settlementcocaAs your furry companion enters their golden years, it may require special care, particularly in veterinary surgery. For various reasons, elderly dogs may need surgery from a veterinarian. Pain management, cognitive and behavioral issues, anxiety, and trouble sleeping at night are a few prevalent causes. To ensure a successful surgery, having your senior dog examined by a veterinarian who can obtain a comprehensive medical history and anticipate potential complications is crucial.
Older dogs are also more susceptible to hypothermia, hindering their recovery from anesthesia and slowing their metabolism. The most remarkable results require managing each anesthetic session differently and considering each elderly dog.
Common Veterinary Surgery for Geriatric Dogs
While surgery can be daunting, several common veterinary surgeries can significantly improve your senior dog’s quality of life. Here are some surgeries that you may want to consider for your aging pet:
Dental Surgery
Dental problems are common in older dogs, leading to pain, infections, and difficulty eating. A dental surgery, such as tooth extraction or cleaning, can significantly improve your dog’s oral health and make mealtime more comfortable.
There are dangers involved in dental surgery on senior dogs, including general anesthesia-related hazards such as hypotension, hypothermia, and depression of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. However, these hazards can be reduced in senior pets by doing complete pre-anesthetic workups, hiring a trusted vet for geriatric veterinary care services, and using safer anesthetic techniques.
Spay or Neuter Surgery
Senior dog spaying or neutering is generally risk-free. These procedures can prevent pyometra and several malignancies (uterine infections). Prostatic disorders, uterine infections, prostatic hypertrophy, and a wide range of behavioral problems can all be avoided via neutering. A neutered male or spayed female is less likely to run away in search of mate prospects and to bark excessively.
Moreover, spaying or neutering can assist in limiting the pet population by preventing unwanted litters. In particular, routine pain treatment can considerably prolong their life if an older dog has osteoarthritis or other degenerative skeletal or muscular problems.
Mass Removal
As dogs age, they may develop lumps and bumps, which can be benign or cancerous. If your veterinarian detects a mass on your dog’s body, they may recommend surgical removal. Removing a mass can not only improve your dog’s physical comfort, but it can also prevent the spread of cancer if the mass is malignant.
Joint Surgery
Arthritis is joint among senior dogs, leading to pain and limited movement. Hip or knee replacement surgery can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life by relieving pain and providing better mobility. If your pup has trouble getting up, climbing stairs, or going for walks, joint surgery from a trusted surgeon like Vet Los Angeles could be the ideal solution.
Orthopedic Surgery
A type of surgery called pet orthopedic surgery helps to mend wounds and restore your pet’s limbs to their healthy state. Correction of your pet’s bones, joints, or ligaments can be necessary. Nylon, bone plates, pins, screws, casts, or prosthetic joints may be used during the procedure. A dog orthopedic surgeon makes these types of surgeries available for pets in veterinary clinics and hospitals. Every effort is made to assure your pet’s security and comfort throughout the process.
Abdominal Surgery
Geriatric dogs may develop various issues in their abdominal region, such as tumors, intestinal blockages, or bladder stones. Abdominal surgery can remove these obstructions and improve your dog’s overall well-being. General anesthesia, bleeding, postoperative infection, intestinal or urinary bladder leakage, and wound disintegration over the incision are the primary hazards of abdominal surgery. However, when administered correctly, senior pets do not significantly increase the risk of anesthesia. One advantage of abdominal surgery is the ability to locate and remove obstructions, tumors, or other disorders that might be causing the dog discomfort or agony.
Eye Surgery
Senior dogs may require eye surgery for some disorders like cataracts or ectropion. Eye surgery can correct these issues and improve your dog’s vision. Surgery may be the right choice if your dog is bumping into objects, squinting, or showing eye pain.
