Surgical Procedures

Have you ever wondered why pets are humanity's best friends? What is so special about these cuties that we cannot stop adoring them?

Well, whether they are fluffy dogs or grumpy cats, we all love them!

No doubt, we develop an unbreakable bond with our pets. Their happiness and joy make us equally happy. And spending quality time with our pets significantly reduces our stress level and helps us cope with the crisis. Consequently, it is important to look after our furry friends as well.

However, at times our pets get cranky and throw tantrums. But have you thought about what is the reason behind their aggressive behavior? Are they suffering from any disease? Do they require an urgent visit to the veterinarian? The truth is the very idea of visiting a veterinarian gives a chill down a spine to the pet parents. Unfortunately, there is a lot of fear when the doctor recommends surgery for your furry pal. But, trust me, this is the best thing for your pet's wellness as we all are aware of the fact that compromised health is one of the prime reasons for your pet's unruly behavior.

Since our compassionate companions cannot share and express their pain, visiting a veterinarian is necessary. So, if they recommend a surgical procedure for your favorite pet, it is very much needed. And this is the only option to ensure your pet's comfort and happiness. So, lets us dig into some more important information about veterinary surgical procedures.

They are broadly divided into two main categories: elective procedures and emergency procedures. So, let us crack each one of them step by step.

Elective Procedures

These procedures are not urgently required but are quite beneficial for pet patients. They ensure a healthy lifestyle and, above all, it prevents potential infections and diseases.

Some of the most common elective procedures are as follows:

• Dental extractions
• Spay surgery
• Neuter surgery
• Benign skin growths

Now let us take a look at some of the emergency care procedures:

• A skin wound or pus
• Internal bleeding
• Malignant tumor
• Intestinal disorders
• Bone fracture
• Skin cancer

Blockage of vital organs like heart, liver, kidney, and spleen

Therefore, it is important to note that after careful and thorough analysis, the veterinary surgeon gives their final verdict of pursuing either the elective or the emergency operational procedure after careful and thorough analysis. All they want is a healthy and active lifestyle for their pets.

Low Risk Is Associated With Pet Surgeries

We all know that there is a price for everything. But, when it comes to veterinary procedures, the benefits outweigh their disadvantages. No doubt, extra care, and affection are required pre-and post-surgical procedures. But it is worth it. However, the veterinary operational procedures have little to no risk associated with the procedure, recovery, and healing process. Therefore, there is no need to panic when your veterinarian suggests a surgical procedure for your pets.

How To Deliver Top-Notch Care To The Pet-Patients?

Before proceeding with the final decision of the surgery following crucial information must always be considered:

• Evaluation of pros and cons of the specific surgical procedure.
• Review of the pet's medical history.
• Through physical examination of the pet patient.
• Complete blood test report to check if the platelets are sufficient for clotting.
• Hematocrit test to find out if the pet patient is anemic.
• Urine Specific Gravity(USG) test for evaluating kidneys' proper functioning and urine concentration.
• Blood Urea Test (BUT) for finding out the kidney's health condition.
• Determination of appropriate amount and dosage of anesthesia for the pet patients.
• To ensure proper sterilization of the room to prevent cross-infection and contamination.
• Use hand-gloves, sterile gowns, and masks before entering the operation theatre.
• Use of sterilized and well-packed surgical instruments before starting the veterinary procedure.

Important Discussion To Conduct With The Pet-Owner

It is important to brief the pet owner about the possible complications associated with the operational procedure. Following factors are crucial when it comes to cats and dogs surgery: 

• To properly check the past health record of the pet
• Age and gender of the animal
• Potential threats after the surgery
• Recovery possibilities after surgery
• Healing time and physical therapy duration

Therefore, the main purpose of the veterinarian is to give transparent and accurate information to the pet parents regarding the operational procedure. Everything should be explained clearly to them so they can make an informed decision regarding the wellness of their furry pal.

Pets Pre-Surgical Instructions

The purpose of surgery is to provide the utmost care and protection to pet patients. However, before initiating the planned or emergency operational procedure, you must follow general guidelines. 

• Strictly follow the recommended drinking and feeding routine by the doctor.
• Do not feed your pets before the working day. 
• The pet is allowed to drink only until the morning of the surgery.
• Try your best to reach on time because any delay can cost both the pet's life and the doctor's time.
• Vigilantly follow all the instructions provided by the surgeon. In case of any issue, immediately call the hospital regarding the pre-surgical care for your pets.

Therefore, follow the doctor's recommended guidelines if you want to see your pet happy and active.

Pets Anaesthesia

As stated earlier, compassionate companions cannot share their pain and suffering. Therefore, it is important to relax their body and muscles before starting the surgical procedure. For example, morphine acts as a sedative and analgesic as well. However, the doctor decides the sedative dosage considering the pet patient's medical history, age, and gender. 

Therefore, the following things are important to consider when your pet is given anesthesia:

• It is ok for your pet to feel dizzy and numb for 2-3 hours after the anesthesia injection.
• They may even sleep for more than 24 hours after receiving the anesthesia.
• They might not be fully active and respond after the anesthesia, which is normal.
• Your pet might need extra care and support in the initial hours right after the surgery to maintain balance. 

Post Surgical Care For Pets

Most of the time, pet owners get quite lazy regarding post-surgical care and the recovery of their patients. This puts extra pressure on the medical staff and undermines the success rates of the surgical procedures. Therefore, it is very important to look after your pets after the surgical procedure in the following ways:

• Keep a strong check on timings in case you have to leave urgently. Therefore, don't forget to pick up your furry buddy on time. 
• During routine checkups, pets can easily return home after waking from anesthesia. 
• Veterinarians might keep the pet patients under observation for 24 hours or even much longer in emergency procedures.

Post-Surgical Follow-Up Procedures

• Proper administration of food, water, and medication.
• Careful and regular changing of bandages.
• Prevention of infection of stitches.
• Professional medical care tips.
• Bring your pet regularly to scheduled appointments.
• Provide a cozy and quiet place for your pet's healing.
• Avoid indulging your pets in strenuous activities.
• Try to provide the pets with the utmost care and comfort after major surgery.
• Keep an eye on your pet's behavior for the first 24 hours after the operational procedure.
• Assist your pets during feeding and bathroom breaks.
• Closely monitor and maintain the stitches to avoid the spread of any potential infection.
• Immediately consult your veterinarian in case of inflammation or swelling of the incision.
• Religiously follow your pet's healing program until the surgeon recommends discontinuing or altering it. 

In a nutshell, veterinary issues can pop at any age and time with your pets. So, if you are looking for compassionate care for your fur babies, visiting a veterinarian is a must. Their main aim is to keep your pets on the path to wellness. Hence, next time your decision is clouded about pursuing veterinary surgery, read this informational blog.