# Veterinary surgery > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Veterinary_surgery > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Veterinary_surgery.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterinary_surgery > Source revision: 1351309140 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Surgery performed on non-human animals}} {{Redirect|Veterinary surgeon|animal physician (as it is used in the United Kingdom and several Commonwealth countries)|Veterinary physician}} thumb|Preparing a cow for udder surgery in field conditions: the physical restraint with a set of ropes is necessary next to xylazine tranquilisation thumb|A cat spay '''Veterinary surgery''' is [surgery](/source/surgery) performed on non-human animals by [veterinarian](/source/veterinarian)s, 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](/source/arthroscopy), [laparoscopy](/source/laparoscopy), [thoracoscopy](/source/thoracoscopy)) are performed by veterinary surgeons (as registered in their jurisdiction). Most general practice veterinarians perform routine surgeries such as [neuters](/source/Neutering) and minor mass excisions; some also perform additional procedures. The goal of veterinary surgery may be quite different in [pets](/source/pets) and in [farm animals](/source/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](/source/Europe), veterinary surgery is one of 22 [veterinary specialties](/source/veterinary_specialties) recognized by the [American Veterinary Medical Association](/source/American_Veterinary_Medical_Association){{cite web|url=http://www.avma.org/press/profession/specialties.asp |title=Veterinary Specialty Organizations |access-date=2006-04-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060501171328/http://www.avma.org/press/profession/specialties.asp |archive-date=May 1, 2006 }} respectively the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation.[http://www.ebvs.org EBVS Website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414051207/http://www.ebvs.org/ |date=April 14, 2015 }} 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](/source/abdominal_surgery), surgical treatment of angular limb deformities, [arthroscopic surgery](/source/Arthroscopy), surgery of the foot, fracture fixation, [ophthalmic surgery](/source/eye_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](/source/American_College_of_Veterinary_Surgeons)[http://www.acvs.org/Action/act_GetContent.cfm?ID=3584&FILE=ACVS%5FInfoBroch%5F06%2D07%5FCh%203%2Epdf&TYPE=1304 ACVS Residency Program]{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} or European College of Veterinary Surgeons.[http://www.ecvs.org/ ECVS Website] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318165243/http://www.ecvs.org/ |date=March 18, 2013 }} ==Veterinary anesthesia== {{main|Veterinary anesthesia}} [Anesthesia](/source/Anesthesia) in animals has many similarities to human anesthesia, but some differences as well. [Local anesthesia](/source/Local_anesthesia) is primarily used for wound closure and removal of small tumors. [Lidocaine](/source/Lidocaine), [mepivacaine](/source/mepivacaine), and [bupivacaine](/source/bupivacaine) are the most commonly used [local anesthetic](/source/local_anesthetic)s used in veterinary medicine.{{cite book | last = Muir | first = William W. |author2=Hubbell, John A. E. | title = Handbook of Veterinary Anesthesia (2nd ed.) | publisher = Mosby | year = 1995 | isbn = 0-8016-7656-8 }} [Sedation](/source/Sedation) without general anesthesia is used for more involved procedures. Sedatives commonly used include [acepromazine](/source/acepromazine), [hydromorphone](/source/hydromorphone), [midazolam](/source/midazolam), [diazepam](/source/diazepam), [xylazine](/source/xylazine), and [medetomidine](/source/medetomidine). [α2](/source/Adrenergic_receptor) [agonist](/source/agonist)s like xylazine and medetomidine are especially useful because they can be reversed, xylazine by [yohimbine](/source/yohimbine) and medetomidine by [atipamezole](/source/atipamezole). Xylazine is approved for use in dogs, cats, horses, [deer](/source/deer), and [elk](/source/elk) in the United States, while medetomidine is only approved for dogs.{{cite journal|author=Paddleford, Robert R.|author2=Harvey, Ralph C. |title=Alpha2 Agonists and Antagonists|journal=The Veterinary Clinics of North America|year=1999|volume=29|issue=3 |pages=737–744|doi=10.1016/S0195-5616(99)50058-2 |pmid=10332820 }} Most surgeries in [ruminant](/source/ruminant)s can be performed with [regional anesthesia](/source/regional_anesthesia). [General anesthesia](/source/General_anesthesia) is commonly used in animals for major surgery. Animals are often premedicated intravenously or intramuscularly with a sedative, [analgesic](/source/analgesic), and [anticholinergic](/source/anticholinergic) agent (dogs frequently receive [buprenorphine](/source/buprenorphine) and acepromazine). The next step is induction, usually with an [intravenous](/source/intravenous) drug. Dogs and cats commonly receive [thiopental](/source/thiopental) (no longer allowed in the UK), [ketamine](/source/ketamine) with diazepam, [tiletamine](/source/tiletamine) with [zolazepam](/source/zolazepam) (usually just in cats), and/or [propofol](/source/propofol). [Alfaxalone](/source/Alfaxalone) is a [steroid](/source/steroid) anaesthetic used in many practices in the UK to induce anaesthesia in [cat](/source/cat)s and sometimes [dog](/source/dog)s. It is similar in physiological effect but different in composition to the now withdrawn [Saffan](/source/Saffan).