This page is intended to provide general descriptions and links. It remains a work in progress. If you can't find what you want, please feel free to e-mail me for discussion of your pet's condition, surgery, options, etc.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Location / Procedure | Brief Description | Longer description | Link to |
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A-A luxation / instability | see atlanto-axial stabilization | atlanto-axial stabilization | |
Abdominal herniorrhaphy | Repair of hernias associated with the abdomen - body wall; femoral; inguinal; scrotal; umbilical | ||
Abdominal mass removal | often, prior to surgery, the origin/location of the mass is not certain. | Masses can be removed from (or the organ itself may be removed partially or completely as appropriate) the liver, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys, ureters (or a stent may be placed), bladder, urethra (or a stent may be placed), stomach, small intestine, cecum, large intestine/colon, rectum, ovaries, uterus, retained testicles, prostate (or a stent may be placed), omentum, lymph nodes, and other structures | each of the locations mentioned |
Acanthomatous Amelioblastoma | Locally invasive oral tumor |
Based on the location of the tumor (upper vs. lower jaw, how far forward or back), these tumors can be removed and often cured in the hands of an experienced surgeon. Typically a section of bone must be removed along with the tumor in order to get a healthy tissue margin to prevent local regrowth |
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Achilles tendonorraphy / tendon repair | see common calcaneal tendonorraphy | ||
ACL | see Cranial Cruciate Ligament rupture | As a quadriped, a dog doesn't technically have an anterior aspect; we use the term cranial, referring to it proximity to the head, as opposed to caudal, referring to proximity to the tail; caudal in a dog or cat generally equates to posterior for a person. Recommended Treatment: Tibial Tuberosity Advancement | |
Adrenalectomy | adrenal gland removal | Tumors may be benign or malignant. Include carcinoma (possibly associated with Cushing’s disease); pheochromocytoma (tumor producing ephinephrine/adrenaline that may be associated with shifting hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure) | Cushing's disease; pheochromocytoma |
Amputation | Removal of a structure | thoracic limb (forelimb) amputation; pelvic limb (hind limb) amputation; hemipelvectomy amputation; digit amputation; tail amputation; other structures | |
Anal Sac adenocarcinoma | a type of cancer of the anal sac | ||
Anal Sac tumor | see Anal Sac adenocarcinoma | ||
Anal sacculectomy | Removal of the anal sac(s) | unilateral or bilateral; anal sacculitis/carcinoma | Anal Sac adenocarcinoma |
Anastamosis | Re-attaching two portions after a resection; generally refers to intestinal surgery; see Resection and Anastamosis | Resection and Anastamosis | |
Angular limb deformity | Generally refers to deformities caused by premature closure of a growth plate; also may be associated with developmental variations; deformities may be angular, rotational, and/or shortening; treated via corrective osteotomy | corrective osteotomy | |
Anterior Cruciate Ligament rupture | see Cranial Cruciate Ligament rupture | As a quadriped, a dog doesn't technically have an anterior aspect; we use the term cranial, referring to it proximity to the head, as opposed to caudal, referring to proximity to the tail; caudal in a dog or cat generally equates to posterior for a person. Recommended Treatment: Tibial Tuberosity Advancement | |
Arthrocentesis | Aspirating a sample of synovial (joint) fluid from a joint, usually to evaluate for the type of inflammation and/or presence of infection | ||
Arthodesis | Surgical fusion of a joint; generally due to severe arthritis and/or instability | ||
Artificial Hydraulic Urethral Sphincter | see Artificial Urethral Sphincter; treatment for incontinence refractory to medication | ||
Artificial Urethral Sphincter | Treatment for incontinence refractory to medication | ||
Atlanto-Axial stabilization | Fusion/stabilization of the first two cervical (neck) vertebrae | ||
