Common Soft Tissue Surgeries in Pets
Many types of surgeries are performed on pets, ranging from elective procedures such as spaying or neutering to critical life-saving surgeries. While general practice hospitals can perform soft tissue and some orthopedic surgeries, complex soft tissue surgeries may require specialty veterinary hospitals. Here are five frequently performed soft tissue surgeries in general veterinary practices.
In general veterinary practices, spaying and neutering are very frequent surgeries that are often performed on a daily basis. These procedures involve removing reproductive organs in order to significantly reduce or eliminate various health and behavior issues that pets may experience.
#2: Bladder stone removal surgery
Pets can develop bladder stones frequently due to urinary tract disease, inadequate hydration, improper diet, or genetics. A prescription diet can dissolve some types of stones, while others require surgical removal and proper bladder flushing to prevent urinary blockage.
#3: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome repair surgery
With the rise in popularity of breeds like pugs, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs, which have short snouts, surgeries to correct a breathing condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) are becoming more frequent. Such pets may require surgery to open up their nostrils, reduce the length of their soft palate, or take out the laryngeal saccules to allow them to breathe more easily.
#4: Foreign body removal surgery
Cats and dogs often eat things that become blocked in their digestive system, leading to the recovery of various items. The most frequent foreign objects removed from pets are:
- Clothing, especially socks
- Bones
- Corn cobs
- Rubber and plastic toys
- Hair bands
- Thread
Dogs are selective about what they chew, whereas cats are often attracted to string-like objects that can pose a serious health risk. When swallowed, these objects can form a linear foreign body that may lead to intestinal blockages and lacerations.
#5: Mass removal surgery
Pets can have both benign and cancerous masses, which can grow quickly and in inconvenient areas that limit movement, breathing, or eating. Masses can be removed from various parts of the body, such as skin, ears, mouth, or abdomen.
If you have any questions about the soft tissue surgery that your pet will undergo, please reach out to our team for answers.