Your Trusted & Best Veterinary Care | The Vet Clinic

Surgeries

Whether your pet has broken a bone, eaten something that doesn’t agree or been involved in an accident, bring your pet to the caring team at The Vet Clinic.

Cancer Surgery

A cancer diagnosis can be traumatic and heartbreaking, which is why we do everything in our power to extend the life of your pet allowing you to create more precious memories together. With a wide range of services available, your pet can be treated at the one location, removing unnecessary stress.

Skin Masses in Pets

Growths from within the skin, varying from small benign masses to more extensive tumors.

Common Types:

  • Sebaceous Gland Adenomas: Benign, typically seen in older dogs.
  • Histiocytomas: Benign, common in younger dogs.
  • Mast Cell Tumors (MCT): Can be malignant, often require removal.
  • Soft Tissue Sarcomas (STS): Typically malignant, necessitate surgical removal.

Diagnosis & Treatment:

  • Benign Masses: Often monitored, may not require treatment.
  • Malignant Tumors: Require early surgical removal to prevent growth and spread.
  • Surgery: Involves removing the tumor with a margin of healthy tissue; histopathology checks if fully removed.
  • Post-Surgery: Pets usually go home the next day with pain relief and antibiotics; dietary changes might be recommended.

What Are Splenic Tumours?

  • Tumours in the spleen: Can be benign (haemangiomas) or metastatic (hemangiosarcomas).
  • Symptoms: Weakness, collapse (often after tumour rupture), weight loss, abdomen enlargement, pale gums from blood loss.

Common Breeds Affected

  • Predisposed breeds: Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Pointers.

Diagnosis Methods

  • Abdominal palpation may detect a mass.
  • X-rays and ultrasounds can reveal and identify splenic masses.
  • Blood tests suggest blood loss due to possible splenic mass.

Treatment Options

  • Splenectomy: Removal of spleen and tumour; essential for stopping internal bleeding.
  • Can extend life by 3-6 months, even if cancer has spread.
  • Blood transfusions may be necessary before surgery.

Recovery and Aftercare

  • Pets usually stay one night in the hospital.
  • At-home care with pain relief and antibiotics is typical.
  • Referral care can be costly ($1,000 – $2,000/day).

Life Expectancy

  • Benign tumour: Pets may live many more years post-surgery.
  • Metastatic tumour: Life expectancy of 3-6 months, possibly extended with chemotherapy.

 

Mammary Gland Cancer in Dogs and Cats

 Mammary gland cancer involves the development of single or multiple masses in the mammary glands of dogs and cats.

Risk Factors

  • Common in non-desexed female pets or those spayed after 2 years of age.
  • Spaying before the first season reduces a dog’s risk to less than 1%.
  • Approximately 50% of mammary tumors in dogs and 90% in cats are malignant.

Diagnosis

  • Identified as firm, stone-like lumps in mammary tissue.
  • Tumors may grow, rupture, and cause secondary infections.

Treatment

  • Surgery: Primary treatment; involves removal of affected glands.
  • Complete Mastectomy: Recommended for multiple gland involvement.
  • Desexing: Advised during surgery to reduce recurrence.

Recovery

  • Pets typically go home the same day with pain relief and antibiotics.
  • Bandages are used for large surgeries and are removed within 2–5 days.
  • Sutures are removed 2–3 weeks post-surgery.

Ear and Nose Cancer in Cats (Squamous Cell Carcinoma - SCC)

  • Common Sites: White areas of ears and nose; not found on pigmented skin.
  • Nature: Highly invasive locally; slow to spread. If untreated, can spread to lymph nodes.

Diagnosis:

  • Early Signs: Small, non-healing scabs, often mistaken for fight injuries or sores.
  • Progression: Ulceration, tissue destruction, weeping, and bacterial infections.

Treatment:

  • Early Stage: Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen under general anesthesia.
  • Advanced Stage: Surgical removal of affected tissue, with significant changes possible.
  • Ear SCC: Complete ear removal recommended to prevent recurrence.

Recovery and Aftercare:

  • Cryotherapy: Same-day discharge.
  • Surgery: Hospitalization for 2-3 days; follow-up for suture removal in 2 weeks.
  • Medications: Antibiotics and pain relief provided.

Prevention:

  • UV Exposure: Even indoor cats are at risk from sunlight near windows.
  • Early Treatment: Essential for a permanent cure with minimal tissue change.

Eye Surgery

If your pet is having trouble seeing clearly, eye surgery may be required. Certain breeds are more prone to conditions such as prolapsed third eyelids and meibomian gland tumours. Rest assured our experienced veterinarians are here to help.

What is Entropion?

  • Definition: Condition where eyelids roll inward, causing eyelashes to rub against the cornea.
  • Symptoms: Watery, sore eyes; excessive blinking.

Commonly Affected Breeds

  • Dogs: Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Malamutes, Shar Peis (especially puppies), Pugs.
  • Cats: Older cats may also develop this condition.

Why Surgery is Needed

  • Untreated Risks: Can lead to corneal scarring and eventual blindness.
  • Discomfort: Causes continuous pain until treated.

Treatment Method

  • Procedure: Surgery under general anesthesia (20-45 minutes).
  • Technique: Precise eyelid incisions for symmetry; minimal visible scarring; no need to shave surrounding hair.

Recovery and Aftercare

  • Post-Surgery: Same-day discharge with antibiotics, pain relief, and eye ointment.
  • Protection: Cone collar until suture removal (14 days).
  • Healing: Full recovery within a month; significant improvement in behavior due to pain relief.

