Your dog or cat is a part of your family, so it’s only natural that you want to keep them healthy and happy. Being a well-informed pet owner is one of the ways to do this. That means knowing about the different types of vet surgeries available and when they might be necessary.
Here are some of the most common vet surgeries:
1. Spay or neuter surgery
This is a routine surgery for pets to prevent them from reproducing. It’s typically done when they’re young (between six and nine months old), but they can have it at any age.
Some people opt not to spay or neuter their pets because they want them to have the experience of having a litter. However, veterinarians generally recommend these to help improve your pet’s health and prevent behavioral issues.
Find a spay & neuter vet clinic that you trust before scheduling this type of surgery for your pet. This way, you know they will be honest in explaining the procedure.
2. Gastrointestinal surgery
This type of surgery is performed on the stomach or intestines and is usually done to remove a foreign object that your pet has swallowed (like a toy or piece of food). Vets also do this to treat conditions like blockages, tumors, or intestinal bleeding.
There are times when this procedure requires you to take your pet to an emergency animal hospital. Make sure to visit your vet’s website for more info on their operation hours.
3. Orthopedic surgery
Vets perform orthopedic surgery on the bones, joints, or muscles and is usually done to repair injuries (like fractures) or treat conditions like hip dysplasia, torn ligaments, or dislocated knees. Cats and Dogs are the most common recipients of this type of surgery.
According to APOP (Association for Pet Obesity Prevention), 56% of dogs and 60% of cats were obese or overweight in the U.S. in 2018. Vets warn pet owners that obesity increases pressure on joints and bones. In the same year, APPA (American Pet Products Association) reported that almost 20.8 million dogs in the U.S. had undergone orthopedic surgeries in 2016.
The report said that the most common orthopedic surgeries performed on dogs were:
- Femoral head osteotomy
- Bones fracture repair
- Cruciate ligament repair
- Medial patellar luxation
4. Skin surgery
This type of surgery is performed on the skin, usually to remove tumors, cysts, or abscesses. Vets also recommend this to treat conditions like allergies or hot spots.
A 6-year study in North Portugal from 2014 to 2020 found that skin tumors are the most and second-most reported tumor type in male and female dogs, respectively. This means that your pet is likely to need this type of surgery at some point in their life.
5. Eye surgery
Eye surgery aims to treat cataracts, glaucoma, and detached retinas. Vets also do it to remove foreign objects or tumors from the eye. This surgery type is usually performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist – a vet who has received specialized training in treating eye problems in animals.
Genetics is the most common cause of dog cataracts, according to the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO). It can also result from eye inflammation, injury, or systemic diabetes.
6. Ear surgery
Ear surgery is performed to treat conditions like polyps, tumors, or blockages in the ear. Vets also use this to remove foreign objects or clean out debris. This type of surgery is typically done by a veterinary ophthalmologist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT).
7. Dentistry
Dental surgery is performed to clean, extract, or repair teeth. It’s usually done by a veterinary dentist – a vet who has received specialized training in treating dental problems in animals. Experts recommend having your pet’s teeth checked and cleaned at least once a year. This way, you can prevent or catch problems early on.
As a Summary
Vet surgeries can be done for different reasons, from spaying and neutering to removing tumors. It’s essential to keep your pet healthy and free from conditions that could potentially shorten their lifespan or cause them pain. To do this, you should visit a reputable vet clinic (such as Oak Grove Animal Hospital) regularly and get any recommended vaccinations or surgical procedures done on time.
Regular vet check-ups and prompt treatment of medical conditions will go a long way in ensuring a long, happy life for your beloved pet.
