surgery Archives - Evesham Veterinary Clinic

Bladder Stones

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 20:25:27 +0000

Bladder stones are mineralized objects that form in the bladders of dogs and cats. They are often caused by urinary tract infections. Diet may be another factor.

Clinical signs include difficulty urinating, bloody urine, or urinating a little bit at a time. Left untreated, bladder stones can become life-threatening.

Diagnosis is confirmed with radiographs (x-rays) and/or ultrasound. Sometimes the stones can be felt within the abdomen.

Treatment includes surgery, antibiotics, and/or dietary management.

Stones are often sent to the laboratory for analysis following surgery. Common types are magnesium ammonium phosphate and calcium oxalate.

For more information or if you believe your dog or cat might have bladder stones, please call us.

Evesham Veterinary Clinic

Marlton, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

Bladder stone in a dog. Evesham Veterinary Clinic, Marlton, NJ.

The post Bladder Stones appeared first on Evesham Veterinary Clinic.

Pyometra

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 19:58:48 +0000

Pyometra is an infection of the uterus caused by high levels of the hormone progesterone. It usually occurs during the period called diestrus, following when a dog is in heat. At this time the uterus is vulnerable to infection with bacteria. The most common cause is a bacterium called Escherichia coli.

Pyometra can affect any female intact dog or cat. It is more common in older animals. Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) prevents the disease.

Clinical Signs:

Increased drinking
Lethargy
Vaginal discharge
Reduced appetite
Fever

Pyometras are classified as “closed” or “open” depending on whether there is discharge from the vagina. Closed pyometras are particularly dangerous because they can be unnoticed for longer and because they more often lead to rupture of the uterus, which can cause death within hours. Either kind requires immediate veterinary attention.

Diagnosis is made through history, physical examination, complete blood count, radiographs (x-rays), or ultrasound.

The treatment of choice is spaying. This removes the source of progesterone as well as the diseased pus-filled uterus. Very sick animals may need to be stabilized first with intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Antibiotics alone without surgery are ineffective against pyometra.

Evesham Veterinary Clinic

Marlton, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

The post Pyometra appeared first on Evesham Veterinary Clinic.

Pre/Post Operation

Jeffrey Bell, VMD — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:02:28 +0000

Pre/Post Operation

Cutting through all the information

Due to illness, disease or trauma, your pet may one day require surgery. While potentially stressful (for both you and your pet) there are a few basic guidelines that you can follow that will make the process as complication-free as possible and put your pet on the fast road to recovery.
Depending on the type of surgery, whether minor or major, your veterinarian will advise you when your pet can resume his normal lifestyle.
Pre-surgical instructions

Your veterinarian will do a check-up on your pet before the surgery to determine if there are any pre-existing conditions that may interfere with the surgical procedure.
Make sure your pet is current on his annual vaccinations.
Your veterinarian may suggest a blood test to screen for disease not apparent from a physical exam.
You may need to administer antibiotics several days prior to major surgery to increase your pet’s ability to fight off infection.
Speak with your veterinarian to find out what are the restrictions for food and water.

Post-surgical instructions

Chances are your pet will be weak or groggy after surgery. Do not let him get too excited.
Restrain your animal with a leash or put them in a carrier when leaving the clinic. This will protect them from additional injury.
Provide only small amounts of food and water until he readjusts to being at home and is recovering. Too much food and water can lead to upset stomachs or vomiting.
If a special post-surgical diet has been prescribed, follow all instructions carefully.
Limit your pet’s exercise. Climbing stairs, jumping or running may open up sutures or cause nausea.
Make sure his sleeping area is clean, warm and free of draughts.
Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to administer during your pet’s recovery. Follow all label instructions carefully.
Sutures are usually removed approximately 10 days after surgery. Check the area around the incision daily for any redness, swelling or discharge. If you detect any irritation, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Try to keep your pet from licking or chewing on the wound. If this is difficult to do, you might want to provide a physical barrier by placing an “Elizabethan collar” around their head.

The post Pre/Post Operation appeared first on Evesham Veterinary Clinic.