What is a Corneal Ulcer?

  • The cornea: Transparent membrane at the front of the eyeball.
  • Corneal ulcer: Deep erosion in the cornea's third layer, causing cloudiness and pain.
  • Common cause: Trauma (e.g., entropion, cat scratches, sharp objects).
  • Symptoms: Eye rubbing with paw or on surfaces.

Diagnosis Methods

  • Direct eye examination.
  • Special stain for better visualization.

Treatment Options

  • Non-Surgical: Antibiotic eye drops/ointment to prevent infection and lubricate the eye.
  • Surgical: Third eyelid flap surgery under general anesthesia, often with entropion correction.

Recovery and Aftercare

  • Pet goes home the same day with a protective cone.
  • Third eyelid flap typically released 2-4 weeks post-surgery, based on ulcer severity.

Meibomian Gland Tumors in Dogs

  • Common in Older Dogs: Tumors of the meibomian glands in the eyelids are frequent in aging dogs.
  • Appearance: Start as small bumps (2-3mm) on the upper or lower eyelid margin.
  • Growth: Often stay small and don't require immediate removal.
  • Symptoms: May rest on the eye but typically cause no irritation unless they grow.
  • Active Tumors: If they begin to enlarge, removal is necessary.

Treatment Options

  • Surgical Removal: Tumors are removed via a "V" wedge excision, preserving most of the eyelid.
  • Minimal Scarring: Around 1/8 to 1/3 of the eyelid may be removed without noticeable scarring post-recovery.
  • Fine Sutures: 6-0 Prolene sutures are used for precise closure, ensuring a seamless healing process.

Recovery and Aftercare

  • Elizabethan Collar: Prevents pets from rubbing the surgical site.
  • Eye Ointment: Helps control conjunctival inflammation post-surgery.
  • Follow-Up: Suture removal after two weeks, with no additional charge.

What is a Prolapsed Third Eyelid Gland in Dogs?

  • Definition: A prolapsed third eyelid gland is a condition where the gland beneath the third eyelid bulges out, appearing as a pinkish mass near the nose.
  • Function: This gland contributes to the tear film, keeping the cornea lubricated.

Treatment Options

  • Repositioning: Suturing the gland back into place using buried sutures.
  • Removal: Surgical removal is a quicker but less preferred option.

Recovery and Aftercare

  • Swelling: Some swelling is normal and will reduce within seven days.
  • Medication: Use prescribed eye ointment; no suture removal is required.

Abdominal Surgery

Has your dog or cat eaten something they shouldn’t have? If a foreign body has become lodged anywhere in their abdomen and they are having trouble passing it, then abdomen surgery may be the appropriate course of action. Speak with our experienced team to learn more.

What is Gastrointestinal Obstruction?

  • Definition: Blockage in the gastrointestinal tract (oesophagus to large bowel)
  • Common Area: Small intestine (narrowest part)
  • Causes: Ingested foreign objects (bones, rocks, toys) or tumors (in older dogs)
  • Typical Age: 1-3 years old

Diagnosis

  • Simple Cases: Foreign objects visible on x-rays (bones, rocks, metal)
  • Complex Cases: Seeds, toy pieces, rubber harder to detect
  • Advanced Imaging: Barium contrast x-rays for clearer diagnosis

Treatment Options

  • Surgery: Incision to remove foreign material and close the site
  • Severe Cases: Possible bowel resection if trauma occurs
  • Hospital Stay: Usually 1-3 days post-surgery

Recovery and Aftercare

  • Diet: Start with liquid diet (chicken broth), then progress to carbs (pasta, spaghetti)
  • Transition: Gradual return to regular diet over 1-2 days
  • Environment: Remove high-risk toys

What Are Bladder Stones?

  • Mineral formations in the bladder
  • Can be small or large, single or multiple
  • Symptoms: Frequent urination, straining, blood in urine, accidents, and licking area

Causes

  • Excess salt in diet
  • Genetic issues (e.g., Dalmatians)

Diagnosis

  • X-rays
  • Urine crystals
  • Abdominal palpation

Treatment Options

  • Surgery: Quick removal, usually within 30 minutes
  • Diet: Special diets can dissolve stones over weeks

Recovery and Aftercare

  • Typically one night in hospital
  • Pain relief and antibiotics
  • Diet change to prescription or premium food to prevent recurrence

All patients receive pain relief and antibiotics (nsaids and opiates). Pre-anaesthetic blood testing is also performed where recommended and agreed to by clients to check the pets underlying medical health prior to surgery. IV (intravenous) or SC (subcutaneous) fluids are provided, as recommended, for most surgeries to support cardiac (heart) and renal (kidney) function during procedures.

Induction of anaesthesia is performed in pocket pets and cats and some small dogs using Isoflurane in Oxygen by mask – this provides rapid induction and allows the pet to be breathing 100% oxygen from the start of the induction process. Use of this technique prevents apnoea episodes (where a pet stops breathing) during induction, and makes the procedure much safer, particularly in our older cats and pocket pets. Anaesthesia is maintained using Isoflurane in Oxygen – this is the same anaesthetic regime in human hospitals.

Patients are placed on heating pads during procedures and are recovered on heating pads after the procedure/anaesthesia is finished, prior to being placed back into their cage once they have recovered.

SURGERY

Welcome to our premier pet surgery page, where your pet’s health and well-being are our top priorities. At our state-of-the-art facility, we offer top-notch surgery services by experienced professionals who truly care about your furry friends.

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Whether your pet needs a routine procedure or complex surgery, count on us to provide the highest level of care every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our pet surgery services.

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