| Surgery is often both challenging and satisfying. One of our favorite operations is a Caesarian Section (C-Section). After diagnosing a dystocia (difficult labor) and using ultrasound to assess the need for immediate surgery, the entire crew pitches in to deliver live puppies. Nothing is more satisfying than to hear the tiny voices of 5-6 little newborn puppies or kittens being attended to by the staff as I finish suturing the abdominal wall. Let's face it: puppies and kittens are always fun, but this is really exciting! |
Live C-section showing uterus with
one pup out; one left to deliver |
Live C-section puppy
3 ounces and kicking!
Really cute, huh? |
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| We are the consulting Hospital for Keepers of the Wild, the rescue organization for lions, tigers, wolves, and many other exotics. We have done quite a few surgeries on lions and tigers, but this surgery on a cougar was particularly interesting. The abdominal mass was obvious, and x-rays and ultrasound suggested it involved the kidney. Exploratory surgery revealed this large mass where the right kidney should be. The surgery was successful and the mass was removed. Histopathology diagnosed a huge renal cyst that virtually replaced the entire kidney. This condition was probably a birth abnormality that continued to enlarge. Since animals can get along just fine with one kidney, and this was not a tumor, the cougar should live a long and happy life! |
Cougar being shaved and prepped
for surgery. Note large lump.
This is an abdominal mass. |
Removing the abdominal mass |
Abdominal mass removed from abdomen |
Cougar post-op with a flat tummy
again. The brown color is from the iodine surgical scrub |
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Spleenic mass (8 lbs.) removed from abdomen |
Cystic tumorous masses from abdomen of a dog |
Uterine tumor removed from abdomen |
Cystic tumorous masses from abdomen of a dog |
Stifle joint (knee) during ACL surgery |