AUS | see Artificial Urethral Sphincter; treatment for incontinence refractory to medication | ||
Back surgery | see Intervertebral Disc Disease | ||
Bilroth I | Removing the pyloric sphincter (the junction between the stomach and duodenum (proximal part of small intestine)) and anastamosing the remaining stomach and duodenum | ||
Bilroth II | Removing the pyloric sphincter (the junction between the stomach and duodenum (proximal part of small intestine)) along with a significant portion of the proximal duodenum; the end of the duodenum is sealed into a blind pouch; the remaining stomach is anastamosed to the jejunum (second part of the small intestine) | May also involve removal of the pancreas and common bile duct; this is a radical procedure and should only be performed if the owner and veterinarians (generally including an internal medicine specialist) are willing to manage endocrine/exocrine deficiencies for life | |
Biopsy | an examination of tissue removed from a living body to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease. | incisional; excisional | |
Body wall hernia/herniorrhaphy | Repair of a hole/tear in the body wall; often traumatic in origin | Often not true hernia | |
C-Section | see Caesarean section | Caesarean section | |
Caesarean section | surgical procedure in which incisions are made through the abdomen and uterus to deliver (in my field of veterinary medicine) puppies or kittens; aka C-Section | ||
Canine Hip Dysplasia | |||
Castration | Removal of the testicles and spermatic cords; aka neutering | ||
Caudectomy | tail amputation/removal | May be partial or complete based on location of problem; tumor, fracture, nerve injury | |
Celiotomy | synonymous with laparotomy | laparotomy | |
Cervical centesis | Spinal tap at the atlanoaxial (top of the neck) region | ||
Cholecystectomy | Removal of the gall bladder | ||
Cholecystoduodenostomy | making a stoma/connection between the gall bladder and duodenum (first part of the small intestine; biliary re-routing | ||
Cholecystojejunostomy | making a stoma/connection between the gall bladder and jejunostomy (second part of the small intestine; biliary re-routing | ||
Chylothorax | Disease where | ||
Common Calcaneal tendorraphy | Repair of tears and/or lacerations of the common calcaneal tendon (commonly known as the Achilles tendon, just above and on the back of the tarsus/hock/ankle) | ||
Corrective Osteotomy | Generally refers to surgical correction of angular, rotational, and/or shortening deformities | ||
Coxofemoral Laxity | |||
Coxofemoral luxation | dislocation of the femoral head from the hip joint | open (surgical) vs. closed (non-surgical) reduction and stabilization | |
Cranial Cruciate Ligament rupture | Rupture of the cranial (towards the front/head) cruciate ligament in the stifle/knee; commonly referred to as the ACL/anterior cruciate ligament as it is known in people; Recommended Treatment: Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) Rapid / Modified Maquet Technique | ||
cricoarytenoid laterallzation (tieback) | see laryngeal tieback | laryngeal tieback | |
cricothyroid laterallzation (tieback) | see laryngeal tieback | laryngeal tieback | |
Cystectomy | Removal of (generally a portion of) the bladder | ||
Cystotomy | Incision into the bladder | ||
Desmorrhaphy | ligament repair | ||
Diaphragmatic hernia/herniorraphy | Repair of a hernia/hole/rent/tear in the diaphragm separating the abdominal contents from the chest cavity | ||
Digit amputation | removal of all or part of a digit | May be partial (only distal phalanx/phalanges; generally at a joint in the toe) or complete; may also include a portion of the metacarpal (bones between the carpus/wrist and digit) or metatarsal (bones between tarsus/hock/ankle and digit) | |
Dislocation | see Luxation | Luxation | |
Dystocia | Complicated delivery of newborns; often requiring surgery intervention | C-section vs. ovariohysterectomy | |
Ectopic ureter | congenital defect where the ureter drains into the urethra, vagina, or anywhere other than the normal location in the bladder | Surgery is done to alter the opening or transplant the ureter, as appropriate | |
