Pet Soft Tissue Surgeries

Anal sac tumors, especially apocrine gland adenocarcinoma, are a serious but rare issue in dogs. Anal sacs are small pouches near the anus that release a smelly liquid during defecation, possibly aiding in communication between animals. When these sacs become inflamed, infected, or blocked, dogs may show signs like scooting, licking, and chewing at the area.

• Symptoms: Anal sac tumors often present with external swelling, constipation, pain during defecation, and blood in the stool. Dogs may also exhibit symptoms of kidney failure due to elevated calcium levels, such as increased thirst, urination, vomiting, and lethargy. These tumors can also lead to hypercalcemia, potentially causing kidney issues.
• Diagnosis: To diagnose anal sac tumors, veterinarians use aspiration to obtain cells from the tumor, blood tests to assess overall health and calcium levels, chest x-rays to check for metastasis, and abdominal ultrasound to examine for enlarged lymph nodes or tumor spread.
• Treatment: Surgery is the primary treatment, involving the removal of the tumor and possibly affected lymph nodes. If kidney failure or hypercalcemia is present, pre-surgery treatments such as intravenous fluids and medications may be needed. Post-surgery, pain management, infection prevention, and recovery are essential. Complications can include incision infection, wound breakdown, and temporary fecal incontinence.
• Prognosis: The prognosis for anal sac tumors depends on treatment effectiveness, tumor size, and lymph node involvement. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for improving survival rates and managing symptoms effectively. Regular veterinary check-ups can aid in early detection and better outcomes.

To learn more about anal sac tumors in dogs, including their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, visit ACVS – Anal Sac Tumors in Dogs.

Brachycephalic Syndrome affects dogs with short muzzles and flat faces, such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persians. The condition involves several respiratory issues caused by the abnormal anatomy of these breeds. Key components include elongated soft palate, stenotic nares (narrow nostrils), and everted laryngeal saccules (tissue protruding into the airway). These issues can obstruct airflow, making breathing difficult.

• Signs and Symptoms Dogs with Brachycephalic Syndrome often exhibit noisy breathing, gagging, exercise intolerance, and in severe cases, cyanosis (bluish gums and tongue). They may struggle with breathing, especially in heat or after exercise. Obesity exacerbates these symptoms, and some dogs prefer sleeping on their backs to ease breathing.
• Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosis involves a physical exam and often requires anesthesia to view the soft palate and laryngeal saccules. Treatment may include surgical options like resection of the soft palate and removal of everted saccules. Correcting stenotic nares during surgery can also improve airflow. Post-surgery, close monitoring is crucial to manage potential complications like inflammation or temporary breathing difficulties.
• Aftercare and Outcome Pets generally stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours post-surgery. While young dogs often have a good prognosis with significantly improved breathing, older dogs with advanced laryngeal collapse may face a less favorable outcome.

For more information on Brachycephalic Syndrome and treatment options, visit ACVS – Brachycephalic Syndrome.

Perineal hernias occur when the pelvic diaphragm muscles weaken or fail, leading to herniation of abdominal contents into the ischiorectal fossa. Common types include caudal, dorsolateral, ventral, and sciatic hernias. These hernias often result in visible swelling near the rectum and symptoms such as constipation, difficulty defecating, straining to urinate, and lethargy.

• Signs and Symptoms Pets with perineal hernias may show swelling adjacent to the anus that contains herniated fat, omentum, or organs. Symptoms can include constipation, straining to defecate or urinate, abdominal pain, lethargy, and altered tail carriage. Prompt veterinary evaluation is crucial as hernia complications can be life-threatening.
• Diagnostics Diagnosis involves a thorough rectal exam to assess hernia type and content, often requiring sedation or anesthesia. Further diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound or radiographs, may be used to evaluate hernia contents and related organs.
• Treatment Treatment often begins with medical management to stabilize the pet before surgery, including enemas, stool softeners, and fluids. Surgical repair, or perineal herniorrhaphy, involves restoring the pelvic diaphragm with sutures and possibly muscle flaps or surgical mesh. In cases of organ entrapment, organopexy may be performed to anchor affected organs.
• Aftercare and Outcome Post-surgery, pets are monitored for complications such as infections, wound dehiscence, or recurrence. Most recover within 2 weeks, though complications may require further intervention. Castration during surgery is recommended to reduce recurrence risk.

