Common Soft Tissue Surgeries in Pets
Numerous surgeries are performed on pets, ranging from common elective treatments like spaying or neutering to operations that save their lives. General practice hospitals frequently carry out soft tissue surgery as well as some orthopedic treatments. However, some soft tissue surgeries are difficult operations that can only be done in specialized veterinary hospitals. These five procedures are the most often performed soft tissue surgeries in regular veterinary offices.
#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 selective about what they put in their mouths, however cats are frequently captivated by anything that resemble string, creating a linear foreign body that can be particularly dangerous since the intestines become tangled and the string can saw through them.
#3: Mass removal surgery
Pets develop a variety of masses that are benign or cancerous. Lumps and bumps can grow rapidly, become ulcerated, or develop in a spot where they restrict movement, breathing, or eating. Masses can be removed from the skin or inside the ears, mouth, or abdomen.
#4: Bladder stone removal surgery
In pets, bladder stones are rather frequent and are primarily brought on by heredity, urinary tract disease, poor food, and dehydration. Some types of stones can be removed surgically, while others require complete bladder cleansing to avoid a urinary obstruction. Some stones can be broken up with a prescription diet.
#5: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome repair surgery
As brachycephalic breeds, like pugs, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs, become more popular, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) repair surgeries are becoming more common. Flat-faced pets may need surgery to open their nostrils, shorten their soft palate, or remove laryngeal saccules to enable easier breathing.