{{cite book | last = Paddleford | first = Robert R. | title = Manual of Small Animal Anesthesia (2nd ed.) | publisher = W.B. Saunders Company | year = 1999 | isbn = 0-7216-4060-5 }} Horses commonly receive thiopental and [guaifenesin](/source/guaifenesin). Following induction, the animal is [intubated](/source/intubation) with an [endotracheal tube](/source/endotracheal_tube) and maintained on a gas anesthetic. The most common gas anesthetics in use in veterinary medicine are [isoflurane](/source/isoflurane), [enflurane](/source/enflurane), and [halothane](/source/halothane), although [desflurane](/source/desflurane) and [sevoflurane](/source/sevoflurane) are becoming more popular due to rapid induction and recovery.{{cite journal|author=Clarke, Cathy W.|title=Desflurane and Sevoflurane|journal=The Veterinary Clinics of North America|year=1999|volume=29|issue=3|pages=793–809|doi=10.1016/S0195-5616(99)50061-2|pmid=10332823}} ==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](/source/emergency) procedures. ===Sterilization surgery=== thumb|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 [spaying or castration](/source/spaying_and_neutering) (also please see [castration](/source/castration)). To spay (medical term: [ovariectomy](/source/Oophorectomy) or ovario-hysterectomy) is to completely remove the [ovaries](/source/ovary) and often the [uterus](/source/uterus) of a female animal. In a [dog](/source/dog), this is accomplished through a [ventral](/source/ventral) midline incision into the [abdomen](/source/abdomen). In a [cat](/source/cat), this is accomplished either by a [ventral](/source/ventral) midline abdominal incision, or by a flank incision (more common in the UK). With an [ovariectomy](/source/Oophorectomy), [ligatures](/source/Ligature_(medicine)) are placed on the blood vessels above and below the ovary and the organ is removed. With an ovariohysterectomy, the ligaments of the uterus and ovaries are broken down and the blood vessels are [ligated](/source/Ligature_(medicine)) and both organs are removed. The body wall, [subcutis](/source/subcutis), and skin are [suture](/source/surgical_suture)d. To castrate (medical term: [orchiectomy](/source/orchiectomy)) is to remove the [testicle](/source/testicle)s of a male animal. Different techniques are used depending on the type of animal, including ligation of the [spermatic cord](/source/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](/source/Burdizzo). [[Image:Pyometra annotated.JPG|thumb|left|[Pyometra](/source/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 [pyometra](/source/pyometra) and [testicular torsion](/source/testicular_torsion), and it is used to treat [ovarian](/source/ovarian_cancer), [uterine](/source/uterine_cancer), and [testicular cancer](/source/testicular_cancer). It is also recommended in cases of [cryptorchidism](/source/cryptorchidism) to prevent torsion and [malignant transformation](/source/malignant_transformation) of the testicles. Please see [spaying and neutering](/source/spaying_and_neutering) for more information on the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure. [Laser surgery](/source/Soft_tissue_laser_surgery) offers a number of benefits,N. Berger, P.H. Eeg, Veterinary Laser Surgery, Blackwell, {{ISBN|978-0-8138-0678-5}}{{cite web|url=https://aesculight.com/state-of-art-laser-surgery.php |title=Veterinary Laser Surgery. Benefits of unique CO2 laser-tissue interaction. Information for pet owners about surgical laser procedures and Aesculight veterinary lasers |access-date=2016-03-30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128045824/https://aesculight.com/state-of-art-laser-surgery.php |archive-date=2016-01-28 }} Veterinary laser surgery, URL accessed March 25, 2008 including reduced risk of [infection](/source/infection), less post-operative pain and [swelling](/source/edema), reduced [bleeding](/source/bleeding) and improved visibility of the surgical field. Better [hemostasis](/source/hemostasis) and visibility can in some cases minimize the need for [anesthesia](/source/anesthesia) and/or reduce overall surgical time. ===Controversial elective animal procedures=== {{Main|Overview of discretionary invasive procedures on animals}} Other common elective surgical procedures in the United States are declawing in cats ([onychectomy](/source/onychectomy)), [ear-cropping](/source/cropping_(animal)) in dogs, [tail docking](/source/Docking_(animals)) in dogs, [horse](/source/horse)s, and dairy cattle, and [livestock dehorning](/source/livestock_dehorning) in cattle, sheep, and goats. These procedures have been controversial and recently debated among breeders, veterinary organizations, and animal welfare scientists. The controversy is different for each procedure, but issues arise based on reasons to perform the procedure, differing opinions on techniques and methods, perceived long-term benefits in individual animals, and the development of alternatives. Declawing, for example, consists of removal of the [distal phalanges](/source/distal_phalanges) using either a [scalpel](/source/scalpel), [scissors](/source/scissors) or [laser](/source/Laser_scalpel). 