Surgery: On the Cutting Edge
You have probably heard of laparoscopic surgery. You know, the kind of surgery where the surgeon makes an itty-bitty incision and uses a camera to perform a procedure. In human medicine, many surgeries are routinely performed like this. You may not know, however, that more and more veterinary practices are performing this type of surgery. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is happy to be able to offer laparoscopy and arthroscopy (within the joint) techniques for a wide variety of surgical procedures.
What does that mean for your pet?
- Smaller incisions mean less pain, less trauma, and overall less invasive surgeries. There is evidence to show that a laparoscopic procedure can reduce pain after the procedure by up to 65%!
- Improved visibility for the surgeon means an overall safer surgery and a shorter time for your pet to be under anesthesia.
- Shorter procedures and smaller incisions mean a faster recovery for your pet, with many being able to be discharged from the hospital on the same day as the procedure!
- Studies show that pets are 70% more active in the first 3 days following surgery when a procedure is performed laparoscopically vs. traditionally.
- No plastic cone! Those big, awkward plastic cones that are so uncomfortable for your pet aren’t necessary after laparoscopic surgery.
With all of these benefits, laparoscopic surgery is being recommended to make surgery easier for both pets and their owners.
What types of surgeries can be done laparoscopically?
Liver biopsies are the most common. Others include preventative gastropexy to prevent bloat, tube placement for nutritional support, and staging of disease. We can also explore joints in a minimally invasive, safe manner. This technique allows us to help you make the best decisions possible for your pet by gathering information in the least traumatizing way possible.
Contact us today to find out more about laparascopy or the types of procedures that can be completed in this way. Your pet will thank you!
