Veterinary Surgical Procedures: Puppy Tail Docking, Dewclaw Removal, and Spay/Neuter Techniques

What is tail docking in puppies?

Partial amputation of the tail, performed primarily for aesthetic reasons, to meet breed standards, or to prevent trauma.

What is dewclaw removal in puppies?

Amputation of the vestigial first digit on the front and hind legs, performed for aesthetic reasons, to meet breed standards, or to prevent trauma.

What are the steps involved in tail docking for puppies?

The skin of the tail is retracted cranially, amputated with scissors, and closed with absorbable suture.

What are the steps involved in dewclaw removal for puppies?

The extremity is extended, scissors are used to amputate the claw, and the skin is closed with absorbable suture or skin glue.

What should be monitored post-operatively after tail docking or dewclaw removal?

Monitor for bleeding, drainage, redness, and swelling at the surgical site.

When is tail docking & dewclaw removal usually performed?

At 3 to 5 days of age.

Why are adult tail docking & dewclaw removals normally done?

Due to trauma, infection, & neoplasia; less commonly aesthetic.

Are tail docking & dewclaw removals in puppies sterile/aseptic procedures?

No, they're dirty.

Are tail docking & dewclaw removals in adults typically sterile/aseptic procedures?

Yes.

What is the purpose of a tourniquet during tail docking in adults?

To control hemorrhage during the procedure.

What is onychectomy?

The surgical removal of the claw and its associated distal phalanx on each digit, commonly known as declawing;

Cut through the join capsule, between 2nd & 3rd phalanges, then collateral ligaments, & cut away from the underlying tissue & digital pad.

What is required for onychectomies?

Aseptic prep, & pre & post pain control.

What are the techniques used for declawing cats?

Nail trimmer, scalpel blade, and laser techniques.

What is the linea alba?

Aka white line; tendinous median line of the ventral abdominal wall separating the rectus muscles;

Strongest part of the muscle layer to use when closing the abdomen.

What is a celiotomy?

A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity.

What is the most common incision site for celiotomies?

Most common = ventral midline; others = paramedian, paracostal, & parapreputial.

What are the shaving dimensions for a ventral midline celiotomy?

Clip lengthwise from 2cm cranial to the xiphoid to 2cm caudal to the pubis, & laterally at least 2 to 4cm to the nipples.

What should be done before the abdomen is incised?

Surgical sponge count.

What is the significance of the three-layer closure in celiotomy?

It includes closure of the linea alba for strength, subcutaneous layer to reduce dead space, and skin layer.

Dehiscence?

Partial or total separation of wound layers.

What are the indications for an ovariohysterectomy?

Infection (pyometra), injury, neoplasia, endocrine imbalance, prolapse, and prevention of pregnancy.

What may lead to increased hemorrhage during spays?

Performing during estrus or pregnancy due to increased vasculature.

What is the recommended age for spaying or neutering in shelters?

Often performed early, before adoption, but historically around 6 months of age.

What is the typical duration for suture removal after surgery?

Sutures are generally removed in 7 to 14 days post-surgery.

What is the importance of using surgical glue in closing skin edges?

The edges must be free of blood for the glue to adhere properly and avoid irritation.

What is the recommended postoperative care for declawed cats?

Use shredded paper for litter for 10 days post-surgery and monitor for complications.

What is the purpose of an E-collar after surgery?

To prevent self-trauma to the surgical site.

What should be done if a sponge is found missing after a celiotomy?

Immediately report the missing sponge to the surgeon.

What is the maximum time a tourniquet can be left on during surgery?

30 to 45 minutes, after which it needs to be released and repositioned.

What is the typical postoperative monitoring for abdominal surgeries?

Monitor for redness, swelling, excessive drainage, vomiting, and inappetence.

What is the first step in preparing for an ovariohysterectomy (OVH)?

Preparation is the same as for a midline celiotomy.

How are the uterine horns exteriorized during an OVH?

Using a spay hook or digital manipulation.

