Though no pet owner likes to think about their beloved animal going under the knife, sometimes surgery is the best (or even only) option for a pet’s health. As a responsible owner, it’s important to be aware of the most common pet surgeries to make an informed decision if your pet ever needs one.
Here are seven of the most common pet surgeries:
1. Spay or neuter surgery
.This is probably the most common pet surgery, and it’s generally considered routine. Spaying or neutering your pet can help prevent certain health problems down the road, and it also helps control the animal population by preventing unwanted litters.
Some pet owners choose not to spay or neuter their animals due to the health risks associated with the surgery. However, these risks are very low, and the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet far outweigh any potential risks. Talk to your vet about whether or not this surgery is right for your pet.
2. Gastrointestinal surgery
This surgery is performed to correct any problems in the gastrointestinal tract, such as blockages or foreign bodies. It’s a fairly common surgery, particularly in dogs, known for putting things in their mouths that they shouldn’t.
Gastrointestinal surgery can be fairly complex, so find a vet who has experience performing this type of procedure. If your pet has issues with their gastrointestinal tract, make an appointment with your vet immediately.
There are times when this procedure requires you to take your pet to an emergency vet clinic. Find a reputable vet clinic or hospital with experience in gastrointestinal surgery before you need one. Ask around for recommendations or look online by searching “emergency veterinarian near me” to limit your search within your community.
3. Orthopedic surgery
A veterinary specialist performs orthopedic surgery to fix bones or joints that are not working correctly. For example, they require dog orthopedic surgery if they have a torn ligament in their knee.
This type of surgery is fairly common, particularly in larger breeds of dogs more prone to joint problems. If your pet has joints or bone issues, make an appointment with a veterinary specialist.
The (APOP) Association for Pet Obesity Prevention said that 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
Skin surgery aims to remove skin tumors, repair lacerations (cuts), or alleviate other skin conditions. It’s a common type of surgery for pets since they often have accidents or run into things that can cause cuts and scrapes.
A 6-year study in North Portugal from 2014 to 2020 found that skin tumors are the most common and second-most reported tumor type in male and female dogs. 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, or detached retinas. Vets also recommend eye surgery to remove foreign objects from the eye or repair injuries.
This type of surgery is typically performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist, a vet who has specialized training in eye surgery. Make sure you take your pet to someone qualified and experienced in this area.
6. Ear surgery
Ear surgery is done to remove ear tumors, clean out the ear canal, or repair a ruptured eardrum. It’s a fairly common type of surgery for pets, particularly dogs since their ears are more likely to get dirty and infected.
7. Dentistry
Dentistry is an essential part of pet care, and it’s something that you should be doing at home on a regular basis. However, remember that there are circumstances when your pet will need to see a professional for a cleaning or other dental procedure.
Your vet can perform most dental procedures, but they may refer you to a veterinary dentist if your pet needs something more complex. This type of specialist has additional training in dentistry and is qualified to perform more complicated procedures.
Final Thoughts
There are times when your pet needs surgery to live a long and healthy life. Find a reputable vet, such as this veterinary clinic in Oak Grove, who can perform the procedure safely and effectively.
After the surgery, follow your vet’s instructions for care and recovery. Most pets recover quickly and return to their normal activities within a few weeks.
