Exploratory abdominal surgery in dogs is a procedure that involves opening the abdominal cavity and examining a dog's abdominal organs. It is performed when there is a significant abdominal disease that eludes diagnosis, such as chronic vomiting, abdominal pain, or intestinal disease. On the other hand, spaying a dog is a common veterinary surgery that involves the removal of the female reproductive organs. It is typically done to prevent future medical problems and reduce certain risks. While both procedures are common in veterinary medicine, performing them simultaneously is not mentioned in the sources.
What You'll Learn
What is exploratory bowel surgery?
Exploratory laparotomy is a surgical procedure that involves opening up the belly area (abdomen) to identify and address issues that cannot be diagnosed through standard testing methods. It is often performed as an emergency procedure following abdominal injuries, or to address problems such as pain or bleeding.
During an exploratory laparotomy, a single large incision is made in the belly area to allow access to the organs within the abdomen. This approach provides rapid entry into the peritoneum, minimising blood loss and potential complications. Once the abdominal cavity is exposed, the surgeon carefully examines the organs, including the intestines, abdominal blood vessels, and membranes lining the abdominal cavity.
The procedure can help identify issues such as intestinal obstructions, perforations, or foreign bodies, and treatment is often administered during the same operation. For example, in cases of intestinal obstruction, the surgeon may remove the obstruction, repair damaged sections of the intestine, or perform procedures like stenting or colostomy to restore bowel function.
Exploratory laparotomy is a major surgical procedure with potential risks and complications, including wound infections, intra-abdominal abscesses, and adverse postoperative outcomes such as impaired ventilation or intra-abdominal hypertension.
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Why spay a dog?
Spaying a dog is one of the most common veterinary surgeries performed. It involves the removal of the female reproductive organs (ovaries, uterine tubes, and uterus), which are responsible for producing hormones related to the heat cycle and behaviour. While spaying carries surgical and anesthetic risks, the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks.
Spaying a dog can prevent future life-threatening medical problems, such as pyometra, ovarian and uterine cancer, torsion, or cysts. It is also an effective way to prevent pregnancy, false pregnancy, and the heat cycle, including behaviours associated with heat and mating. Spaying can reduce the risk of future complications like mammary cancer and vaginal prolapse, as well as stabilize certain endocrine disorders like diabetes mellitus or Cushing's disease.
Spaying your dog can also lead to health benefits and behavioural improvements. Spayed dogs are less likely to roam and fight, reducing their chances of contracting contagious diseases and getting into traumatic accidents, such as being hit by a car. Spaying eliminates the heat cycle and associated mood swings, undesirable behaviours, and messy spotting. It also alleviates the risk of unwanted or uncared-for pets, contributing to the community's efforts to control and eliminate unwanted animals.
Additionally, spaying can increase your dog's life expectancy. Studies have shown that spayed female dogs have a significantly longer lifespan than intact dogs. The reduced lifespan of unaltered pets is often attributed to their increased urge to roam and the associated risks. Spaying also reduces the risk of certain types of cancers, such as uterine, mammary gland, and other cancers of the reproductive system.
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Preparing for surgery
Pre-Surgical Examinations and Tests:
Before the surgery, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination of your dog, focusing on the abdomen. This will help assess your dog's overall health and determine if the blockage is impacting their general well-being. Blood work may also be taken to rule out other possible causes and to evaluate your dog's health. Additionally, imaging and diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, may be performed to locate the foreign object or identify any tumours or intestinal issues.
Pre-Surgical Instructions:
The night before the surgery, you will typically be instructed to withhold food for your dog, especially in adult dogs over 1 year of age. However, it is important to ensure that water is always available for your pet. Puppies and kittens under 1 year of age may be fed a small meal on the morning of the surgery.
Admission and Paperwork:
On the day of the surgery, bring your dog to the veterinary clinic early in the morning, usually around 7 am. Make sure to bring any relevant medical records, including proof of rabies vaccination if not already provided. If your dog has not been vaccinated, it will be administered on the day of the surgery.
Pre-Surgical Care:
Once your dog is admitted, the veterinary team will perform a pre-surgical exam to ensure your pet is in good health and does not show any signs of sickness, such as coughing, sneezing, runny eyes, or diarrhoea. They will also review your dog's records and create an anaesthetic plan. Your dog will be given pain medication and sedatives to aid with the general anaesthesia, which will be used during the surgery to keep your dog unconscious and pain-free.
By following these steps and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help ensure your dog is prepared for exploratory bowel surgery, giving them the best chance for a successful outcome and a smooth recovery.