Main parts of the reproductive are important when performing an OVH?

Uterine horns, suspensory ligament, ovarian arteries/vens (aka pedicles), broad ligament, uterine body, & uterine stump.

What must be severed or torn to exteriorize the ovaries during an OVH?

The suspensory ligament.

What is done to the uterine body during an OVH?

It is exteriorized and ligated with transfixation and/or circumferential sutures.

How is the left ovarian pedicle evaluated during an OVH?

By retracting the descending colon to the right.

What is pyometra?

A condition of the uterus characterized by endometrial hyperplasia, increased secretions, and fluid accumulation with secondary infection; two forms = closed (non-draining) & open (draining).

When does pyometra typically occur?

Intact, middle-aged to older dogs 4 to 8 weeks after estrus.

Pyometra signs?

Fever, lethargy, PU/PD, vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, and/or diarrhea.

What may happen if pyometra is left untreated?

Septicemia and/or endotoxemia, uterine rupture, peritonitis, & death.

What is orchidectomy?

The surgical removal of both testicles.

What is scrotal ablation?

The removal of the scrotum along with the testicles during castration.

What are some indications for performing a castration (orchidectomy)?

To prevent roaming, aggression, unwanted breeding, and medical conditions like prostate disorders.

What is the average age for performing a neuter surgery?

Traditionally at 6 months, but may vary for rescues or large breed dogs.

How is clipping done for canine neuters?

Clipping the area from the tip of the prepuce to the margin of the abdominal and scrotal skin.

In regards to shaving, what is notable about the scrotum?

Has thin, delicate skin, so be careful not to tear the skin or cause clipper burn.

How is the incision made for a canine neuter?

Testicle is pushed cranial beneath the pre-scrotal skin, & a midline incision is then made over the cranially displaced testicle.

What is the difference between closed & open ligation for canine neuters?

Closed = two ligatures placed external to pedicle tunics to ligate vas deferens & vessels together;

Open = individual ligation of the structures.

What is a common complication that can occur after neuter surgery?

Hemorrhage leading to a large hematoma within the scrotum.

What should be done if scrotal tissue becomes excessively expanded post-neuter?

The tissue may need to be surgically removed if it becomes traumatized.

What is the importance of client education regarding weight gain after spaying?

To inform clients about proper diet and exercise to prevent weight gain post-surgery.

What should pets stay on until healed after spaying?

Their puppy diet.

What is the recommended change in diet after spaying?

A gradual change to adult food over 4-6 weeks.

What is the average age for performing an orchidectomy (neuter) on a cat?

6 months

What should be confirmed before performing neuters?

Both testicles should be confirmed.

What is the initial position for a cat during an orchidectomy?

Dorsal recumbency with back legs secured cranially.

How is the scrotal area prepared for a feline neuter?

Aseptically prepared and hair is gently plucked.

What are the methods for ligating the spermatic cord during an orchidectomy?

Tied in a knot on itself, tied with vessels separated from the vas deferens, or tied with suture.

What happens to the scrotum after a feline neuter?

The scrotum is left open instead of being sutured closed.

What are potential complications following an orchidectomy?

Scrotal swelling or hemorrhage.

What should be done by clients after neuters?

Exercise restriction, e-collar (typically dogs only), & monitor site closely for redness, draining, & swelling.

What is the purpose of a cesarean section (C-section) in veterinary medicine?

To deliver neonates, especially in cases of dystocia.

What should be done to the dam before a C-section?

The dam is stabilized and clipped to avoid damage to mammary glands.

What is a major concern regarding the dam's breathing during a C-section?

The increased weight of the gravid uterus may compromise normal breathing.

How is the uterus managed during a C-section?

It is exteriorized, isolated with moistened surgical towels, and an incision is made in the uterine body.

What is done with the umbilicus after delivering a neonate during a C-section?

It is clamped and/or ligated.

What is the procedure for closing the uterus after a C-section?

The uterus is closed in two layers.

During C-Sections, what can Doxapram be used for?

