouths, but cats are typically fascinated with string-like items that result in a linear foreign body that can be exceptionally hazardous because the intestines become bunched, and the string can saw through them.
#3: Mass removal surgery
Pets can develop a range of benign or cancerous masses. Lumps and bumps can spread quickly, develop into ulcers, or appear in a location where they impair breathing, eating, or movement. Masses can be taken out of the skin or from inside the mouth, ears, or abdomen.
#4: Bladder stone removal surgery
Bladder stones in pets occur relatively commonly, largely because of urinary tract disease, improper diet, inadequate hydration, or genetics. Stones of a certain composition can be dissolved with a prescription diet, but others need surgical removal and thorough bladder flushing to prevent a urinary blockage.
#5: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome repair surgery
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) repair surgeries are increasing in frequency as brachycephalic breeds like pugs, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs gain popularity. For easier breathing, flat-faced animals may require surgery to widen their nostrils, shorten their soft palate, or remove laryngeal saccules.
Do you have questions about your pet’s upcoming soft tissue surgery? If so, contact our team for answers.