What Types of Surgeries Are Performed by Veterinary Surgeons?

When our furry friends need medical attention, veterinary surgeons are there to provide the specialized care necessary for their recovery. The field of veterinary medicine has advanced to offer a wide spectrum of surgical interventions, from standard procedures to sophisticated operations for complex conditions. In this article, we’ll walk through some of the surgery types vet surgeons commonly perform, shedding light on the vast expertise these professionals possess.

1. Soft Tissue Surgeries

Soft tissue surgeries are a broad category involving operations on muscles, skin, internal organs, and tumors. These procedures can be lifesaving and may include:

  • Spay and neuter surgeries: Essential for population control and can have health benefits.

  • Mass removals: To biopsy or eliminate tumors, both benign and malignant.

  • Gastrointestinal surgeries: To remove foreign objects pets might ingest or to treat conditions like bloat.

The term veterinary surgery encompasses a wide array of surgical procedures performed by veterinary surgeons. It includes the diagnostics, surgical treatment, and aftercare associated with animal surgeries. Vet surgeons are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care, using state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to ensure the best outcomes for their patients.

Advanced Soft Tissue Surgery

Some pets may require more advanced interventions, such as:

  • Hernia repairs, which rectify displaced organs or tissues.

  • Reconstructive surgeries after trauma or for congenital abnormalities.

  • Organ-specific procedures like bladder stone removal or liver biopsies.

2. Orthopedic Surgeries

Moving on from soft tissue, another significant type of surgery veterinary surgeons undertake is orthopedic surgery. This area focuses on bones, joints, ligaments, and muscle conditions.

Treatment for Common Musculoskeletal Issues

Much like humans, animals can suffer from a variety of musculoskeletal issues that may require surgical intervention:

  • Fracture repairs: using pins, plates, or screws to stabilize broken bones.

  • Cruciate ligament repairs: to address a common knee injury in dogs.

  • Corrective surgeries: for hip dysplasia or other joint abnormalities.

Specialized Orthopedic Techniques

There are also more specialized orthopedic surgeries, such as:

  • Arthroscopy: a minimally invasive technique for joint issues.

  • Limb amputation: occasionally necessary for severe trauma or cancer.

  • Osteotomy procedures: for conditions like elbow dysplasia where the bone is cut to realign the joint.

Like in human medicine, veterinary medicine also has specialists. These trained professionals have completed further education and training in specific areas of veterinary medicine after getting their veterinary degrees. An exceptional example is a vet hospital in Bonita Springs, where specialist veterinarians are equipped to manage a range of intricate health concerns in pets.

3. Ophthalmic Surgeries

The precision required for operations on the eyes is remarkable, and veterinary surgeons often find themselves performing surgeries such as:

  • Cataract removal to restore vision.

  • Cherry eye repair, correcting prolapsed eyelid glands.

  • Enucleation, or eye removal, in severe trauma or disease cases.

Preventive and Corrective Eye Care

Additionally, vet surgeons may engage in:

  • Entropion and ectropion surgery to fix eyelids that roll inward or outward, respectively.

  • Corneal ulcer treatment, where surgery may be necessary to help severe cases heal.

  • Glaucoma procedures to relieve pressure within the eye.

4. Dental Surgeries

Oral health is paramount in pets, and veterinary surgeons frequently perform dental surgeries to address various dental issues, such as:

  • Extractions of damaged or decayed teeth.

  • Jaw fracture repairs.

  • Treatment of periodontal disease, which can be detrimental if left unchecked.

5. Cardiothoracic Surgeries

Heart and chest operations are among the most challenging, generally performed by specialized veterinary cardiac surgeons:

  • Heart valve repair or replacement for congenital defects or age-related wear.

  • Pericardectomy for removing fluid built up around the heart.

  • Lung lobe removal in cases of tumors or severe infections.

6. Neurological Surgeries

Veterinary surgeons with a focus on neurology perform operations on the brain and spine, such as:

  • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) treatments.

  • Brain tumor removal.

  • Spinal fracture stabilization.

In the event that your pet requires immediate surgical care, you’ll likely turn to an emergency facility. A 24 hour vet in Bonita Springs represents the kind of round-the-clock care that’s available for critical situations. These centers are prepared to handle urgent surgeries at any time, whether it’s an accident, sudden illness, or a rapidly worsening chronic condition.

7. Cancer Surgeries

Finally, cancer surgeries are a critical component of a veterinary surgeon’s repertoire. They work hand in hand with veterinary oncologists to:

  • Tumor Removal: One of the primary goals of cancer surgery is to remove tumors from affected animals. Surgical excision of tumors aims to eliminate cancerous tissue from the body, reducing the tumor burden and potentially preventing the spread of cancer to other organs or tissues. Tumor removal surgeries may vary in complexity depending on the size, location, and type of cancer.

  • Biopsies for Diagnosis: Surgical biopsies are essential for diagnosing the type and stage of cancer in pets. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is collected from the tumor or affected area and examined under a microscope to determine the presence of cancer cells and their characteristics. The information obtained from biopsies helps veterinarians and oncologists develop tailored treatment plans for individual patients.

  • Palliative Surgeries: In some cases, cancer surgeries may be performed with palliative intent to improve the quality of life for pets with advanced or incurable cancer. Palliative surgeries aim to alleviate symptoms, relieve pain, and enhance comfort, allowing pets to enjoy a better quality of life for the remainder of their time.

Final Thoughts

Veterinary surgeons perform an impressive range of surgeries to help our cherished pets live healthier, happier lives. From routine procedures to emergency operations, their skills are invaluable to the well-being of animals. When it comes to the health of your pets, knowing that there’s a dedicated veterinary professional out there capable of addressing even the most complicated conditions can provide significant peace of mind.