For detailed information, visit ACVS – Perineal Hernias.

Male cats are prone to urethral obstructions caused by plugs of inflammatory material, mucus, crystals, or small stones. These obstructions may result from unknown causes, but viral infections, diet, cancer, scarring, and trauma may contribute. Early neutering does not impact urethral size in cats as it does in some other species.

• Signs & Symptoms Obstruction commonly affects cats aged 1 to 10 years. Initial symptoms include straining to urinate, frequent urination, blood in the urine, and pain. Complete obstruction leads to severe symptoms like attempts to urinate with no result, discomfort, restlessness, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Without treatment, obstruction can be fatal in 3-6 days. Risk factors include dry food diets, indoor living, stress, and multi-cat households. Winter months see a higher incidence.
• Diagnostics Diagnosis involves blood work to assess kidney function and rule out infections, and urinalysis to check for crystals. X-rays may reveal stones or anatomical abnormalities. Advanced imaging might be used to assess bladder and urethra.
• Treatment Emergency treatment involves catheterization to relieve the blockage and flush the bladder. The catheter remains in place for a few days, and the cat is monitored for urination ability post-removal. Medications and dietary changes may follow. In cases of recurrent obstruction, a perineal urethrostomy (PU) is recommended. This surgical procedure creates a permanent opening in the urethra to prevent future blockages.
• Aftercare and Outcome Post-surgery, use pelleted or paper litter and monitor for swelling or leakage. An Elizabethan collar may be needed for 10-14 days to prevent self-trauma. Regular rechecks are necessary. Complications like bleeding, swelling, and stricture may occur. Bacterial infections are common within the first year. While PU reduces blockages, it does not prevent bladder inflammation or stone formation.

For more information, visit Urinary Obstruction in Male Cats – ACVS.

A salivary mucocele, or sialocele, is an accumulation of saliva in tissues due to a damaged salivary gland or duct. This condition typically presents as a painless, soft swelling in the neck or mouth. It’s important to identify the side of the initial swelling, as large mucoceles can make it difficult to determine which gland to remove. Unlike cysts, which are lined by glandular tissue, mucoceles are lined by inflammatory tissue. Mucoceles are classified into different types:

• Cervical Mucocele: The most common type, located in the upper neck under the jaw.
• Sublingual Mucocele (Ranula): Found on the floor of the mouth, often alongside the tongue.
• Pharyngeal Mucocele: A less common type where fluid accumulates in the throat, potentially causing respiratory distress.
• Zygomatic Mucocele: A rare type involving the small zygomatic salivary glands below the eye.

The cause of mucoceles is often unknown but may be linked to trauma from choke collars, bite wounds, or chewing on foreign objects. This condition is almost exclusively seen in dogs, with breeds like Poodles, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, and Australian Silky Terriers being more susceptible.

Signs & Symptoms Cervical mucoceles present as gradually enlarging, painless masses in the neck. They rarely cause issues unless they become very large. Sublingual mucoceles (ranulas) may interfere with eating and are prone to bleeding. Pharyngeal mucoceles are more serious and can cause breathing difficulties as the mass obstructs the airway, necessitating urgent treatment.

Diagnostics Diagnosis is usually straightforward with palpation of the affected area. Mucoceles are soft and non-painful, unlike tumors or abscesses, which are typically firm or painful. Aspiration of the mucocele under sterile conditions reveals a yellowish, thick fluid with a low cell count, confirming the presence of saliva. In rare cases, radiographs may be necessary if cancer is suspected.

Treatment The only effective treatment for a salivary mucocele is surgical removal of the affected salivary gland(s). Aspiration may temporarily relieve symptoms but is not a permanent solution and risks introducing bacteria. Surgery usually involves removing both the mandibular and sublingual glands on the affected side. In cases of sublingual mucoceles (ranulas), marsupialization may be performed to create an opening for drainage into the oral cavity. A drain may be placed post-surgery to allow fluid to escape during healing.

Aftercare and Outcome Post-surgery, if a drain is used, it will need to be monitored for several days. Bandages may need to be changed frequently, or warm compresses can be applied to clean the area and encourage drainage. The prognosis is excellent, with most dogs returning to a normal life without complications. Postoperative issues are uncommon but may include fluid pockets (seromas) or infections. If not enough glandular tissue is removed, recurrence of the mucocele is possible.

For more information, you can refer to Salivary Mucocele – ACVS.

