Any pet owner doesn’t want to think about their animal companions going under the knife. However, sometimes surgeries are necessary for our furry friends’ long-term health and happiness. The key is choosing a vet surgical specialist you can trust to take care of your pet.
While no surgery is 100% risk-free, you know that experienced and reputable vet clinics or hospitals will do their best to protect your pet’s safety and well-being.
Here are some of the most common feline surgeries:
1. Spaying or Neutering
Spaying involves the removal of a female cat’s ovaries and uterus, while neutering is the removal of a male cat’s testicles.
There are numerous benefits of spaying or neutering your cat. For one, it helps control the pet population. Additionally, spayed and neutered cats are also less likely to roam, reducing their risk of accidents or getting into fights. Cats that stay close to home are also less likely to contract diseases.
Furthermore, spaying eliminates the risk of your female cat developing uterine cancer, while neutering decreases the likelihood of testicular cancer. While these procedures raise ethical concerns among some pet owners, experts and animal rights organizations urge pet parents to have their cats spayed or neutered.
2. Dental Surgery
Cats, like people, can develop tartar and plaque on their teeth. If left untreated, this can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease, which can be painful and may even lead to tooth loss.
Dental surgery is typically done under anesthesia and involves scaling the teeth to remove tartar buildup and cleaning the gums. In some cases, a vet may also need to extract one or more teeth.
Many cat owners are concerned if getting a cat dental surgery is pricey. The severity of the problem determines this. That’s why some veterinary clinics provide free preliminary consultations to let you know how much the operation will cost beforehand, allowing you to make an informed decision.
The key is finding a compassionate veterinary care clinic that offers high-quality and affordable surgery for cats.
3. Ocular Surgery
Cats can also suffer from various eye problems that may require surgery to fix, such as cataracts or glaucoma. Cataract surgery is among the most common ocular surgery performed on cats. It involves removing the cloudy lens from the eye and replacing it with a clear artificial lens.
Like with dental and other types of surgeries, the cost of ocular surgery for cats depends on the severity of the problem and which eye is affected. Remember that surgical services for dogs and cats can be expensive, so it’s crucial to find a clinic that offers affordable care or flexible payment options.
4. Orthopedic Surgery
Cats can also suffer from broken bones or other orthopedic problems that may require surgery to correct. For example, a cat that has suffered a traumatic injury may need surgery to repair a fractured bone.
Orthopedic surgery for cats typically involves setting the bone and placing pins or screws to hold it in place while it heals. In some cases, a metal plate may be required to provide additional support. As with other types of surgeries, the cost of orthopedic surgery will vary depending on the extent of the injury and which bones are affected.
In some cases, orthopedic surgery requires immediate surgery to save your cat’s life. That’s why it’s essential to find an animal hospital that offers after-hours emergency care if your cat needs surgery outside of regular business hours.
The internet can be a great source for finding one. For instance, you can search “emergency vet near me” or “24-hour emergency vet near me” to find a list of animal hospitals that offer after-hours care in your area.
5. Gastrointestinal Surgery
Cats can suffer from gastrointestinal problems that may require surgery to correct, such as intestinal blockages or foreign bodies in the stomach. Gastrointestinal surgery typically involves making an incision in the abdomen so that the surgeon can access the intestines.
Gastrointestinal surgery in cats is typically done under general anesthesia and can be quite invasive. As such, it’s essential to find a veterinary clinic that has experience performing this type of surgery.
The cost of gastrointestinal surgery depends on the severity of the problem and which organs are affected. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to remove a foreign body from the stomach or intestines. In other cases, surgery may be needed to correct a birth defect or repair a damaged organ.
6. Declawing or Onychectomy Surgery
Declawing or onychectomy surgery is a controversial topic. This type of surgery involves removing a cat’s claws from the toes. It’s often performed to prevent cats from scratching furniture or people.
While some people believe that declawing is inhumane, others believe that it’s a necessary procedure to keep cats from causing damage. On the other hand, many vets say that it should only be done as a last resort. They advise cat owners to try different methods of preventing cats from scratching furniture first, such as trimming their claws or using nail caps.
Remember
While cats are independent creatures, they still need your help to stay healthy and happy. Along with providing them with food, water, and shelter, you also need to take them to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations. Moreover, you should be prepared to pay for unexpected medical expenses, such as emergency surgery.
The key is to find a reputable animal hospital or clinic that offers affordable care.