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The procedure
Once the problem has been identified, the surgical procedure can begin. The dog is placed under general anesthesia to induce unconsciousness and relaxation, with a breathing tube inserted into the windpipe. The hair over the middle of the abdomen is clipped, the skin is disinfected, and a sterile drape is placed over the surgical site. The veterinarian then uses a scalpel to make an incision in the middle of the abdomen, exposing the gastrointestinal tract.
At this point, the veterinarian will examine and evaluate the abdominal organs. If necessary, additional surgical procedures may be performed, such as splenectomy, biopsy, cystotomy, ovariohysterectomy, or enterotomy. The abdominal incision is then closed with self-dissolving sutures, and the outer layer of skin is closed with sutures or surgical staples. The procedure typically takes 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the complexity of the case and any additional surgeries required.
The overall risk of this surgery is moderate to low, but there are potential complications to be aware of. The major risks are associated with general anesthesia, bleeding, postoperative infection, intestinal or urinary bladder leakage, and wound breakdown. While the overall complication rate is low, serious complications can lead to death or the need for further surgery.
Postoperative care is crucial to ensure a successful recovery. Pain medication is administered to manage moderate pain levels. Reduced activity is recommended until the stitches are removed, typically within 10 to 14 days. Caretakers should inspect the suture line daily for any signs of redness, discharge, swelling, or pain. Most dogs will start to feel better within 2 to 4 days after surgery and should be fully recovered within 2 weeks, although restricted activity should continue for 3 weeks to allow for the healing of internal tissues.
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Post-operative care
Exploratory laparotomy surgery is performed to examine the organs within the abdomen and is often done to remove foreign materials from the stomach or intestines. Following surgery, your dog will need time and extra attention to ensure their body heals properly.
The First 24 Hours Post-Surgery
Keep your dog in a confined area for at least a day. They should recover in a quiet, safe, and comfortable indoor space, like a crate or a small room. Isolate them from other pets and children. Make sure they wear an Elizabethan collar (E-collar or cone) to prevent them from licking their incision, which can lead to infection and scarring.
Your dog's behaviour may be altered in the first 24 hours after surgery; they may be glassy-eyed, sleepy, nauseous, wobbly, vocal, shivering, or irritable. Encourage them to move around indoors to help them recover from the anaesthesia. Offer small amounts of their regular food and water later in the evening. It can take up to 48 hours for their appetite to return to normal.
The 10-14 Days Following Surgery
Your dog should be closely supervised and their activity restricted for 10-14 days. Keep them as quiet as possible and avoid running, jumping, and excessive playing. Strenuous activity increases the risk of swelling around the incision site, which could lead to premature dissolving of sutures, opening of the incision, and costly medical care. Keep the incision dry and clean, checking it twice daily until it has healed. A small amount of blood, redness, and swelling is normal immediately after surgery.
Continue to prevent your dog from licking, scratching, or chewing the incision, using an E-collar if necessary. If your dog has sutures, check the incision daily for any discharge or swelling. Keep your dog from chewing or licking the site, and ensure their activity is limited until the sutures are removed or dissolved.
Feeding
Offer 50% of your dog's usual amount of food the evening after surgery. Canned food or moistened kibble is recommended for the first 5-7 days. If they are not interested in commercial diets within 24 hours of surgery, offer a bland diet of 75% cooked white rice and 25% lean protein (chicken breast or lean hamburger meat). For the first week, divide the daily amount of food into 3-4 meals spaced throughout the day.
Bowel Movements
It can take up to 5 days for your dog to have a bowel movement after surgery, as anaesthetics and opioids slow down bowel motility. Ensure your dog continues to eat and drink, as food and water contribute to proper bowel movements. If there hasn't been a bowel movement by day 3, administer small amounts of canned pumpkin throughout the day to encourage peristalsis. If there is still no bowel movement by day 5, or if your dog is straining to defecate, has diarrhoea, or bloody stools, contact your veterinarian.
Medication
Follow your veterinarian's instructions for any medications, including pain medication, and ensure your dog takes their medication even if they have no appetite. Do not give your dog human medications like Tylenol or Advil, as these are toxic to pets.
Complications
Monitor your dog closely for any signs of complications, including:
- Consistent flow of blood from the surgical incision
- Consistent vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Inability to wake up or stand
- Complete opening of the surgical incision
- No urine passed for more than 24 hours
- Severe pain, depression, or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Decreased appetite for more than 24 hours
- Lethargy lasting more than 24 hours
- Abdominal pain and swelling
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