Our state-of-the-art surgical suite provides for the performance of a wide variety of surgical procedures:
- Spaying and neutering
- Dentistry and oral surgery
- Emergency surgery
- Soft tissue surgery
- Orthopedic surgery (Board Certified Surgeon may perform some procedures at Indian Tree Animal Hospital)
- Basic ophthalmology surgery
- Laser surgery
We utilize the safest available anesthetics to provide an extra margin of safety, especially for our older or high-risk patients. Using the most modern equipment, the patient's vital signs are monitored during all anesthetic procedures.
LASER
Benefits of laser surgery
Less Bleeding. As it cuts, the laser seals small blood vessels. This drastic reduction in bleeding enables a number of new surgical procedures that are not practical with conventional scalpel.
Less Pain
The CO2 laser beam seals nerve endings and lymphatics, resulting in less edema and pain. The patient experiences a far more comfortable post-operative recovery.
Reduced risk of infection
This is one of the unique features of the CO2 laser beam. It efficiently kills bacteria in its path, producing a sterilizing effect.
Quicker recovery time
Reduced risk of infection, less bleeding, less pain and less swelling often allow the patient a far quicker recovery after the surgery.
Elective Surgical Procedures
Declawing In Cats And Kittens
(onychectomy)
Scratching with the front claws is normal, instinctive behavior for cats. The purpose of this activity is to remove old, worn fragments of nails. Though scratching is normal for cats, this behavior can be destructive and costly in the home. For many cat owners, declawing is the only solution.
A declawed cat should be confined indoors, since the claws are its primary means of defense. A house cat has little need for defense and is a more suitable pet because it can no longer ruin furnishings or scratch people.
Surgical Procedures
Declawing (onychectomy) is performed under general anesthesia and consists of surgical removal of the nail bed. At Indian Tree, we believe in minimizing pain and decreasing healing time for our patient, so we only perform declaws and tendonectomies with laser. The feet are usually bandaged, and the cat may be hospitalized briefly. After the bandages are removed, your pet will be able to walk normally, though tenderness may be evident for a few days.
Dental
Dental calculus (tartar) is composed of various mineral salts, organic material and food particles. In the early stages of accumulation, the material is soft (plaque), but it later hardens and adheres to the teeth. Continual accumulation causes inflammation of the gums and eventual recession of the gums and loose teeth. The breath becomes very odorous and the mouth becomes a dangerous source of infection.
Untreated tooth and gum disease may allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause damage to the valves of the heart.
Provide rawhide, hard rubber or nylon chew toys or hard treat foods. Remember that the treat foods are a source of calories and may lead to obesity if too many are given.
Brush your pet's teeth periodically. Your veterinarian can provide special enzymatic toothpaste developed for the teeth of cats and dogs. Abrasive dental cleaning pads are also helpful in cleaning the teeth. Water and baking soda can be used with a soft toothbrush but are less effective than toothpaste developed for animals.
Regular professional cleaning by your veterinarian is the most effective way to ensure good dental health for your pet.
Neutering
(Orchiectomy/Castration)
Neutering is the surgical removal of the testicles. This surgery is performed to reduce sexual instincts and render your pet sterile. When your pet is neutered, it generally reduces his tendency to roam and fight. The level of aggression may also be reduced. However, castration is not a replacement for obedience training by the owner.
In older dogs, castration may be necessary due to diseases or tumors of the testicles or prostate gland. In cats, the objectionable urine odor of the male cat is also reduced.
Your pet will be given a pre-operative physical examination to help ensure its safety during anesthesia and surgery. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. Safe anesthetic and surgical protocols are strictly followed. Recovery is generally uneventful, the hospital stay is short, and aftercare is minimal.
Spaying
(Ovariohysterectomy)
Ovariohysterectomy is the medical term for spaying a female animal. The procedure consists of the surgical removal of both the ovaries and the uterus. If the ovaries are not removed, the bothersome heat periods still occur even though pregnancy is impossible. Surgery is usually performed between 4-6 months of age in order to reap the benefits prior to a heat cycle.
Though it is routinely performed, an ovariohysterectomy is a major abdominal surgery, requiring general anesthesia and sterile operating techniques.
Prevention of pregnancy and elimination of heat periods are the main reasons for the surgery. However, the procedure is often necessary in treating severe uterine infections, ovarian and/or uterine tumors, and some skin disorders.
Important Considerations Before Surgery:
Your pet should be free of intestinal parasites (worms) and must be current on all vaccinations before surgery.
What Are the Advantages?
- There will be no more heat cycles.
- There will be no unwanted puppies and kittens.
- The uterine infections common in older dogs will no longer occur.
- There is less chance of mammary gland cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will it make my pet become fat and lazy? No. Obesity is due to excessive calorie intake. Weight can be controlled by proper feeding and exercise.
2. Will it change her personality, disposition or intelligence? No. Your pets' personalities do not fully develop until 1-2 years of age. If there is a personality change in a dog neutered at a young age, it would have occurred without surgery.
3. Are there any problems associated with spaying? A very small percentage of animals have trouble holding their urine as they become older. This is normally controllable with medication.
4. Shouldn't my pet have a litter first? No. There is no advantage in allowing your pet to have a litter.