Bladder stones are common in dogs and cats, forming when minerals crystallize in the urinary tract. High salt concentration, specific pH levels, and decreased crystal inhibitors contribute to their development.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms include blood in the urine, straining to urinate, frequent urination, and abdominal discomfort. Urinary obstruction is a medical emergency.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves blood and urine tests, along with imaging techniques like X-rays or ultrasound.

Types of Stones

• Struvite: Often related to urinary infections.
• Calcium Oxalate: Common in both dogs and cats.
• Urate: Associated with certain breeds and liver conditions.
• Cystine: Linked to inherited disorders.
• Silicate: Possibly related to diet.

Treatment Options

Struvite stones may be dissolved with diet, but others often require surgery, such as cystotomy or laser lithotripsy.

Post-Surgery Care

Post-operative care includes limited activity, monitoring urine output, and ensuring a return to normal energy levels. Pets may need to wear an E-collar to prevent interference with the surgical site, and it’s normal to see some blood in the urine during the first week or two after surgery.

Prevention Strategies

Tailored diets and regular monitoring are essential in preventing the recurrence of bladder stones. Managing any underlying conditions and addressing urinary tract infections promptly is also crucial for long-term prevention.

For more information, visit ACVS – Urinary Stones

Liver Tumors in Pets

• Liver tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, are often surgically treatable with a favorable prognosis. Symptoms like appetite loss, weight loss, and jaundice are common but nonspecific. Diagnostic tests, including blood work, X-rays, and ultrasounds, are essential for identifying these tumors. Surgery is the primary treatment, usually performed by a board-certified veterinary surgeon. After surgery, pets need close monitoring and medication. While some tumors, like hepatocellular carcinoma, respond well to treatment, others, such as bile duct carcinomas, may have a poorer prognosis due to a higher risk of metastasis.
• For more details, visit ACVS: Liver Tumors.

Stomach and Intestine

• Gastrointestinal foreign bodies in pets occur when non-digestible items like toys, bones, or strings become lodged in the stomach or intestines. This can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and dehydration. Diagnosis typically involves blood work, X-rays, and ultrasound. While some objects may pass naturally, many require surgical removal through procedures like gastrotomy (stomach opening) or enterotomy (intestinal opening). In severe cases, intestinal resection and anastomosis may be needed to remove damaged sections. Prompt treatment is crucial to avoid complications like perforation, peritonitis, and life-threatening infections.
• For more details, visit ACVS: Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies.

Gallbladder

• Gallbladder mucocele in pets is a condition where thick mucus accumulates in the gallbladder, leading to its distention. This can cause symptoms like decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy, and jaundice. Diagnosed through blood work and ultrasound, the condition can lead to life-threatening complications, such as bile duct obstruction or gallbladder rupture. Cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal, is often recommended, especially in early stages, to prevent rupture. Post-surgery, pets require careful monitoring and medication. Although the condition has a reported mortality rate of 20–39%, early surgical intervention significantly improves the long-term prognosis.
• For more details, visit ACVS: Gallbladder Mucocele.

Colon:

• Megacolon is a condition where the colon becomes excessively dilated and flaccid, often due to chronic constipation. It can also result from congenital issues or mechanical obstructions, like pelvic fractures. Symptoms in cats include abdominal discomfort, decreased appetite, and straining to defecate. Diagnosis is based on physical exams, radiographs, and possibly ultrasound. Initial treatment focuses on medical management, including hydration, enemas, and medications like lactulose and cisapride. If these methods fail, surgery, such as subtotal colectomy, may be necessary. After surgery, cats generally recover well, though they may experience temporary stool irregularities.
• For more details, visit ACVS: Megacolon.

Spleen:

• Splenic masses in dogs can range from benign conditions like hematomas and nodular hyperplasia, which are effectively treated with splenectomy, to malignant tumors such as hemangiosarcoma. The latter is common in older large-breed dogs and requires more intensive care. Symptoms of splenic masses include weakness, abdominal distension, and sudden collapse if the mass ruptures. Diagnosis involves blood tests, imaging (radiographs and ultrasound), and sometimes echocardiography. Surgery is both diagnostic and therapeutic. While benign masses usually have a good prognosis with surgery, hemangiosarcoma often results in a shorter survival time. Post-surgery, restricted activity and monitoring for complications are essential for recovery.
• For more details, visit ACVS: Splenic Masses.