Discover 5 Types of Soft Tissue Surgeries Commonly Performed on Pets
General veterinary hospitals perform a variety of surgeries on pets, ranging from elective procedures like spaying or neutering to lifesaving interventions. While most general practice hospitals can perform soft tissue surgeries and some orthopedic procedures, more complex soft tissue surgeries require specialized veterinary hospitals. Here are the five most common soft tissue surgeries performed in general veterinary practices.
#1: Spay and neuter surgeries
Removing reproductive organs through spays and neuters is a routine surgical practice in general veterinary clinics. These surgeries are performed frequently, sometimes even daily, to prevent various health and behavior problems in pets.
#2: Foreign body removal surgery
PetsPets often swallow things that get stuck in their digestive system, and many of these items have been removed from cats and dogs.The most common foreign objects retrieved from pets are:
- Clothing, especially socks
- Bones
- Corn cobs
- Rubber and plastic toys
- Hair bands
- Thread
While dogs tend to be pickier about what they chew on, cats are known to be drawn to string-like objects, which can cause dangerous linear foreign bodies. This is because the string can bunch up and cut through their intestines.
#3: Mass removal surgery
Pets can develop different masses, which may be either cancerous or non-cancerous. The masses can grow quickly, get ulcerated, or appear in a location where they hinder the pet’s breathing, movement, or eating. The masses can be removed from various areas, such as the skin, ears, mouth, or abdomen.
#4: Bladder stone removal surgery
Bladder stones are common among pets, often caused by urinary tract disease, improper diet, lack of hydration, or genetics. Prescription diets can dissolve stones of certain compositions, while others require surgical removal and bladder flushing to avoid urinary blockage.
#5: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome repair surgery
As pugs, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs gain popularity, more surgeries are being performed to treat brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). These breeds have flat faces and may require surgeries such as nostril widening, soft palate shortening, or removing laryngeal saccules to improve their breathing.
If you have any questions regarding your pet’s upcoming soft tissue surgery, please get in touch with our team for answers.