Entropion surgery is performed when the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or eyelid hair to rub against the surface of the eye. This can result in irritation, excessive tearing, redness, discomfort, and, if left untreated, damage to the cornea.

An incision is made near the affected eyelid to remove or reposition a small amount of tissue and restore the eyelid to its normal position. The eyelid is then carefully sutured to maintain proper alignment and prevent continued irritation of the eye.

Potential risks include infection, swelling, delayed healing, eyelid scarring, or recurrence of the entropion. In some cases, additional surgery may be needed if the eyelid does not heal in the proper position.

Activity should be restricted while the eyelid heals, and an Elizabethan collar may be required to prevent rubbing or scratching at the surgical site. Most patients recover well with appropriate aftercare and return to normal function within several weeks.

Eyelid masses may cause irritation, rubbing against the eye, chronic inflammation, or discomfort. Removal may also be recommended when a mass is growing or has characteristics concerning for cancer.

The mass is carefully removed while preserving as much normal eyelid tissue as possible. Depending on the size and location of the mass, reconstructive techniques may be required to restore normal eyelid function and protect the eye. Removed tissue is typically submitted for pathology.

Potential complications include swelling, bleeding, infection, scarring, and changes to eyelid position or function. In some cases, additional treatment may be recommended based on pathology results.

Most pets recover within 2–3 weeks. An Elizabethan collar is typically required to prevent rubbing or scratching of the surgical site.

A partial tarsorrhaphy is performed to temporarily reduce the size of the eyelid opening. It may be recommended to protect the eye during healing after a partial prolapse of the eye, reduce exposure of the cornea, or assist in the treatment of certain corneal injuries or diseases.

A portion of the upper and lower eyelids is surgically joined together, reducing the size of the eyelid opening while leaving enough of the eye exposed for monitoring and treatment.

Potential complications include infection, irritation, excessive reduction of the eyelid opening, or inadequate protection of the eye. Temporary vision obstruction is expected while the eyelids are partially closed.

Recovery depends on the underlying eye condition, the sutures are generally removed once the eye has adequately healed.

Enucleation is recommended for painful blind eyes, severe trauma, uncontrollable glaucoma, infection, or tumors affecting the eye.

The affected eye is removed, and the eyelids are permanently closed to create a cosmetic appearance.

Risks are generally low and include bleeding, swelling, infection, and delayed healing.

Most pets recover quickly and experience significant relief from pain. Sutures are typically removed after 10–14 days.

An aural hematoma occurs when blood accumulates within the layers of the ear flap, usually as a result of head shaking or scratching associated with an underlying ear problem. Surgery may be recommended for larger, recurrent, or painful hematomas.

An incision is made on the affected ear flap to remove the accumulated blood and address the space where the blood has collected. Sutures are placed through the ear flap to allow the tissues to heal together and reduce the chance of recurrence.

Potential complications include infection, bleeding, recurrence of the hematoma, and cosmetic changes to the ear flap.

An Elizabethan collar is typically required to prevent scratching or rubbing of the ear. A head wrap or a commercial no flap ear wrap is often used to prevent further ear trauma while the ear is healing. Most pets require approximately 2–3 weeks of healing, with follow-up care to address any underlying ear disease.

Brachycephalic airway surgery may be recommended for dogs with shortened or narrowed airways that cause noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, heat intolerance, or respiratory distress. Commonly affected breeds include Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and other brachycephalic breeds.

The surgery is tailored to each patient’s anatomy and may include shortening an elongated soft palate and widening narrowed nostrils. Other abnormalities contributing to airway obstruction may also be addressed when appropriate.

Brachycephalic patients have an increased risk of airway complications associated with anesthesia and recovery. Potential complications include airway swelling, respiratory distress, aspiration pneumonia, bleeding, and the need for temporary airway support.

Patients are closely monitored following surgery, particularly during the immediate recovery period. Activity is restricted during recovery, and careful management of heat and excitement is important as the airway heals. Some patients may need to be monitored overnight after surgery at a 24 hour facility.

Digit amputation may be recommended for a severely injured, infected, or nonfunctional toe, as well as for certain tumors affecting the digit or nail bed.

Potential complications include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, and discomfort. When performed for a tumor, additional treatment may be recommended depending on the pathology results.

Most pets adapt very well to losing a single digit. Activity is typically restricted for approximately 2–3 weeks while the incision heals.

Tail amputation may be recommended for severe tail trauma, chronic wounds or infection, tumors, or other conditions that cause persistent pain or dysfunction.

Potential complications include bleeding, infection, swelling, delayed wound healing, and discomfort. The specific risks depend on the location and reason for the amputation.

Most pets recover well following tail amputation. An Elizabethan collar may be recommended to prevent chewing or licking of the incision, and activity is generally restricted for 2–3 weeks.

A laparoscopic spay is performed to remove the ovaries, and sometimes the uterus, through small incisions in the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery uses a camera and specialized instruments to perform the procedure with less tissue disruption than a traditional open spay.

Small incisions are made in the abdomen to allow the camera and surgical instruments to be inserted. The ovarian blood vessels and supporting tissues are carefully sealed and divided, and the reproductive organs are removed as indicated. The incisions are then closed and inspected to ensure there is no bleeding.

Potential risks include bleeding, infection, inflammation, or complications related to anesthesia. Although laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, complications can occasionally require conversion to an open abdominal procedure.

Activity should be restricted for approximately two weeks while the incisions heal. Most pets experience less discomfort and recover quickly following laparoscopic surgery. An Elizabethan collar may be recommended to prevent licking or chewing at the incision sites.

Cryptorchid surgery is performed when one or both testicles fail to descend. A retained organ may be located in the abdomen or along the inguinal canal and has an increased risk of developing cancer or becoming twisted, making surgical removal recommended.

An incision is made to locate and remove the retained structure. If is located within the abdomen, a larger abdominal incision or minimally invasive approach may be required. 

Potential risks include bleeding, infection, swelling, delayed healing, or complications related to anesthesia. Abdominal cryptorchid surgery may carry additional risks depending on the location of the retained testicle and the complexity of its removal.

Activity should be restricted for approximately two weeks while the incision heals. Most pets recover well following surgery and return to normal activity once healing is complete. An Elizabethan collar may be recommended to prevent licking or chewing at the surgical site.