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|Veterinary dentistry}}[[Image:Fibrous epulis.JPG|thumb|Anesthetised dog with an [epulis](/source/Epulis_fissuratum)]] Common dental surgical procedures: *Horses - Floating (grinding down) of uneven teeth edges and removal of [wolf teeth](/source/wolf_tooth).{{cite web | last = Woolridge | first = Anne A. | author2 = Seahorn, Thomas L. | title = Proper Dental Care Is Vital For Horses | work = Louisiana State University Equine Veterinary Research Program Newsletter | year = 1999 | url = http://evrp.lsu.edu/07dentistry.htm | access-date = 2006-07-29 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060901120329/http://evrp.lsu.edu/07dentistry.htm | archive-date = 2006-09-01 | url-status = dead }} *Dogs - Dental prophylaxis is commonly performed to remove [tartar](/source/Calculus_(dental)) and treat [periodontal disease](/source/periodontal_disease). This procedure is usually performed under anesthesia. Other common procedures include extraction of abscessed or broken teeth, extraction of [deciduous teeth](/source/deciduous_teeth), [root canal](/source/root_canal)s, and removal of [gingival hyperplasia](/source/gingival_hyperplasia) and [epulides](/source/Epulis_fissuratum). *Cats - Dental prophylaxis as described above for the dog and treatment and extraction of teeth with [feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion](/source/feline_odontoclastic_resorptive_lesion)s (FORLs).{{cite web | title = Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions | work = Small Animal Dental Service | publisher = Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital | url = http://vmth.tamu.edu/hospservices/dentistry/FORL.shtml | access-date = 2006-07-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060828093502/http://vmth.tamu.edu/hospservices/dentistry/FORL.shtml |archive-date = 2006-08-28}} ===Surgical oncology=== In older dogs and cats [tumor](/source/tumor)s are a common occurrence, and may involve any or multiple body systems: skin, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract, reproductive tract, cardiovascular system, spinal cord and peripheral nerves, the spleen and the lining of body cavities. Common skin tumors include [lipoma](/source/lipoma)s, [mast cell tumor](/source/mast_cell_tumor)s, [melanoma](/source/melanoma)s, [squamous cell carcinoma](/source/squamous_cell_carcinoma)s, [basal cell carcinoma](/source/basal_cell_carcinoma)s, [fibrosarcoma](/source/fibrosarcoma)s, and [histiocytoma](/source/histiocytoma_(dog))s. Skin tumors are removed through either simple excisions or through excisions needing reconstructive [plastic](/source/plastic_surgery) surgery. Common oral tumors include melanomas, fibrosarcomas, and squamous cell carcinomas, which are removed with as much surrounding tissue as possible, including parts of the [mandible](/source/mandible) and [maxilla](/source/maxilla). Other types of cancer requiring surgery include [osteosarcoma](/source/osteosarcoma)s, stomach and intestinal tumors, [splenic masses](/source/splenectomy), and [urinary bladder](/source/urinary_bladder) tumors. ===Ophthalmic surgery=== Common ophthalmic surgeries in animals include: *[Enucleation of the eye](/source/Enucleation_of_the_eye) to treat [glaucoma](/source/glaucoma) or [eye proptosis](/source/eye_proptosis). *[Cataract surgery](/source/Cataract_surgery) *[Entropion](/source/Entropion) surgery *Eyelid tumor removal *[Cherry eye](/source/Cherry_eye) surgery *Exenteration (complete removal) of the [orbit](/source/orbit_(anatomy)), especially for squamous cell carcinoma in the cat and cow. ===Orthopedic surgery=== thumb|X-ray of a dog with an artificial hip to repair hip dysplasia thumb|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: *Ruptured [cranial cruciate ligament](/source/cranial_cruciate_ligament) repair *For [hip dysplasia](/source/Hip_dysplasia_(canine)): **[Femoral head osteotomy](/source/Femoral_head_osteotomy) **Triple pelvic [osteotomy](/source/osteotomy) **[Hip replacement](/source/Hip_replacement_(animal)) *Leg [amputation](/source/amputation) *[Bone fracture](/source/Bone_fracture) repair *[Arthroscopy](/source/Arthroscopy) *MPL - medial patellar luxation ===Cardiology surgery=== Common cardiology surgeries in animals include: * Balloon valvuloplasty:{{Cite web|url=http://www.vet.upenn.edu/veterinary-hospitals/ryan-veterinary-hospital/services/cardiology|title=Penn Vet {{!}} Cardiology|website=www.vet.upenn.edu|access-date=2018-04-02}} 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.{{Cite web|url=http://rmvccolorado.com/centesis-fluid-removal/|title=Balloon Valvuloplasty – Rocky Mountain Veterinary Cardiology|website=rmvccolorado.