When your pet companion is entering their senior years, it may require special care, especially for veterinary surgeries. For a variety of reasons, old dogs might require surgery by vets. Cognitive and behavioral issues, anxiety, and sleeping through the night are several common reasons. To ensure your dog is safe during surgery, having your senior dog examined by a veterinarian who can gather a complete medical history and anticipate possible complications is crucial.
Older dogs can be susceptible to hypothermia, hindering their recovery from anesthesia and slowing their metabolism. The most impressive results are achieved by managing each anesthetic session differently and considering the age of each dog.
Common Veterinary Surgery for Geriatric Dogs
While it can be intimidating to undergo surgery, many common surgeries can significantly improve your senior pet’s quality of life. Here are some procedures you might want to think about for your senior pet:
Dental Surgery
Dental problems are common in older dogs which can cause discomfort, infections, and eating difficulties. Dental procedures like tooth extraction or cleaning can significantly enhance the health of your dog’s teeth and make eating time more relaxing; click here for more information.
There are risks associated with dental surgery on senior dogs, such as general anesthesia-related hazards such as hypothermia, hypotension, and depression of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. But, these risks are reduced in senior pets by doing complete pre-anesthetic tests, stabilizing medical conditions before anesthesia, and using more secure anesthetic methods.
Spay or Neuter Surgery
A senior dog spaying and neutering can be risk-free. These procedures can prevent the development of pyometra and various tumors (uterine diseases). Prostatic conditions, uterine infections, prostatic hypertrophy, and many other behavioral issues can be prevented by sterilization. A neutered or spayed female is less likely to wander off searching for male mates and bark excessively.
In addition, spaying or neutering can aid in limiting your pet population by stopping unwanted litters. Notably, regular pain treatment may significantly extend the lifespan of an older dog suffering from osteoarthritis or other degenerative muscular or skeletal problems.
Mass Removal
As dogs age, they are likely to develop bumps and lumps that can be cancerous or benign. If your veterinarian notices a mass on your dog’s body, they may recommend surgical removal. It not only enhances the comfort of your dog’s body but could also help stop the spread of cancer if the mass is malignant.
Joint Surgery
Arthritis is joint among seniors dogs that can lead to pain and limited movement. A knee or hip replacement surgery can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life by relieving discomfort and allowing for better mobility. If your dog has difficulty getting up, climbing stairs, or taking a walk, then joint replacement surgery may be the ideal solution.
Orthopedic Surgery
A dog surgeon can help treat wounds and restore your pet’s legs to their normal state. Correction of your pet’s joints, bones, or ligaments can be necessary. Bone plates, nylon pins, screws or casts, or prosthetic joints could be used during the surgery. Orthopedic surgery can be performed for pets at veterinary clinics and hospitals. Every effort is made to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort during the process.
Abdominal Surgery
Geriatric dogs may experience various problems in their abdomens, including obstructions to the intestinal tract, tumors, or bladder stones. Abdominal surgery is a great option to remove these obstructions and improve your dog’s overall health. General anesthesia bleeding, postoperative infection, intestinal or urinary bladder leakage, and wound disintegration in an incision area are among the significant hazards associated with abdominal surgeries. However, when administered correctly, senior pets don’t significantly increase the chance of experiencing anesthesia. One advantage of abdominal surgery is the ability to find and remove obstructions, tumors, or other conditions that could be causing the dog discomfort or agony.
Eye Surgery
Senior dogs might require eye surgery to treat certain conditions, such as cataracts or Ectropion. Eye surgery can help correct these issues and improve your dog’s eyesight. Surgery might be the right option if your dog is bumping into objects, is squinting, or has eye pain. Consult a trusted vet like the veterinarian in Los Angeles for additional details.
