What Are the Most Common Soft Tissue Surgeries in Pets?
Veterinarians perform various surgeries on pets, ranging from elective operations like spaying or neutering procedures to surgeries that save their lives. General practice hospitals usually perform soft tissue and some orthopedic surgeries. However, some soft tissue surgeries are complicated and can only be done in specialized veterinary hospitals. Here are the top five soft tissue surgeries frequently performed in general veterinary practices.
#1: Spay and neuter surgeries
The most commonly performed surgeries in general veterinary practices are spays and neuters. These surgeries involve removing the reproductive organs to reduce or eliminate potential health and behavior issues in pets. They are often performed on a daily basis.
#2: Foreign body removal surgery
Pets, especially cats and dogs, are known to eat things that can get stuck in their intestines, and as a result, many items have been found in their gastrointestinal tracts. Common objects that have been removed from pets include:
- Clothing, especially socks
- Bones
- Hair bands
- Corn cobs
- Rubber and plastic toys
- Thread
Dogs are usually more careful about what they chew on, while cats often find string-like objects interesting. However, this can be very dangerous as cats can swallow the string and develop a serious condition where the intestines become tangled and the string can cut through them.
#3: Bladder stone removal surgery
Bladder stones are a common occurrence in pets and can be caused by urinary tract disease, improper diet, inadequate hydration, or genetics. While a prescription diet can dissolve some types of stones, others require surgical removal and thorough bladder flushing to prevent urinary blockage.
#4: Mass removal surgery
Pets can develop both benign and cancerous masses, which can cause problems such as restricted movement, breathing, or eating. These lumps and bumps can grow quickly and become ulcerated. Removal of masses is possible from various body parts, such as the skin, ears, mouth, or abdomen.
#5: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome repair surgery
As brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs, become more popular, repair surgeries for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) are becoming increasingly common. Flat-faced pets may require surgery to open their nostrils, shorten their soft palates, or remove laryngeal saccules in order to facilitate easier breathing.
If you have any questions about the soft tissue surgery planned for your pet, feel free to reach out to our team for answers.