Veterinary surgery

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
"Veterinary surgeon" redirects here. For animal physician (as it is used in the United Kingdom and several Commonwealth countries), see
Veterinary physician
.
Preparing a cow for udder surgery in field conditions: the physical restraint with a set of ropes is necessary next to xylazine tranquilisation
A cat spay

Veterinary surgery is surgery performed on non-human animals by veterinarians, whereby the procedures fall into three broad categories: orthopaedics (bones, joints, muscles), soft tissue surgery (skin, body cavities, cardiovascular system, GI/urogenital/respiratory tracts), and neurosurgery. Advanced surgical procedures such as joint replacement (total hip, knee and elbow replacement), fracture repair, stabilization of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency, oncologic (cancer) surgery, herniated disc treatment, complicated gastrointestinal or urogenital procedures, kidney transplant, skin grafts, complicated wound management, and minimally invasive procedures (arthroscopy, laparoscopy, thoracoscopy) are performed by veterinary surgeons (as registered in their jurisdiction). Most general practice veterinarians perform routine surgeries such as neuters and minor mass excisions; some also perform additional procedures.

The goal of veterinary surgery may be quite different in

farm animals
. In the former, the situation is more close to that with human beings, where the benefit to the patient is the important factor. In the latter, the economic benefit is more important.

Specialization in surgery

In the United States, Canada and Europe, veterinary surgery is one of 22 veterinary specialties recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association[1] respectively the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation.[2] Those wishing to become board certified must undergo a one-year clinical internship program followed by three years of intensive training in a residency program under direct supervision of board certified veterinary surgeons, including performance of a large number of surgical procedures in such categories as abdominal surgery, surgical treatment of angular limb deformities, arthroscopic surgery, surgery of the foot, fracture fixation, ophthalmic surgery, urogenital surgery, and upper respiratory surgery, etc. Once the minimum requirements of training are met, residents are required to pass a rigorous certification examination before being admitted as members (diplomates) of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons[3] or European College of Veterinary Surgeons.[4]

Veterinary anesthesia

Main article: Veterinary anesthesia

regional anesthesia
.

endotracheal tube and maintained on a gas anesthetic. The most common gas anesthetics in use in veterinary medicine are isoflurane, enflurane, and halothane, although desflurane and sevoflurane are becoming more popular due to rapid induction and recovery.[8]

Common veterinary surgeries

Elective procedures

Elective procedures are those performed on a non-emergency basis, and which do not involve immediately life-threatening conditions. These are in contrast to emergency procedures.

Sterilization surgery

A cat spay

One of the most common elective surgical procedures in animals are those that render animals incapable of reproducing. Neutering in animals describes

subcutis, and skin are sutured. To castrate (medical term: orchiectomy) is to remove the testicles of a male animal. Different techniques are used depending on the type of animal, including ligation of the spermatic cord with suture material, placing a rubber band around the cord to restrict blood flow to the testes, or crushing the cord with a specialized instrument like the Burdizzo
.

Pyometra surgery

Neutering is usually performed to prevent breeding, prevent unwanted behavior, or decrease risk of future medical problems. Neutering is also performed as an emergency procedure to treat certain reproductive diseases, like

spaying and neutering
for more information on the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure.

Laser surgery offers a number of benefits,[9][10] including reduced risk of infection, less post-operative pain and swelling, reduced bleeding and improved visibility of the surgical field. Better hemostasis and visibility can in some cases minimize the need for anesthesia
and/or reduce overall surgical time.

Controversial elective animal procedures

Main article: Overview of discretionary invasive procedures on animals

Other common elective surgical procedures in the United States are declawing in cats (

laser
. It is typically performed to prevent property damage in house cats, but may also be performed in purebred dogs to meet certain show requirements. Some procedures are illegal in some countries (in the UK, declawing is illegal and tail docking is only allowed in working dogs) and face ethical challenges in others.

Dental surgery

Main article: Veterinary dentistry
Anesthetised dog with an epulis

Common dental surgical procedures:

Surgical oncology

In older dogs and cats

urinary bladder
tumors.

Ophthalmic surgery

Common ophthalmic surgeries in animals include:

Orthopedic surgery

X-ray of a dog with an artificial hip to repair hip dysplasia
A healthy tortoise-mix cat healed and adapted quickly to her new mobility after a hind leg was amputated.