Drop placed under the tongue in neonates to stimulate respriations.

What is a cystotomy?

An incision into the urinary bladder to expose its lumen.

What are indications for performing a cystotomy?

Cystic calculi, tumors, congenital defects, or traumatic rupture of the bladder.

What is the surgical approach for a male dog during a cystotomy?

A caudal midline incision is made from the umbilicus to the sheath of the penis.

What is done to prevent urine spillage during a cystotomy?

The bladder is exteriorized and packed off with laparotomy pads.

What is the purpose of stay sutures during a cystotomy?

To stabilize the bladder during incision.

How is the bladder closed after a cystotomy?

With a simple interrupted or inverted suture pattern.

What are some postoperative complications of a cystotomy?

Urinary outflow obstruction, uroabdomen, and celiotomy incision complications.

What is the purpose of a perineal urethrostomy?

To create an external opening in the urethra for passage of urine and small calculi.

What is the positioning requirement for a cat during a perineal urethrostomy?

The cat is placed in ventral recumbency with the perineum elevated approximately 30 degrees.

What is the positioning of the cat during a perineal urethrostomy?

The cat is placed in ventral recumbency with the perineum elevated approximately 30 degrees.

What is the purpose of the purse-string suture in perineal urethrostomy?

To eliminate fecal contamination of the surgical field.

What incision is made during a perineal urethrostomy?

An elliptical skin incision is made around the scrotum and prepuce.

What happens to the testicles if the cat is intact during a perineal urethrostomy?

The testicles are removed.

What is done to the penis during a perineal urethrostomy?

The penis is dissected free from its pelvic attachments, and a longitudinal incision is made through the penile urethra.

How is the urethral mucosa managed during a perineal urethrostomy?

The urethral mucosa is sutured to the skin to keep the area open for urine passage.

What is the most common late postoperative complication of perineal urethrostomy?

Stricture that will require reoperation.

What postoperative care is recommended after a perineal urethrostomy?

An E-collar should be used, and litter changes should be made for 7 to 10 days.

What is hematuria and how long may it occur after surgery?

Hematuria is blood in urine, which may occur for 1-2 weeks after surgery.

What is a hernia?

A protrusion of tissue from its normal cavity through a congenital or acquired defect in the wall of that cavity.

What are common types of hernias in dogs and cats?

Umbilical, inguinal, and diaphragmatic.

What is an umbilical hernia?

A hernia where bowel, omentum, or intra-abdominal fat protrudes through a defect in the abdominal wall at the umbilicus, often congenital;

Often repaired same time as spay/neuter.

What are the risks associated with large umbilical hernias?

They can result in intestinal entrapment and strangulation, requiring emergency surgery.

What is the standard procedure for repairing an umbilical hernia?

Dorsal recumbency, ventral midline incision, replacement of contents or excision, trimming of the hernial ring, and routine closure.

What is an inguinal hernia?

A hernia where abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal canal due to a defect.

What should owners be informed about inguinal hernias?

They can develop bilaterally and reoccurrence after surgery is possible.

What is the surgical approach for an inguinal hernia?

Dorsal recumbency, midline incision in the caudal abdomen, and lateral dissection to expose the inguinal ring.

What is a diaphragmatic hernia?

A hernia where abdominal contents protrude through an opening in the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.

What are the potential complications of a diaphragmatic hernia?

It can cause life-threatening respiratory compromise.

What is the recommended positioning for a patient with a diaphragmatic hernia during surgery?

Dorsal recumbency on an incline with the head higher than the hindquarters.

What is the procedure for repairing a diaphragmatic hernia?

Gently move herniated contents back into the abdomen, repair the defect, and evacuate air via thoracocentesis or chest tube.

What is a lumpectomy?

Local surgical resection of a mass, often requiring diphenhydramine injection if a Mast Cell Tumor is suspected.

What is the importance of clipping the skin around a mass before lumpectomy?

To allow for a wide surgical margin during the procedure.