Veterinary Basics: Common Surgeries on Dogs and Cats

Family pet owners wish that their family pet’s only visits to veterinarians are for regular exams. It’s rather frustrating to hear your veterinarians giving your family pet referrals to surgeons. While waiting for the surgeon to see your nervous family pet, have you ever wondered what brings the other pet owners and their pets to the surgeon’s office?

Although more insurance policyholders filed cancer claims in the past, the surgical procedures performed in operation theaters continue to be the same in the last few years.

Data According to Insurance Claims

The nationwide data hasn’t changed much since the last five years. Some of the most common medical issues in pets include skin allergies, urinary tract infections (UTI), ear and eye problems, etc. This is why pets must have regular visits to veterinary facilities like the animal clinic in in Smokey Point, Arlington, given that most serious issues are preventable with extensive care.

When some avoidable diseases do not have early detections, it typically leads to severe cases that require surgical treatments. According to insurance claims data, many vets carry out surgical procedures on canines and cats at least a few times a week.

Most Common Elective Surgeries

Pet owners request most elective surgical treatments to benefit their cat or dog. These surgeries are usually related to spaying or removing the uterus and ovaries of a female pet; and neutering or removing testicles in a male pet. Minor surgical treatments might likewise include the removal of lumps or tumors of the skin. Always remember that it is essential to learn more about surgical procedures from a consultation with a veterinarian.

Most Common Required Surgeries

Although these surgeries do not need to be performed immediately, they need to be done to keep a pet’s quality of life.

One of the most usual required surgical treatments for canines is ACL repair. This surgical procedure is carried out to repair a torn cranial cruciate ligament in the knee. This procedure has been the bread and butter of most vet surgeons and makes up as much as 85% of canines’ orthopedic surgical treatments. 

For cats, dental procedures are one of the most common. Cat tooth extraction is necessary, specifically during an advanced stage of periodontal disease. It may cause bone infections and tooth abscesses if not dealt with immediately. 

Aside from tooth extractions, some reasons your cat might need surgical procedures include repairing oral defects, removing growths, or easing pain. Book a schedule for your cat’s dental visit to board-certified dental specialists with an Arlington vet dentist.

Exploratory laparotomy that requires open access to the abdominal area is usually a needed surgical treatment for both canines and felines. This surgery is done to find the root cause of the troubles that diagnostic testing can not see. It is likewise used during an abdominal injury in emergency cases.

Conclusion

There’s a possible risk involved in procedures, as there is risk involved when surgical treatment is not done. The family pet owner should discuss with the surgeon all the factors to be thought about; to come up with a decision that would be in the best interest of the pet animal.

Factors for consideration include age and general health condition of the patient, recovery time, and post-op care. The pet owner must consider all the potential outcomes if he continues or defers the procedure. Making an informed, ethical, and compassionate decision will be a lot easier if due diligence is done.