surgery

Paraesophageal abscess

Paraesophageal abscess

Cat-friendly clinic , surgery , dog diseases , cat diseases / By

As a veterinarian, I am frequently confronted with complex chest diseases where a thorough diagnosis and prompt treatment determine the prognosis. A typical example is a paraesophageal abscess – a collection of pus in the tissue adjacent to the esophagus. A paraesophageal abscess usually develops as a result of a small perforation of the esophagus, often caused by swallowed foreign bodies (e.g., bones, sticks, fishhooks) or by secondary infections in the mediastinum. Even wood splinters that migrate easily from the throat or tongue can travel caudally along tissue fascia and cause a paraesophageal abscess near the esophagus. We see the interplay of a foreign body, local inflammation, bacterial colonization, and an encapsulated pus-filled cavity relatively frequently in dogs, whereas it is less common in cats.

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Cholecystectomy in dogs

Cholecystectomy in dogs

Surgery , Dogs , Dog Diseases / By

As a practicing veterinarian, I regularly see dogs with gallbladder disease where cholecystectomy—the surgical removal of the gallbladder—is the safest and best long-term solution. This is particularly common with gallbladder mucocele: In this condition, the gallbladder fills with thick, biliary mucus, the wall becomes overstretched and inflamed, and there is a risk of rupture, leading to life-threatening biliary peritonitis. In this situation, cholecystectomy can eliminate the risk of rupture and stabilize liver and bile duct function. Leading international veterinary sources recommend early surgical intervention, depending on the findings, to avoid complications. (Merck Veterinary Manual+1)

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reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive surgery

Surgery / By

On Friday, I had the opportunity to participate in the continuing education course "Reconstructive Surgery for Veterinarians"—an intensive day that inspired me both professionally and personally. Above all, it offers real benefits for your pet. Reconstructive surgery in dogs and cats isn't some abstract, cutting-edge medical procedure, but rather the practical art of repositioning, shifting, or replacing skin and tissue after tumor operations, accidents, or chronic wounds, enabling your pet to heal faster, more safely, and with less pain. We explored precisely these topics in theory and case studies—using numerous techniques that I can now apply even more effectively in our practice.

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Shortening the soft palate of a pug

Shortening the soft palate of a pug

Brachycephaly , Surgery , ENT , Dogs , Canine Diseases / By

As a veterinarian, I am very frequently asked by pug owners whether shortening the soft palate is a relevant topic for pugs – and if so, when, how, and with what risks. The pug is a brachycephalic breed, meaning it has a short skull. This head shape predisposes pugs to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), in which several constrictions in the upper respiratory tract occur.

A key structure in this process is the soft palate (velum). If it is too long or too thick, it can obstruct airflow, leading to snoring, wheezing, exercise intolerance, coughing, gagging, increased panting, sleep disturbances, and in extreme cases, life-threatening respiratory distress. In such cases, shortening the soft palate (medically: staphylectomy or palatoplasty) is a proven veterinary option to relieve pressure on the airways and sustainably improve your dog's quality of life.

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Nasal fold resection in pugs

Nasal fold resection in pugs

Brachycephaly , Surgery , ENT , Canine Diseases / By

As a veterinarian, I am frequently approached by pug owners with the same concern: "My dog ​​squints, rubs his eyes often, and constantly has brown streaks from his tears – could this be due to the nasal roll?" In many cases, the answer is yes. Nasal roll resection in pugs is a targeted, minor plastic surgery procedure in which the protruding, hairy roll of skin (the so-called "nose roll") is removed or reduced so that the hair no longer rubs against the cornea. This constant rubbing – known medically as trichiasis – can irritate the cornea, leading to pigment deposits, chronic inflammation, and even painful ulcers. This phenomenon is part of the so-called brachycephalic eye syndrome, which is very common in pugs. International animal welfare and professional organizations describe in detail how the proximity between prominent eyes and skin folds is precisely what causes the cornea to be repeatedly irritated. ufaw.org.uk+1

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Arthritis cat

Arthritis cat

Cat friendly clinic , Surgery , Cat diseases / By

Cat Arthritis – Symptoms, Diagnosis, Therapy & Research Arthritis is a common joint disease that is also becoming increasingly prevalent in cats. Cat arthritis primarily affects older animals, but can occur at different stages of life and due to various causes. It is important for pet owners and veterinary students to recognize the symptoms early in order to initiate targeted treatment.