Elbow dysplasia | any of three developmental diseases of the elbow, including fragmented coronoid process (FCP), ununited anconeal process (UAP), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). | ||
Endoscope-assisted gastropexy | gastropexy performed via limited 4 centimeter (less than 2 inch) incision behind the rib; facilitated by using endoscope to dilate and identify stomach | ||
Enteroplication | Suturing (stitching) the intestine (bowel) together at regular intervals with the goal of preventing recurrence of intussusception | intussusception | |
Enterotomy | Incision into the intestine (bowel) | ||
Enucleation | Removal of the eye | ||
Episioplasty | Removing redundant skin folds around the vulva/vagina that can cause ascending urinary tract infection | ||
Episiotomy | incision to enlarge the opening into the vagina; generally to improve exposure for diseases involving the urethra, vagina, or cervix | ||
Esophagostomy | Placement of a feeding tube into the esophagus | temporary procedure to bypass the mouth and or to assure appropriate nutrition in a patient; often used post-operatively in a patient that may not feel like eating yet, or in a patient with liver or other disease that needs appropriate nutrition | |
Exenteration | Removal of the eye and other contents of the orbit | ||
Exploratory Laparotomy | surgical exploration of the abdomen with intent to diagnose and treat if possible | ||
FCP | see Fragmented Coronoid Process | Fragmented Coronoid Process | |
Femoral Head and Neck Excision | Removal of the femoral head, the "ball" in the hip's ball and socket joint; commonly referred to as FHO; a treatment for Hip Dysplasia | ||
Femoral herniorrhaphy | Repair/closure of a hernia extending through the femoral canal in the thigh | ||
FHO | see Femoral Head and Neck Excision; a treatment for Hip Dysplasia | ||
Forelimb / front leg amputation | see Thoracic limb amputation | Thoracic limb amputation | |
Fracture repair | Facilitating healing of a broken bone; generally divided into internal fixation, external fixation, and external coaptation (splinting) | ||
Fragmented Coronoid Process | developmental abnormality in which the an articular portion of the proximal ulnar fissures/separates from the rest of the bone; a component of elbow dysplasia | ||
G-tube | see gastrostomy | gastrostomy | |
gall bladder removal | see cholecystectomy | cholecystectomy | |
gastrectomy (partial) | Removing a portion of the stomach | ||
gastric dilatation-volvulus | rapidly life-threatening condition in which the stomach dilates and twists, cutting off blood supply to the back half of the body; urgent surgical emergency; aka GDV; "bloat" | ||
Gastric Torsion | see Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus | ||
gastroduodenostomy | anastamosing the stomach and duodenum (first part of the small intestine); refers to Bilroth I and creation of a side-to-side portal to bypass obstructive disease | anastamosis; Bilroth I | |
gastrojejunostomy | anastamosing the stomach and jejunum (second part of the small intestine); refers to Bilroth II and creation of a side-to-side portal to bypass obstructive disease | anastamosis; Bilroth II | |
Gastropexy | creating an adhesion between the stomach and body wall to prevent Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV; "bloat") | ||
gastrostomy | forming a stoma between the stomach and body wall; generally refers to placement of a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) for post-op feeding | also refers to a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopically-placed Gastrostomy) tube, which is a gastrostomy tube placed endoscopically. | |
gastrotomy | making an incision into the stomach; often performed to remove foreign material trapped in the stomach | ||
GDV | see gastric dilatation-volvulus | gastric dilatation-volvulus | |
"Groin" hernia | see inguinal hernia | ||
Hemimandibulectomy | Removal of the mandible on one side of the jaw | ||
hemilaminectomy | opening a window over one side of the spinal cord to decompress the site; treatment for intervertebral disc disease; tumor; spinal empyema; certain spinal fractures | ||
