What is veterinary surgery?
Veterinary surgery, performed by licensed veterinarians and veterinary surgeons, involves procedures that address animal health and wellbeing, involving a wide range of surgical techniques from routine to advanced, and in areas like orthopedics, soft tissue, and neurosurgery.
There are several situations when your veterinarian may recommend surgical treatment for your pet. Some of the most common scenarios include:
Preventive procedures: Spaying for female pets and neutering for male pets are common procedures recommended to prevent unwanted litters and lower the risk of health problems, including uterine infections and testicular cancer.
Injury or trauma: Pets can occasionally experience injuries like broken bones, torn ligaments, or deep lacerations, which may require surgical intervention for effective healing and recovery.
Chronic conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as joint issues, cancer, or gastrointestinal disorders, may require surgical intervention to manage symptoms, alleviate pain, or remove affected tissues.
Congenital abnormalities: Some pets are born with genetic defects that can be addressed through surgical procedures, improving their overall health.
Veterinary surgical procedures play a crucial role in soothing discomfort, healing injuries, addressing diseases, and boosting the overall well-being of our furry friends. They can help extend their lives, improve their quality of life, and stop health issues from getting worse. Plus, these important procedures allow veterinarians to uncover hidden problems that might not be detectable through other means.
Whether a pet requires a routine surgery or emergency intervention depends on the situation. Routine veterinary surgeries include planned and non-urgent procedures such as spaying or neutering. On the other hand, emergency surgeries are life-saving interventions necessary for critical situations like trauma or poisoning that require immediate care.
Preparing Your Pet for Surgery
Before your pet's surgery, a pre-surgical health screening and examination will be performed to determine if there are any hidden health concerns.
Some of the tests that the veterinarian may perform before your pet's surgery include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To examine the various types of blood cells and identify conditions such as anemia, infection, or clotting issues.
- Serum Biochemistry Profile: To measure the functioning of organs such as the liver and kidneys, along with electrolyte balance.
- Urinalysis: To analyze the urine for indications of kidney or bladder problems.
- Coagulation Panel: To evaluate the ability of blood to clot, which helps prevent excessive bleeding during and after surgery.
To get your pet ready for surgery, you will need to make sure their vaccinations are current, consult with your veterinary surgeon about medications, and adhere to fasting guidelines (typically 8-12 hours before the procedure) to reduce anesthesia risks. Don't hesitate to contact our veterinary team if you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet's surgery.
The Surgical Process
Before the surgery begins, the veterinary team will prepare the patient in a clean area, carefully shaving and cleaning the surgical site. Your pet will receive a personalized anesthesia plan tailored to its specific health needs and the type of surgery being performed.
The surgical team works together closely, with each member playing a crucial role. A veterinarian leads the procedure, while technicians monitor the animal's vital signs using specialized medical equipment. They keep track of the patient's heart rate, breathing, and overall condition throughout the surgery. Modern medical tools and techniques are used to make the surgery as safe and effective as possible.
Pain management is a main priority during the entire process. The team uses specific strategies to keep your pet comfortable before, during, and after the surgery. The length of the procedure can vary, with simple surgeries taking just an hour or two, while more complex operations may take longer. Throughout the entire process, the veterinary team remains focused on ensuring your furry companion's safety, minimizing discomfort, and supporting a smooth recovery.
Recovery & Post-Surgical Care
There are a few things that can be done while your pet recovers from surgery to help them heal as quickly and effectively as possible.
Post-Surgery Care
Ongoing vital checks: Your pet will be carefully monitored after waking up from anesthesia.
Pain management: Additional pain medication will be given to ensure your pet remains comfortable.
Patient updates: A member of the surgical team will call you to provide an update on your pet and how they are doing.
Discharge instructions: All aspects of post-operative care and recovery will be discussed with you at the time of discharge. You will receive a written summary of these instructions.
At-Home Monitoring
Monitor their health: Regularly monitor your pet's temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate, as these can give clues about potential issues.
General condition: Watch for signs of pain, fatigue, or abnormal behavior in your pet, and promptly inform your veterinarian of any concerns.
Incision site: Keep an eye on the incision area for any infection indicators such as swelling, redness, pus, or excessive bleeding, and adhere to your veterinarian's wound care instructions.
Pain Management Strategies
Medication: Administer the pain medication as prescribed by your veterinarian, and carefully follow the dosage instructions.
Comfort: Create a calm and cozy space for your pet to relax, steering clear of overstimulation.
Gentle handling: Handle your pet gently, particularly around the incision site, and steer clear of any activities that might cause pain or discomfort.
Wound Care
Keep the incision clean and dry: Follow your veterinarian's guidance for maintaining the incision site and avoiding infection.
Prevent licking or chewing: If needed, use an Elizabethan collar (e-collar or cone) to stop your pet from licking or chewing the incision site, as this can cause infection and slow down healing.
Monitor for complications: Watch for infection indicators like swelling, redness, pus, or fever, and consult a vet if you notice any issues.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
Quiet environment: Create a quiet, cozy space for your pet to relax, separated from other animals and children.
Temperature control: Make sure the room maintains a comfortable temperature, avoiding extremes of heat and cold, and keep drafts at bay.
Restricted activity: Restrict your pet's activity to avoid putting stress on the incision area and to encourage healing.
Recovery Care
Follow medication instructions: Administer all medications as directed by your veterinarian, and never stop treatment early, even if your pet seems fine.
Attend follow-up appointments: Make sure to attend every scheduled follow-up appointment to track your pet's progress and discuss any concerns.
Contact your veterinarian: If you have questions or concerns regarding your pet's recovery, reach out to your veterinarian right away.
Restrictions on Activity
Exercise restrictions: Follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding activity restrictions, which may include limiting walks, running, jumping, and playing.
Leash walks: If allowed, keep walks short and on a leash to prevent your pet from running or jumping.
Avoid bathing: Avoid bathing your pet until the incision is fully healed, and keep the incision area dry.
Supervision: Supervise your pet closely to prevent them from licking or chewing at the incision site or bandages.
The Importance of Follow-up Visits
Following pet surgery, regular veterinary follow-up visits are crucial for monitoring healing, identifying potential complications, and ensuring a full recovery, potentially reducing the need for future surgeries by addressing underlying issues.
Monitoring healing and recovery: Follow-up appointments allow veterinarians to assess the incision site, check for signs of infection, and ensure the pet is healing properly.
Addressing potential complications: Early detection and intervention of complications like infection, excessive pain, or delayed healing can prevent more serious problems.
Medication management: Veterinarians can adjust pain medication or antibiotics as needed during follow-up visits to optimize the pet's comfort and recovery.
Addressing owner concerns: Follow-up visits provide an opportunity for pet owners to ask questions and discuss any concerns they may have about their pet's recovery.
Long-term health management: Post-surgical care can help identify and manage underlying conditions that may have contributed to the need for surgery, potentially reducing the risk of future surgical interventions.
Note: The advice and/or information provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition or for the most up-to-date information, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.