Dog Surgery

Spay (Ovariohysterectomy)
This surgery is done to prevent female dogs from getting pregnant. It involves removing the uterus and the ovaries. This also prevents pyometra, a life-threatening infection that intact females can get in their uterus. Having dogs spayed at 6 months of age (before their first heat cycle) minimizes their risk of developing a mammary tumor in the future. After being spayed, dogs will no longer have a heat cycle.

Neuter (Orchiectomy)
Neutering involves removal of a male dog’s testicles, preventing him from getting female dogs pregnant. Neutering dramatically reduces the risk for prostate infections and benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is commonly recommended to neuter dogs at 6 months of age, although in a large breed dog it can be beneficial to wait until they are slightly older.

Growth Removal
Growths on or underneath the skin are a very common occurrence in dogs. Depending on the location and size of the growth, we can discuss removing it. Sometimes we will recommend getting a small sample of the growth first to help with surgical planning. After removing it, we will submit it to a pathologist to determine what type of tumor it is and whether it is benign or malignant.

Cystotomy
In a dog with bladder stones, a cystotomy is an abdominal surgery that allows us to remove the stones for a quick resolution. Bladder stones are usually found or diagnosed with abdominal radiographs and ultrasound. After surgery, a radiograph is repeated to ensure that all stones were removed successfully. The bladder stones will be submitted to the laboratory to find out which kind they are; this will help guide food recommendations to help avoid more bladder stones forming again in the future.

Gastropexy
Often called “stomach tacking”, this surgery prevents gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). GDV is bloating and twisting of the stomach that cuts off blood supply to the digestive tract; this is a severe emergency most often seen in giant-breed, deep-chested dogs. Breeds most commonly affected are Great Danes, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, and standard Poodles. A gastropexy is an abdominal surgery that will anchor the stomach to the abdominal wall. This anchor prevents the stomach from twisting in the future.

Mammary mass removal/Mastectomy
Mammary tumors occur most often in dogs that were spayed later in life instead of before their first heat cycle. These growths can become malignant over time, so it is recommended to remove them promptly. Chest x-rays may be taken before anesthesia to make sure the tumors have not spread to the lungs. In dogs who are still intact, it is common to also spay them during surgery, to help reduce the risk of more mammary masses developing in the future.

Vulvoplasty (Episioplasty)
This surgery may be recommended in female dogs who have recessed vulvas. When dogs have excess skin around their vulva, it traps bacteria and moisture, and can then cause frequent urinary tract infections and skin infections. A vulvoplasty removes the extra skin folds, allowing for ventilation of the surrounding area. This helps prevent UTIs in the future.

Nares Resection
Many brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs have very small, closed-off nostrils. Such small nostrils make it difficult for dogs to breathe when they are active or excited. Breeds that are most often affected include French bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus. A nares resection removes some of the tissue from the nasal folds, opening the nostrils and allowing them to breathe more easily. This is most commonly done at the same time as their spay/neuter surgery.