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Hawks Prairie Veterinary Hospital |
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Small Animal/Avian/Pocket Pets |
360-459-6556 |
Surgical Procedures
The Canine Spay
Spaying your pet dog is very important, not only to keep down pet overpopulation, but for the health of your pet, as well. Unspayed dogs are at higher risk for breast(mammary) cancer, uterine cancer, and pyometra (infection of the uterus).
The Feline Spay
Spaying your pet cat is very important, not only to minimize pet overpopulation, but for your cat's overall health. By spaying your kitty, you can eliminate the chances of uterine cancer and pyometra(infection of the uterus), and minimize the chances of her developing breast cancer.
Canine Neuter
Neutering a dog will not only help with the pet overpopulation problem, it will eliminate the risk of testicular cancer and greatly minimize the risk of prostate cancer(yes, dogs have prostates too! ). This simple surgery is an important part of responsible pet ownership.
Feline Neuter
This surgery is of great importance, not only to help with pet overpopulation, but also for your pet's safety. Unneutered male cats are more likely to roam, and therefore develop abscesses from fights, as well as be at more risk for contracting FIV or Feline Leukemia. Also, unwanted behaviors such as urine spraying/marking can often be avoided if your cat is neutered before puberty(which occurs at around 5-6 months of age).
Aural Hematoma
'Aural' (not 'oral') means 'pertaining to the ear.' The aural hematoma results when an animal breaks a blood vessel in the flap of the ear. The ear flap fills with blood and becomes like a heavy water balloon hanging from the pet's head. Often, aural hematomas occur from excessive shaking of the head, which can occur secondary to an ear infection or ear mite infestation.
Bite Wound Abscess
Cats are very sensitive to developing abscesses from bite wounds, and can become ill very quickly--they can stop eating, develop fevers and become very sluggish and lethargic. Even if you don't see the swelling under the skin, if your kitty is showing any of these behaviors, bring your pet right in!
Cherry Eye
Has a red lump suddenly appeared in the corner of your pet's eye? This may be 'cherry eye,' or prolapse of the nictitating membrane(aka third eyelid). This can happen in certain breeds of dogs or cats, or secondary to eye irritation or trauma. Have your pet evaluated if this occurs.
Declawing and its Alternatives
It's a natural instinct of all cats, big and small, to scratch to keep their nails sharpened. If this is affecting your relationship with your cat, then talk to us--there are tips and tricks to keep kitty from shredding the new couch.
If you feel surgery is needed, there are 2 alternatives: declaw or tenotomy.
Declawing is the removal of the nail and last bone in the cat's toes. This is a permanent option, of course, and has its pros and cons. One important 'con' is that, despite all we do to provide pain control for your kitty, it is still a painful procedure. Also, since your kitty will be walking on the surgery sites, this makes them more prone to developing an infection.
Tenotomy is the cutting of the flexor tendons of the toes on the front feet--this tendon allows kitties to make the clawing motions with their toes. While this is a much less painful option than a declaw, it also has its pros and cons. On 'con' is that, since the nails will still be growing, it's very important that you trim the nails every 4-6 weeks.
As a pet owner, this is a huge decision to make. Don't make it alone; give us a call and we can discuss it further, so you can make the best decision for you and your cat.
Skin Growth Removal
There are many types of skin growths, from the benign histiocytoma, to the malignant mast cell tumor. Often, the skin growths can look very similar. For this reason, if you notice any growth on your pet, it's best to have your pet examined.
Sebaceous Cysts
Often in older dogs, 'warts' can develop, usually on the torso. These may be sebaceous cysts, which occur when the hair follicle becomes plugged with sebum, the liquid normally secreted by the body to lubricate the hair follicle.
Mammary Tumors in Dogs
We all know the importance of breast cancer and its prevention in our own species, but it may be a surprise to find that breast (mammary) cancer is of serious concern with our pets, too. Dogs and cats can both develop mammary cancer, though it is seen more frequently in unspayed middle-aged to older female dogs. This is yet another reason why it's so important to have your dog spayed.
Pyometra
Pyometra is the life-threatening infection of the uterus which generally occurs in middle-aged to older female dogs in the six weeks following heat. The infected uterus fills with pus, bacteria, and dying tissue. Clinical signs can range from mild (decreased appetite, less activity) to severe (vomiting, vaginal discharge, fever). Without treatment, the dog can die. The best treatment, in most cases, is spaying.
Ruptured Anterior, or Cranial, Cruciate Ligament (RACL/RCCL)
This is the most common rear leg injury of the dog and often requires surgery. Many dogs who suffer this injury are very active, medium-to-large breeds. Often, the onset of lameness is sudden, occurring right after the ligament that helps support the knee is ruptured, or torn. If your dog suddenly starts limping on a rear leg, or a mild lameness is worsening, we recommend evaluation right away. Often, a radiograph/X-ray of the stifle, or knee, is needed to help evaluate the joint. There are different surgical options, if surgery is needed for your dog, and we can go into more detail once a diagnosis is confirmed.
Lateral Ear Resection
Recurring ear infection is a plague to many dogs and to the owners who must treat them. The ongoing infection simply continues and never goes away. The Lateral Ear Resection is a surgery that changes the conformation of the pet's "J-shaped" ear canal to a canal that is horizontal-only, like the human ear canal. This improves ventilation to the ear and facilitates cleaning. Is this surgery for your pet? Ask us for more information.
Splenic Masses
The spleen is an organ that helps store red blood cells and helps with immune function by acting like a lymph node, but when it grows, even a benign growth, a life-threatening splenic rupture can occur. Fortunately, we can live quite happily without a spleen. Sometimes, though, removing the spleen is only the beginning.