Hepatectomy (partial) | Removal of a portion of the liver; most commonly, this is a liver lobectomy | liver lobectomy | |
herniorraphy | repair of a hernia; diaphragmatic; body wall; femoral; inguinal; peritoneal-pericardial; umbilical; other | ||
Hip Arthritis | Often associated with Hip Dysplasia | ||
Hip Dysplasia | |||
Hip Laxity | |||
Hip luxation/dislocation | see Coxofemoral luxation | ||
Hypercalcemia | when caused by hyperparathyroidism; anal sac tumor; or other tumors | ||
Hyperparathyroidism | treated via parathyroidectomy | ||
Implant removal | Removal of materials previously implanted into a patient, such as metal from fracture repairs | ||
inguinal hernia/herniorrhaphy | repairing a hernia in the inguinal region (groin) | ||
Intervertebral disc disease | Rupture or bulging of the disc between vertebrae, generally applying pressure to the spinal cord or spinal nerves; may cause pain, weakness, incoordination, paralysis, loss of feeling, incontinence | ||
J-tube | see jejunostomy | jejunostomy | |
jejunostomy | forming a stoma between the jejunum (second part of the small intestine) and the body wall; generally refers to placement of jejunostomy-tube (J-tube) for nutritional supplementation; this is usually done in a vomiting patient where the stomach needs to be bypassed. | ||
Joint fusion | see arthrodesis | arthrodesis | |
Joint tap | see arthrocentesis | ||
JPS | see juvenile pubic symphysiodesis | ||
Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis | Fusion of the symphysis (junction/union) between the two sides of the pubis; Alters the shape of the pelvis in a growing dog to reduce the severity of hip dysplasia/arthritis | ||
Kidney Stones | see Nephroliths | ||
Kiwi gall bladder | see Biliary Mucocele | ||
Kneecap dislocation | see Patellar Luxation | ||
Laparotomy | often referring to exploratory laparotomy, but generally refers to any incision into the abdominal cavity | Exploratory Laparotomy | |
Laryngeal tieback | Treatment for laryngeal paralysis | ||
Lateral Patellar Luxation | Dislocation of the patella (kneecap) towards laterally (towards the outside; away from midline) | ||
Lateral Wall resection | Removing the lateral portion of the external ear canal to treat otitis external (ear disease) confined to the vertical portion of the external ear canal | ||
Ligament repair | see Desmorrhaphy | Desmorrhaphy | |
Limb amputation | see thoracic limb (forelimb); pelvic limb (hind limb); hemipelvectomy; | thoracic limb (forelimb); pelvic limb (hind limb); hemipelvectomy; | |
Liver lobectomy | Removal of a lobe of the liver | ||
Lumbar centesis | Spinal tap in the caudal lumbar (lower back) region | ||
Luxation | dislocation of a joint | open vs. closed | |
Mammary gland tumor | a growth in the mammary gland | ||
Mandibular symphysis repair | Stabilizing a fracture/luxation/dislocation of the junction between the two mandibles (left and right side of the lower jaw) | ||
Mandibulectomy (partial) | Removing a portion of either or both mandibles (left and right sides of the lower jaw) | ||
Mastectomy | Removal of a mammary gland | ||
Maxillectomy (partial) | Removal of a portion of the mandible (upper jaw) | ||
Medial Patellar Luxation | Dislocation of the patella (kneecap) medially (towards the midline of the body) | ||
Mediastinal mass removal | Removal of a tumor in the mediastinum (the tissue in the midline of the thoracic cavity, surrounding the heart, esophagus, and trachea) | ||
Megacolon | Massive, long-term distension of the colon, resulting in severe constipation/obstipation; when refractory to diet and medications, a subtotal colectomy is performed | ||
Metal removal | see implant removal | subtotal colectomy | |
Modified Zepp procedure | see Lateral Wall resection | Lateral Wall resection | |
Myelogram | injection of contrast material into the cerebrospinal space (spinal fluid) to outline the spinal cord to evaluate for spinal cord compression or swelling | ||
nephrectomy | see ureteronephrectomy | ureteronephrectomy | |
Nephrotomy | Incision (cutting) into the kidney | ||
Neutering | removal of the gonads; while this technically refers to both castration and spaying, it most commonly refers to castration | castration; ovariohysterectomy | |
