SURGERY

Q: What about orthopaedics?

A: We have equipment to perform plating and also intramedullary pinning of fractured bones.

Various types of joint surgery are carried out at the clinic, for example anterior cruciate ligament repair in the knee joint, or patella stabilisation. In Bahrain we see lots of animals that have been involved in car accidents. These animals are xrayed to determine the extent of their injuries, and we are able to repair many types of fractures with either: bone plates, intramedullary pins, or external skeletal fixation.

Q: What is spaying?

A: Spaying is the removal of a female animal's reproductive organs (ovaries and uterus) so that it cannot reproduce. The removal of the ovaries prevents the undesirable oestrus behaviour. It is this which causes male dogs to be attracted to the female and pre-disposes her to being injured in fights or getting lost when out searching for mates.

Q: What is castration?

A: Castration is the removal of a male animal's reproductive organs (testes) so that it cannot reproduce. The removal of the testes prevents undesirable roaming and aggressive behaviour.

Q: Why do I have to starve my pet before the operation?

A: This is to prevent regurgitation and inhalation of vomit or saliva into the lungs while under anesthetic or during recovery. Food should be withheld from 10pm on the night before surgery but water can be given until you bring the pet into hospital.

Q: Why do I have to bring my pet in so early?

A: To allow it to settle down before its anesthetised and to enable pre-medication and tranquilisation if necessary.

Q: Should I let my pet have her first heat period before spaying?

A: No. Research has shown that there is a protective effect against mammary tumours later in life if dogs (or cats) are spayed before the first heat period. This effect decreases with each heat period.

Q: At what age can my cat or dog be spayed?

A: This surgical procedure can be done at any time from the age of 5 months. It can be done earlier although it isn't recommended at this clinic.

Q: At what age can my cat or dog be castrated?

A: This surgical procedure can be done from about 6 - 7 months of age.

Q: Is the anaesthetic safe?

A: We use different types of anaesthetic depending on the age and health status of the animal. Pets older than 7 years will undergo a pre-anaesthetic blood test to assess kidney and liver function. Most animals are induced with an injection and then maintained with isoflourane gas. Depending on the procedure performed the gas may be administered by mask or through a tube. We also use an Ap-alert monitor to monitor the patient's breathing. Although there is always a risk involved when anaesthetising an animal, we use drugs and methods that are safe.

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