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Ameloblastoma in the dog

Ameloblastoma in the dog

Surgery , dental treatments / by

The ameloblastoma is one of the most common odontogenic tumors of the dog. Although he is histologically benign, he behaves locally invasive: Without early removal, the tumor can massively destroy the bones of the lower or upper jaw, loosen teeth and make eating painful. In rare cases, it also occurs as a peripheral soft tissue tumor. Our goal is always a complete removal with healing intentions, because this is the only way we prevent relapse and preserve the quality of life of our four -legged patients. Studies show that conservative interventions such as pure curettage in over 90 % of cases lead to a quick recurrence VSSO.

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Amputation in the dog

Amputation in the dog

Surgery , Dog Diseases / By

In my daily work in the veterinary practice and in animal physiotherapy, I always experience situations that emotionally demanding both animals and humans. One of them is the question of whether an amputation is necessary or reasonable at all - both from a medical and an ethical point of view. Many animal owners are under great pressure in this decision, are unsure, full of fear and not infrequently also with guilt feelings. An amputation in the dog can not only be a life -saving measure, but also the beginning of a new, happy life on three legs.

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Risks of general anesthesia and sedation

Risks of general anesthesia and sedation

Surgery , General / von

Whether castration, dental treatment or emergency surgery-every measure under general anesthesia or sedation brings with it a certain risk. While the death -related complications in human medicine are around 0.003 %, the picture in dogs looks significantly different. A large -scale British study with over 157,000 dogs has now illuminated current figures and risk factors - with revealing results for small animal practice.

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Surgical security checklists

Surgical security checklists

Surgery / By

Surgical interventions are commonplace in veterinary medicine, but they always raise a certain risk of complications and mistakes. In order to minimize these risks, surgical security checklists (Surgical Safety Checklists, SSCs or German: SCSS) have proven to be valuable tools. They offer a structured process that enables surgical teams to consistently carry out safety -related measures. These checklists are already widespread in human medicine and have been shown to reduce the complication rate and mortality. This article illuminates the importance of CSCs in veterinary medicine, presents current research results and gives practical tips for implementation.

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Acute thoracolumbal intervertebral disc extrusion

Acute thoracolumbal intervertebral disc extrusion

Neurology , Surgery , Dogs , Dog Diseases / By

The spine of a dog consists of many individual vertebrae, which are separated by intervertebral discs. These intervertebral discs act like shock absorbers and enable mobility. With a thoracolumbal intervertebral disc extrusion, the inner, gel -like material of a intervertebral disc leaves through the outer shell and presses onto the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, paralysis and in severe cases to loss of walking ability.

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Electrocardiogram (EKG) and anesthesia protocols

Electrocardiogram and anesthesia protocols

Surgery , General / von

Anesthesia plays a central role in veterinary care and is routinely used in both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The selection of the anesthesia protocol is crucial for the security and well -being of the patient. The electrocardiogram (EKG) has established itself as a valuable instrument for assessing the heart function and can help to identify potential risks at an early stage. This article illuminates what role the EKG plays in the pre -anesthetic examination, what knowledge provides current studies and how this findings can be implemented in practice.

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Gel nail polish & bacterial survival

Gel nail polish & bacterial livelihood

Surgery / By

Sterile surgical gloves are often pierced in surgical interventions, so that effective hand disinfection is essential to reduce the risk of postoperative wound infections. Bacteria that are difficult to remove can accumulate in particular under the fingernails. Traditionally, it was assumed that nail polish accommodates germs and thus increases the risk of bacterial transmission to patient: inside. Studies were carried out in both human and veterinary medicine, which examined the influence of nail polish on the bacterial load on fingernails- however, the results were different

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