Canine Health: Common Surgical Procedures for Dogs

There are different aspects that can affect the health of your canine pet. The common factors include the diet, the dog's environment and your health practices as a pet owner. Ideally, you should provide the animal with a balanced diet, according to the recommendations provided by your veterinarian. You should provide a clean living space for the dog, and you must never overlook important things such as immunisation and exercise. Still, the pet might require veterinary surgical treatment, even when proper care is given. This type of medical intervention can be utilised in preventing or treating medical conditions. Here are the common canine surgical procedures that you should understand as a pet owner.

Sterilisation Surgery

Sterilisation surgery is an elective medical procedure, which means that it is not necessary for your pet's health. This surgery is designed to render your dog incapable of producing puppies. The neutering will also prevent deviant behaviour and protect your dog from medical complications linked to reproductive organs. If you have a female canine, the veterinarian will remove the ovaries and, in some cases, the uterus of the animal. This is commonly known as spaying and medically as ovario-hysterectomy. Male dogs are castrated during sterilisation surgery, which means that their testicles are removed.

Dental Surgery

Canines are susceptible to dental medical conditions that can cause extensive discomfort. Moreover, the dental illnesses will contribute to other problems due to associated infection and poor feeding habits. Dental prophylaxis is a common preventative procedure that you should commission for your dog. It is not per se a surgical procedure, but it is performed under anaesthesia. This generally involves removal of tartar and cleaning out infection-causing plaque. Your veterinarian will also recommend dental surgery if your dog has conditions such as dental abscess, root canal infection and broken teeth.

Bloat Surgery

Bloating is a common condition in dogs, and it occurs when the stomach fills with gas. The disease is medically known as gastric dilatation volvulus, and it can cause twisting and extreme pain. Your dog will require immediate medical intervention for this condition to prevent complications such as necrosis of the tissues in the stomach wall. Generally, the veterinarian will take radiographs to confirm the bloating diagnosis before performing the surgical procedure. The surgery typically involves putting the stomach back into its normal position, deflating to remove the gases and tacking the organ to the body wall. In some serious cases, the pet surgeon might also recommend removal of the spleen and part of the stomach.

For more information about these procedures, contact an animal surgeon in your area.