Treating any animal, large or small, is a tough undertaking. Animals require ongoing care which unfortunately sometimes includes mandatory surgical procedures. Treating large farm animals and traditional pets alike, our team at Tahoma Veterinary Hospital in Spanaway is dedicated to ongoing animal care. Below, let's take a closer look at common pet surgeries to understand what to expect and why these surgeries are often necessary.
Common Routine Pet Surgery Procedures
There are many routine pet surgeries that are regularly done in a vet office which only take a matter of minutes to complete. Probably the most common surgery we perform are spay or neuter surgeries. These surgeries help to control the pet population by rendering a pet sterile and unable to produce offspring. Spay and neuter surgeries also help prevent several diseases, including certain cancers, from developing later in your pet's life. Any pet dental exam or teeth cleaning is also considered a routine surgery, with a necessary tooth extraction needed on rare occasion.
Emergency Surgery
Unfortunately, emergency surgery is sometimes needed to help heal and treat your pet. These surgeries must be performed in an emergency veterinarian's office by veterinarians with experience handling tough cases. An emergency surgery can stem from an accident. This can be to help control internal bleeding or to help repair a broken bone. Often, severe bone fractures require the use of steel pins and screws to help hold joints in place.
Another common emergency surgery occurs when a pet has ingested a foreign object. If the object cannot be dissolved, and cannot pass through the digestive track, a blockage can form. If not surgically removed, a blockage can eventually become fatal for your pet.
What to Expect at the Vet
When taking your pet in for surgery, expect your vet to run some diagnostic tests. For routine surgeries, this can be as simple as taking some blood work and listening to your pet's heart and lungs. For emergency surgeries, diagnostic tests may include performing an ultrasound to locate a blockage, or taking x-rays to determine the location of a broken bone. Following a surgical procedure, your veterinarian will provide instructions for any necessary post-operative care. Depending on the surgery and ailment, these instructions can be as simple as giving your pet precautionary antibiotics, or as detailed as regular physical therapy to help heal a broken or damaged joint.
Call and Make Your Appointment Today
Our team at Tahoma Veterinary Hospital is passionate about keeping your pets safe and healthy. Unfortunately, pet surgery is sometimes required to help heal and treat your pet. Whether you have large farm animals, or a small pocket pet, our veterinary team is dedicated to providing ongoing and continued care to your animals. Based out of Spanaway, we are readily accessible from a number of different neighborhoods nearby. To learn more about our services or to set up an appointment, be sure to call our office today at 253-847-3500.