Among the most common surgeries in dogs and cats, is the sterilizationwhich is routine and preventive; wounds, mainly caused by fights between animals; tumors of any organ, but among the most frequent are those of the skin, breast, eyelids and abdominal cavity, benign or malignantas well as to remove foreign bodies that pets swallow such as toys, plastics, stones or clothing from the digestive system, either by endoscopy or abdominal surgery, explains Michele Johnston, veterinary doctor at Vista Vet.
Vivian Ávila, veterinary doctor at the Maga Animal Welfare Unit, adds that other usual operations are carried out in cases of kidney stones, cesarean sections and fractures; in the latter, when the bones cannot consolidate with bandages alone.
Among the postoperative care that should be provided to dogs and cats, Johnston highlights protection methods, which are fundamental and mandatory, since animals tend to lick, bite or scratch their wounds. The most common is the Elizabethan collar, which must be the size of the pet. You can also use a suit or cloth sash for the abdominal area, frequently used in cats, which is held behind the back.
It is essential to administer the post-surgical medication prescribed by the doctor at home. usually antibiotics and pain relievers, Johnston says. “It is necessary to comply with the administration schedules and the animal should never self-medicate, because it can be harmful to it,” she says.
The dog and, especially, the cat must be prevented from jumping, running or climbing high places or steps, to prevent stitches from opening. In this regard, Ávila points out that rest is very important, as happens with humans, after surgery, and keep the recovering animal in a comfortable and clean space, without soil, to avoid wound infection. In the case of fractures, complete rest is required, he adds.
Ávila explains that, according to the doctor’s criteria, The wound should be washed and cleaned well, daily, according to your instructions, because it depends on the procedure, and place scarring, if applicable.
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Warning signs
Owners should be aware of any symptoms that the animal manifests, such as discharge or redness from the wound, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or loss of appetite. Tremors or excessive salivation can be manifestations of pain. In case of any doubt, it is essential Consult the treating doctor and thus be able to act in time, says Johnston.
Another complication, Ávila indicates, occurs when the animal’s body rejects the suturewhose material must be changed, or are allergic to healing agents, when inflammation occurs. Edema (swelling due to fluid retained in the area) may also occur. which is a reaction of the body to surgery. It is treated with the placement of cold and warm compresses, alternating, for several days. Finally, consider that there may be healing problems, when the animal suffers from pre-existing diseases such as diabeteshe points out.
Preparation and care for sterilization
- Spaying is the most common preventive surgery in dogs and cats, in which both ovaries and the uterus are removed from females, and the testicles from males.
- In addition to avoiding unwanted pregnancies, in females it prevents the accumulation of pus in the uterus (pyometra) and highly metastatic mammary tumors.
- In males, it reduces territorial marking and prostate problems. Likewise, avoid overpopulation of pets.
- The ideal age for this intervention is 3 months or older, but the animal must be dewormed and up to date with its vaccination schedule. You must be in good health. Spaying the female before her first heat prevents her from developing mammary cancer.
- Fasting for eight hours, no more and no less, from water and food, is essential, since the effect of the anesthesia can cause nausea and vomiting, which can divert and obstruct the lungs.
- After the operation, lie down the animal in a clean, dry and quiet place, free of drafts and from which it does not have to go up or down stairs. Give him water to drink six hours after the operation and food eight hours later; Don’t force him to do it. Recovery will depend on each animal, but, on average, it is four to 10 days.
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