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Surgical Conditions

  • Ovarian remnant syndrome is a condition that occurs when ovarian tissue remains inside the body after a female dog is spayed. This tissue can produce estrogen, triggering signs of heat (estrus) in the dog. Surgical treatment is typically recommended to prevent other health conditions from developing.

  • Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart defect that occurs when the ductus arteriosus (an opening between the aorta and the pulmonary artery) fails to close at birth. A PDA is usually diagnosed when your veterinarian hears a continuous heart murmur during a routine physical examination of your puppy. This article explains PDA and discusses signs, treatment, and prognosis for this condition.

  • Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart defect that occurs when the ductus arteriosus (an opening between the aorta and the pulmonary artery) fails to close at birth. A PDA is usually diagnosed when your veterinarian hears a continuous heart murmur during a routine physical examination of your puppy. This article explains PDA and discusses signs, treatment, and prognosis for this condition.

  • Penetrating wounds can look minor on the surface but may cause severe injury below the skin. A thorough assessment requires sedation or anesthesia and surgery may be required to address the extent of the injury. This handout outlines first aid steps a pet owner can take while transporting their injured pet to the veterinary hospital.

  • A Penrose drain is a latex tube placed into a wound with one or two ends exiting the skin, allowing fluids to drain from the wound. Removing this unwanted fluid and pus helps the wound heal. This handout provides post-operative wound care instructions for cats sent home with a Penrose drain.

  • A Penrose drain is a latex tube placed into a wound with one or two ends exiting the skin, allowing fluids to drain from the wound. Removing this unwanted fluid and pus helps the wound heal. This handout provides post-operative wound care instructions for dogs sent home with a Penrose drain.

  • Perianal fistula, also known as anal furunculosis, is a serious medical condition that most commonly affects German shepherd dogs. Perianal fistulas are characterized by chronic, purulent, smelly, ulcerating, draining tracts in the anal region and surrounding skin. More recent studies indicate that the condition is more likely caused by an autoimmune disease.

  • A perineal hernia occurs when the muscles of the perineum (the area between the anus and the scrotum or vulva that supports the organs of the pelvis) become weakened or torn. As a result, the bladder, intestines, or fat can push through the weakened muscles and bulge beneath the skin next to the anus.

  • A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure that is most commonly performed on male cats with a urinary obstruction. Male cats develop urinary obstructions much more readily than female cats, due to differences in urinary tract anatomy between the two sexes. A PU creates a new urinary opening that decreases the length of the urethra and allows urine to bypass this narrowed region. Less commonly, PU may also be done in cats with severe urethral trauma. After surgery, your cat will be required to wear an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) to prevent self-trauma to the surgical site.

  • Pigmentary keratitis is a discoloration of the cornea due to chronic inflammation and is most common in brachycephalic breeds. In many cases, complete resolution cannot be achieved, but the condition can be stopped or slowed down if the underlying cause can be identified and treated. Surgery and medications may be used to help address the problem.