OCD | see Osteochondritis dissecans | ||
Osteochondritis dissecans | developmental abnormality in which a osteochondral defect (cartilage) flap exists in a joint surface | ||
Ovariohysterectomy | Removal of the ovaries and uterus | pyometra, dystocia | |
Pancreatectomy (partial) | Removal of a portion of the pancreas | ||
Parathyroidectomy | Removal of one the parathyroid gland | ||
Patellar luxation | Dislocation of the patella (kneecap) out of the trochlear groove in which it should normally rest | ||
Perianal tumor | Removing tumors associated with the anus | ||
Pericardectomy | Removal of the sac surrounding the heart | ||
Perineal hernia / herniorrhaphy | Repair/closure of a breakdown of the pelvic diaphragm, allowing distension/distortion of the rectum, and possibly herniation of the bladder or other intestinal contents | ||
Repair/closure of a hernia extending from the abdomen, through the diaphragm, and into the pericardial sac around the heart | |||
Platelet-rich Plasma therapy | Harvesting of the growth and healing factor-filled platelet-rich fraction of your pet's blood to help with your pet with healing, inflammation, and repair of bones, tendons, ligaments, wounds, and other tissue | ||
portogram (mesenteric) | An angiogram of the portal circulation to identity anamolous vessels (such as a portosystemic shunt) | ||
portosystemic shunt | Identification and progressive closure of an anomalous vessel causing blood to bypass the liver | ||
Prophylactic gastropexy | gastropexy performed in proactive fashion, to prevent GDV from ever occurring | gastropexy; |
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prostatic omentalization | |||
Pylorectomy/Bilroth I | see Bilroth I | ||
Pyometra | Severe infection of the uterus; treated by ovariohysterectomy | ||
Rectal polyps | |||
Rectal tumors | |||
Resection and Anastamosis | removing a portion and attaching the cut ends; generally refers to intestinal surgery | ||
Sacroiliac luxation | Dislocation of the ilium (pelvis) from the sacrum (spine) | ||
Salivary mucocele | A saliva filled pocket arising from a salivary gland | ||
Septic arthritis | Bacterial infection in the joint | ||
Septic peritonitis | Bacterial infection of the abdominal cavity; an urgent, life-threatening emergency | ||
Sialocele | see salivary mucocele | salivary mucocele | |
Skin flaps | Rotation a portion healthy skin to replace missing skin elsewhere | ||
Skin graft | Generally referring to removing skin completely from one part of the body and transfering to another part of the body | ||
Soft palate resection | Removing overlong tissue from the back of the soft palate; a common problem in brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like the English Bulldog and Chinese Pug | ||
Spinal surgery | for Intervertebral Disc Disease or Spinal fracture | ||
Spinal fracture repair | |||
Spinal tap | see cerebrospinal fluid sampling | cervical or lumbar centesis | |
Splenectomy | Removal of the spleen | ||
Staphylectomy | see soft palate resection | soft palate resection | |
Stem Cell Banking | storage of stem cells from a relatively young and healthy patient for future use | ||
Stem Cell Therapy | Cutting edge regenerative medicine for treatment of arthritis, orthopedic injuries, and many other problems | ||
Stomach Torsion | see Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus | ||
Subcutaneous Ureteral Bypass (SUB) | Creation of long-term (potentially permanent) bypass tube between the kidney and bladder, due to obstruction from tumor or stones, most commonly | ||
Subluxating hips | see Hip Dysplasia | ||
Subluxation | Partial luxation/dislocation of a joint |
Sometimes due to laxity, such as with Hip Dysplasia |
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Subtotal colectomy | Removing most of the colon, often due to megacolon or colonic tumors | ||
Tail amputation | see caudectomy | caudectomy | |
Tendonorrhaphy | Repair of a damaged tendon | ||
Thoracic duct ligation | Occluding/tying off the duct into which lymph fluid drains into the chest; treatment for chylothorax | ||
Thoracic limb amputation | Removal of the fore/front leg/limb | ||
Thoracotomy | A surgical approach to the thoracic cavity (chest) | ||
