How Minimally-Invasive Surgery for Pets Leads to Faster Recovery Times

No one wants to hear that their pets need surgery, but new technology makes it easier and safer than ever before. Minimally-invasive surgery for pets reduces pain and promotes healing. What this means for our patients is that they typically bounce back faster and experience few, if any, complications. 

The Difference Between Surgical Methods

Depending on the situation, some cases require open surgery. This can cause a much larger incision, necessitating a longer recovery period and, potentially, more pain medication. Minimally-invasive surgery, on the other hand, utilizes specialized techniques and tools to access a body cavity or joint. Sometimes minimally-invasive surgical techniques can be used alone or in conjunction with traditional surgical procedures, as well. 

A Closer Look at Minimally-Invasive Surgery

Endoscopes and arthroscopes help surgeons see the area in question. Equipped with a high-definition camera, these scopes are inserted into the body via a small incision. The camera captures images, transmits them to a screen where they can be magnified for greater detail. Additional instruments can inflate the body cavity with air or fluid, grab samples for testing, and even cut or tie tissue, all without opening up the body. 

Arthroscopic surgery in pets can help reduce pain and mobility issues associated with cranial cruciate ligament injuries, trauma to the meniscus, and even elbow dysplasia. 

Laparoscopy in Pets

One of the most commonly performed procedures in veterinary hospitals, laparoscopy often yields the best possible outcome. With small incisions, surgeons can access the structures within the abdomen as a way to diagnose or treat the following conditions:

• Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat
• Gastropexy, a procedure to prevent bloat in high-risk pets
• Liver, intestine, or spleen biopsy

Also, laparoscopy in pets is relied on as a way to fully sterilize pets. By removing the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy) or simply the ovaries (ovariectomy), female pets are considered spayed and unable to reproduce. Laparoscopy is also used to neuter male pets, by minimally cutting the tissue to remove the testicles.

Thoracoscopy in Pets

Pericardial effusion (when fluid builds up in the membrane around the heart) used to need an open-chest surgery, but thoracoscopy can be used to drain fluid through a few small incisions in the skin and musculature. Lung biopsies can also be acquired through this technique, with far less trauma and pain in recovery. 

Minimally-Invasive Pet Surgery

With laparoscopy, arthroscopy and thoracoscopy, veterinary surgeries have improved the outcomes of pets. A decreased risk of complications combined with greater accuracy, minimally-invasive surgeries help pets get back to normal much faster. Plus, with a shorter recovery period, fewer medications, and less time at the hospital, MIS are a cost effective alternative. 

Pet Surgical Advancements

We know that no pet owner wants their pet to have surgery, but when it’s needed, a minimally-invasive surgery can save your pet a lot of time in recovery.

Please call our team at Jenison Animal Hospital with any questions at (616) 457-9200.