Surgery

Surgery involves medical procedures that use operative manual and instrumental techniques on tissue to investigate or treat a pathological condition. It is a critical component of veterinary medicine for addressing various health issues.

Terms in Surgery

TermDescription
Amputation

Amputation is the removal of a limb or part of a limb. It is a surgical procedure performed to treat severe injuries, infections, or tumors. Amputation may be necessary when a limb is damaged beyond repair or poses a threat to the animal's health. The procedure involves removing the affected limb and closing the wound with sutures. After the surgery, the animal is monitored for signs of pain or infection. Pain relief and antibiotics may be provided to aid recovery. Rehabilitation and physical therapy may be recommended to help the animal adjust to life without the limb. Amputation is a serious procedure that requires careful consideration and planning. Pet owners should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their veterinarian to make an informed decision. With proper care and rehabilitation, many animals can live happy and healthy lives after amputation.

Biopsy

A biopsy involves removing tissue for examination to diagnose diseases such as cancer. It is a diagnostic procedure that helps veterinarians determine the nature of a disease and develop an appropriate treatment plan. The biopsy can be performed on various parts of the body, including the skin, organs, or tumors. There are different types of biopsies, such as needle biopsy, punch biopsy, or surgical biopsy, depending on the location and size of the tissue. The choice of biopsy technique depends on the suspected condition and the area being examined. Biopsies are crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. They help veterinarians determine the nature of a disease and develop an appropriate treatment plan. The procedure is usually quick and can be done with minimal discomfort to the animal. After the biopsy, the tissue sample is sent to a laboratory where a pathologist examines it for any abnormalities. The results of the biopsy can provide valuable information about the animal's health and guide the veterinarian in choosing the best course of treatment. Pet owners should discuss the risks and benefits of a biopsy with their veterinarian to make an informed decision. Regular check-ups and monitoring can help detect health issues early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.

Castration

Castration is the removal of testes in male animals. It is a surgical procedure commonly performed to prevent breeding and control certain behaviors, such as aggression and roaming. Castration is also known as neutering and is a routine procedure in veterinary medicine. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, and the animal is closely monitored during and after the surgery. Castration can help reduce the risk of certain health issues, such as testicular cancer and prostate problems. It can also help reduce unwanted behaviors, making the animal more manageable and improving its quality of life. After the surgery, the animal may experience some discomfort, but this can be managed with pain relief provided by the veterinarian. It is important for pet owners to follow the veterinarian's post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Castration is a safe and effective procedure that can have long-term benefits for the animal's health and behavior. Pet owners should discuss the potential risks and benefits of castration with their veterinarian to make an informed decision. Regular check-ups and monitoring can help ensure the animal's health and well-being after the procedure.

Cystotomy

Cystotomy is a surgical incision into the urinary bladder. It is performed to remove bladder stones, tumors, or foreign objects. The procedure involves making an incision in the abdomen to access the bladder. The bladder is then opened, and the stones or other objects are removed. After the procedure, the bladder is closed with sutures, and the abdomen is closed. The animal is monitored for signs of pain or infection. Pain relief and antibiotics may be provided to aid recovery. Cystotomy is a serious procedure that requires careful consideration and planning. Pet owners should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their veterinarian to make an informed decision. With proper care and monitoring, many animals can recover well after cystotomy.

Laparotomy

Laparotomy is a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity. It is performed to diagnose or treat conditions affecting the abdominal organs. The procedure involves making an incision in the abdomen to access the organs. The veterinarian can then examine the organs and perform any necessary treatments, such as removing tumors or repairing injuries. After the procedure, the abdomen is closed with sutures, and the animal is monitored for signs of pain or infection. Pain relief and antibiotics may be provided to aid recovery. Laparotomy is a serious procedure that requires careful consideration and planning. Pet owners should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their veterinarian to make an informed decision. With proper care and monitoring, many animals can recover well after laparotomy.

Mastectomy

Mastectomy is the surgical removal of one or both mammary glands. It is performed to treat mammary tumors or infections. The procedure involves making an incision in the skin to access the mammary gland. The gland is then removed, and the incision is closed with sutures. After the procedure, the animal is monitored for signs of pain or infection. Pain relief and antibiotics may be provided to aid recovery. Mastectomy is a serious procedure that requires careful consideration and planning. Pet owners should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their veterinarian to make an informed decision. With proper care and monitoring, many animals can recover well after mastectomy.

Nephrectomy

Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney. It is performed to treat kidney tumors, infections, or injuries. The procedure involves making an incision in the abdomen to access the kidney. The kidney is then removed, and the incision is closed with sutures. After the procedure, the animal is monitored for signs of pain or infection. Pain relief and antibiotics may be provided to aid recovery. Nephrectomy is a serious procedure that requires careful consideration and planning. Pet owners should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their veterinarian to make an informed decision. With proper care and monitoring, many animals can recover well after nephrectomy.

Ovariohysterectomy

Ovariohysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the ovaries and uterus of a female animal. It is commonly performed to prevent breeding and reduce the risk of certain health issues, such as uterine infections and cancers. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, and the animal is closely monitored during and after the surgery. After the procedure, the animal may experience some discomfort, but this can be managed with pain relief provided by the veterinarian. It is important for pet owners to follow the veterinarian's post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Ovariohysterectomy is a safe and effective procedure that can have long-term benefits for the animal's health and behavior. Pet owners should discuss the potential risks and benefits of ovariohysterectomy with their veterinarian to make an informed decision. Regular check-ups and monitoring can help ensure the animal's health and well-being after the procedure.

Spay

Spaying is a surgical procedure to remove the ovaries and uterus of a female animal. This procedure is commonly performed to prevent breeding and reduce the risk of certain health issues, such as uterine infections and cancers. Spaying is a routine procedure in veterinary medicine and is usually performed under general anesthesia. The procedure can help reduce unwanted behaviors, such as heat cycles and roaming, making the animal more manageable and improving its quality of life. After the surgery, the animal may experience some discomfort, but this can be managed with pain relief provided by the veterinarian. It is important for pet owners to follow the veterinarian's post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Spaying is a safe and effective procedure that can have long-term benefits for the animal's health and behavior. Pet owners should discuss the potential risks and benefits of spaying with their veterinarian to make an informed decision. Regular check-ups and monitoring can help ensure the animal's health and well-being after the procedure.

Splenectomy

Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen. It is performed to treat conditions such as splenic tumors, ruptures, or infections. The procedure involves making an incision in the abdomen to access the spleen. The spleen is then removed, and the incision is closed with sutures. After the procedure, the animal is monitored for signs of pain or infection. Pain relief and antibiotics may be provided to aid recovery. Splenectomy is a serious procedure that requires careful consideration and planning. Pet owners should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their veterinarian to make an informed decision. With proper care and monitoring, many animals can recover well after splenectomy.