Thyroidectomy | Removal of one or both thyroid glands | Most commonly for tumors | |
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement | surgical procedure for cranial cruciate ligament rupture; rapid recovery and improved long-term function | ||
Tonsillectomy | Removal of one or both tonsils | ||
Torsion (stomach) | see Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus | ||
Total Ear Canal Ablation and Lateral Bulla Ostetomy | Surgical/definitive treatment for end-stage otitis externa/media (chronic and severe outer and middle ear disease) | ||
Tracheal Collapse | Degenerative condition in which the trachea (windpipe) progressively collapses, causing coughing and airway obstruction | ||
Tracheal Stenting | Placement of a stent inside of the tracheal to prevent tracheal collapse | ||
TTA | see Tibial Tuberosity Advancement | Tibial Tuberosity Advancement | |
Tumor removal | Removal of tumors/masses/lumps from various locations in the body | ||
Twisted Limb |
Generally relating to premature or partial closure of a growth plate causing shortening, rotation, and/or angular deviation/deformity |
Angular Limb Deformity | |
Twisted Stomach | see Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus | ||
UAP | see Ununited Anconeal Process | Ununited Anconeal Process | |
Ulnar ostectomy (partial) | Removal of a portion of the ulna (the less weight-bearing bone in the forearm) | Performed to treat premature physeal (growth plate) closure and/or incongruency (uneven length/fit) of the bones in the elbow | |
Umbilical hernia / herniorrhaphy | Repairing a hernia in the umbilicus ("belly button"/navel) | ||
Ununited Anconeal Process | developmental abnormality in which a growth plate of an articular portion of the proximal ulna fails to close; a component of elbow dysplasia | elbow dysplasia | |
Ureter surgery | The ureter is the tube draining urine from the kidney into the bladder; problems with the ureter include obstruction, which should be treated via stenting or bypass (SUB); and ectopic ureter | ||
Ureteral obstruction | physical blockage of the tube in which urine passes from the kidney to the bladder; due to the complications associated with surgery, I recommend treatment via stenting or bypass (SUB) | ||
Ureteral stent | Placement of a stent inside of the ureter to prevent blockage by stones, tumors, etc. | Dog | |
Ureteronephrectomy | Removal of the kidney and ureter (the tube between the kidney and bladder) | " | |
urethral prolapse | Eversion of urethral mucosa beyond the tip of the penis | the tissue becomes swollen and will often re-prolapse even if it can be successfully reduced; generally requires removal of the everted mucosa and suturing (sewing) the healthy mucosa back together | |
urethral repair | Repair of lacerations or even complete severing of the urethra | ||
urethral stent | Placement of a stent inside of the urethra to prevent obstruction from tumors, strictures (scar tissue), etc. | ||
urethrostomy (perineal) | Creating a new stoma (opening) out of the urethra at the level of the perineum (just below the anus) | generally done in cats with recurrent urethral obstruction secondary to Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD; also referred to as interstitial cystitis, or FUS -- Feline Urologic Syndrome) | |
urethrostomy (pre-pubic) | Create a new stoma (opening) for the urethra in the caudal (back portion of) abdomen | Sometimes performed if the pelvic urethra has been destroyed | |
urethrostomy (scrotal) | Create a new stoma (opening) for the urethra at the level of the scrotum (which is removed) | generally done in dogs with urethral obstruction secondary to urolithiasis (urinary stones) | |
vacuum bandage | vacuum-assisted wound healing | ||
ventral bulla osteotomy | Opening a window into the middle ear | Performed to remove infection, inflamed material, etc. | |
ventral slot | Opening a window to the spinal cord from the ventral (lower) neck for intervertebral disc disease | ||
Wound closure | Surgical closure of large and/or complex wounds | ||
wound debridement | Removal of contaminated material and/or dead/infected tissue | ||
Zyomatic mucolecele | see Salivary mucocele |