Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic surgery in our practice is most commonly done as a result of some sort of trauma to the chest. Small dogs often have broken ribs and punctured chests due to bites from larger dogs or having been hit by a car.
Diaphragmatic hernias are corrected through thoracic surgery as well.
In all cases of thoracic surgery, special anesthetic and ventilation protocols are necessary as the normal breathing mechanism is non effective when the chest vacuum is lost due to the exposure to air. Thoracic surgery therefore leads to more intensive monitoring and critical hospital care.
Abdominal Surgery (other than spaying)
One of the more common abdominal surgeries is the correction of stomach bloat in larger breeds of dogs. This is termed GDV or Gastric Dilation and Volvulus. This condition is life threatening as the twisted stomach has no way to release a build up of gases. Rupture and death can occur if it is not treated within a few hours.
The surgeon must untwist the bloated stomach, releasing the build up of gas and then permanently suturing the stomach to a spot on the abdominal wall. This prevents future twisting of the stomach.
Another common abdominal surgery is the removal or bladder stones in dogs, which can build up over time and go undetected. These stones can develop to the size of a golf ball and it is necessary to open up the abdomen and enter the urinary bladder in order to remove them.
There are a number of other abdominal surgeries including removal of spleen tumors, general exploratory surgeries and repair of trauma to the abdominal wall.