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-02}} * Centesis:{{Cite web|url=http://rmvccolorado.com/centesis-fluid-removal/|title=Centesis (Fluid removal) – Rocky Mountain Veterinary Cardiology|website=rmvccolorado.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-02}} 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. * Device Embolization of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/congenital-heart-disease-iii-patent-ductus-arteriosus-in-the-canine-and-feline-patient/|title=Congenital Heart Disease III: Patent Ductus Arteriosus in the Canine and Feline Patient - MSPCA-Angell|work=MSPCA-Angell|access-date=2018-04-02|language=en-US}} ===Other common procedures=== ====Caesarean section==== [Caesarean section](/source/Caesarean_section)s 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 [Bulldog](/source/Bulldog)s 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](/source/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](/source/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](/source/gastropexy) may be performed, whereby the stomach is attached to the body wall to prevent this condition from recurring. A [splenectomy](/source/splenectomy) or partial [gastrectomy](/source/gastrectomy) may also be required. ====Cystotomy==== thumb|Cystotomy to remove bladder stones A [cystotomy](/source/cystotomy) is a surgical opening of the [urinary bladder](/source/urinary_bladder). It is commonly performed in dogs and cats to remove [bladder stone](/source/bladder_stone_(animal))s or tumors. ====Wound repair==== thumb|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 [laceration](/source/laceration)s that can be easily cleaned and sutured, sometimes using a [local anesthetic](/source/local_anesthetic). Bite wounds, however, involve compressive and tensile forces in addition to shearing forces, and can cause separation of the skin from the underlying tissue and [avulsion](/source/avulsion_injury) of underlying muscles. Deep puncture wounds are especially prone to infection. Deeper wounds are assessed under [anesthesia](/source/anesthesia) and explored, [lavage](/source/lavage)d, and [debrided](/source/debridement). 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](/source/wound_healing) without surgery. A third alternative is delayed primary closure, which involves bandaging and reevaluation and surgery in three to five days.{{cite journal|author=Holt, David E.|author2=Griffin, Greg |title=Bite Wounds in Dogs and Cats|journal=The Veterinary Clinics of North America|year=2000|volume=30|issue=3 |pages=669–678|doi=10.1016/S0195-5616(00)50045-X |pmid=10853282 }} Wounds occurring in the [udder](/source/udder) and [teat](/source/teat)s of [cow](/source/cow)s 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.Grunert E. & Luhman F., ''Chirurgische Versorgung von Euter- und Zitzenwunden'', in Buiatrik, 2. Ed. Schaper Verlag, Hannover, 1972 ====Foreign body removal==== thumb|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 [foreign bodies](/source/Foreign_body) can cause obstruction of the [gastrointestinal tract](/source/gastrointestinal_tract) causing severe vomiting and resulting [electrolyte](/source/electrolyte) imbalances. The stomach (gastrotomy) or intestine (enterotomy) can be surgically opened to remove the foreign body. Necrotic intestine can be removed (enterectomy) and repaired with [intestinal anastomosis](/source/Surgical_anastomoses). Foreign bodies can also be removed by [endoscopy](/source/endoscopy), which although requires general anesthesia does not require surgery and significantly decreases recovery time.{{cite web |url=http://www.theanimalcareclinics.com/services/pet-health-care/medical-services/endoscopy.php |title=Endoscopy for Dogs & Pets | Animal Care Clinics |access-date=2012-12-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528072420/http://theanimalcareclinics.com/services/pet-health-care/medical-services/endoscopy.php |archive-date=2016-05-28 }} 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](/source/hardware_disease). ==See also== *[Cystocentesis](/source/Cystocentesis) *[Organ replacement in animals](/source/Organ_replacement_in_animals) *[American College of Veterinary Surgeons](/source/American_College_of_Veterinary_Surgeons) *[Indian Veterinary Research Institute](/source/Indian_Veterinary_Research_Institute) ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{Commons category}} *[http://www.acvs.org American College of Veterinary Surgeons] *[http://www.acvs.org.au Australian College of Veterinary Science - Surgical Chapter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827192635/http://acvs.org.au/ |date=2008-08-27 }} *[http://www.ecvs.org European College of Veterinary Surgery] {{Veterinary medicine}} {{Authority control}} Category:Veterinary professions Category:Surgical specialties --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Veterinary surgery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterinary_surgery) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterinary_surgery?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.