Common orthopedic surgeries in animals include:

Cardiology surgery

Common cardiology surgeries in animals include:

  • Balloon valvuloplasty:[13] Procedure used to alleviate pain symptoms from cardiac problems such as pulmonic, mitral, and tricuspid stenosis. The purpose of this procedure is to create a smoother blood flow throughout the body by reducing harmful effects from obstructed heart valves. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure. The procedure involves putting a balloon-like object inside of the animal's heart; the balloon inflates and deflates in order to alleviate pain and increase blood flow. Complications can occur if the animal's body rejects the balloon, forming a life-threatening allergic reaction.[14]
  • Centesis:[15] Procedure consisting of the removal of fluid from an animal's body in order to manage congestive heart failure. Draining fluid helps prevent tumors from growing around the heart. Animals undergo no anesthesia because little pain occurs during this operation. Catheters and needles of various sizes are punctured into the thoracic cavity. To remove the fluid, veterinarians will use a syringe suction or vacuum. Post-operatively, swelling might occur around the thoracic cavity or appear bruised, but this is normal and is rarely discomforting to the animal.[15]
  • Devive Embolization of Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA):[13] PDA is caused by an abnormal blood flow from right to left inside the heart. This causes patients to develop left-sided congestive heart failure. In order to treat this condition, coils are placed inside ducts of the heart. The coils embolize into the pulmonary arteries. Both the ACDO device and the procedure itself are relatively inexpensive.[16]

Other common procedures

Caesarean section

Caesarean sections are commonly performed in dogs, cats, horses, sheep, and cattle. Usually it is done as an emergency surgery due to difficulties in the birthing process. Certain dog breeds such as Bulldogs often need to have this surgery because of the size of the puppy's head relative to the width of the bitch's birth canal.

Surgery for gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)

Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat) is a common condition in dogs in which the stomach fills with gas, and can become torsed. This requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent necrosis of the stomach wall and death of the dog. During surgery, the stomach is deflated and put back into its normal position. A gastropexy may be performed, whereby the stomach is attached to the body wall to prevent this condition from recurring. A splenectomy or partial gastrectomy may also be required.

Cystotomy

Cystotomy to remove bladder stones

A

urinary bladder. It is commonly performed in dogs and cats to remove bladder stones
or tumors.

Wound repair

Sutured wound on the teats of a cow

Bite wounds from other animals (and rarely humans) are a common occurrence. Wounds from objects that the animal may step on or run into are also common. Usually these wounds are simple

lavaged, and debrided. Primary wound closure is used if all remaining tissue is healthy and free of contamination. Small puncture wounds may be left open, bandaged, and allowed to heal without surgery. A third alternative is delayed primary closure, which involves bandaging and reevaluation and surgery in three to five days.[17]

Wounds occurring in the

cows are more difficult to repair, due to the difficult access and sensitivity of the organ, and because deep anaesthesia may not be applied to cows.[18]

Foreign body removal

Bottle top swallowed by a dog that had to be removed surgically

A variety of non-edible objects are commonly swallowed by dogs, cats, and cattle. These

intestinal anastomosis. Foreign bodies can also be removed by endoscopy, which although requires general anesthesia does not require surgery and significantly decreases recovery time.[19] However, endoscopic foreign body retrieval is anatomically limited to objects lodged in the esophagus, the stomach or the colon. The condition in cattle is known as hardware disease
.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Veterinary Specialty Organizations". Archived from the original on May 1, 2006. Retrieved 2006-04-06.
  2. ^ EBVS Website Archived April 14, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ ACVS Residency Program
  4. ^ ECVS Website Archived March 18, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^
    ISBN 0-8016-7656-8
    .
  6. PMID 10332820
    .
  7. ISBN 0-7216-4060-5
    .
  8. PMID 10332823
    .
  9. ISBN 978-0-8138-0678-5
  10. ^ "Veterinary Laser Surgery. Benefits of unique CO2 laser-tissue interaction. Information for pet owners about surgical laser procedures and Aesculight veterinary lasers". Archived from the original on 2016-01-28. Retrieved 2016-03-30. Veterinary laser surgery, URL accessed March 25, 2008
  11. ^ Woolridge, Anne A.; Seahorn, Thomas L. (1999). "Proper Dental Care Is Vital For Horses". Louisiana State University Equine Veterinary Research Program Newsletter. Archived from the original on 2006-09-01. Retrieved 2006-07-29.
  12. ^ "Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions". Small Animal Dental Service. Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Archived from the original on 2006-08-28. Retrieved 2006-07-29.
  13. ^ a b "Penn Vet | Cardiology". www.vet.upenn.edu. Retrieved 2018-04-02.
  14. ^ "Balloon Valvuloplasty – Rocky Mountain Veterinary Cardiology". rmvccolorado.com. Retrieved 2018-04-02.
  15. ^ a b "Centesis (Fluid removal) – Rocky Mountain Veterinary Cardiology". rmvccolorado.com. Retrieved 2018-04-02.
  16. ^ "Congenital Heart Disease III: Patent Ductus Arteriosus in the Canine and Feline Patient - MSPCA-Angell". MSPCA-Angell. Retrieved 2018-04-02.
  17. PMID 10853282
    .
  18. ^ Grunert E. & Luhman F., Chirurgische Versorgung von Euter- und Zitzenwunden, in Buiatrik, 2. Ed. Schaper Verlag, Hannover, 1972
  19. ^ "Endoscopy for Dogs & Pets | Animal Care Clinics". Archived from the original on 2016-05-28. Retrieved 2012-12-17.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Veterinary surgery.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Veterinary_surgery&oldid=1191918916"