Your pet is a member of your family. When your family member needs surgery, you want them to receive only the best care, and when you take your pet to Tierra Santa Veterinary Hospital, that's exactly what you'll get. Common reasons that your pet may need surgery include:

The most common surgery for pets is sterilization surgery - more commonly known as spaying or neutering. This is a fairly simple procedure which involves removing your pet's reproductive organs.

It's important that your pet doesn't feel pain during surgery. Furthermore, your pet needs to stay still during surgery so they don't injure themselves. In most cases, the best way to make sure that your pet stays still and pain-free is to give them anesthesia. Dr. Michelle Schexneider will discuss the benefits and risks of anesthesia with you before the surgery so that you feel more comfortable.

After the surgery, you should always follow the directions given by your veterinarian to make sure that your pet's recovery goes smoothly.

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Toe amputation is a fairly common surgical procedure for pets. While the surgery can be performed on all pets, it is most common in dogs. Should a nail become caught or ripped off, it may take off part of the toe with it, in which case the entire toe may need to be removed. Other times, a toe might need to be removed due to a cancerous mass. It is of critical importance for all of the damaged tissue or cancerous cells to be removed to prevent the disease from spreading to other areas of the body. It is far better to remove the toe now than to wait and remove an entire paw or leg later. At Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, we have years of experience performing pet surgery including toe amputations.

Toe Amputation Surgery

It is important not to put off toe amputation surgery for your pet. While you may not like the sound of it, and the idea of having part of your pet removed is an upsetting one, putting this kind of procedure off may end up doing more harm than anything else. You don't want any injuries to fester, and you don't want cancerous cells to begin moving over to other areas of the body. The sooner you have it treated the better. When you visit our animal hospital, our veterinarian will assess the state of your pet to determine whether toe amputation surgery is the correct option. We will guide you through the process, and provide your pet with any necessary follow-up care.

Veterinarian in San Diego

Our veterinary staff is here to help address all of your pet’s needs. If a toe amputation needs to be performed, you can rest easy with the knowledge that our staff is highly experienced in performing this procedure. Whether your pet’s toe needs to be removed due to an injury or to prevent the further development of cancer cells, our staff will keep you informed so you know exactly what to expect. For more information on pet surgery or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian, call Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital at (858) 292-6116.

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Another common reason why your pet may need surgery is if they get an injury that's serious enough that it needs stitches. Depending on the extent of the injury, the procedure may or may not require anesthesia.

If your pet has serious dental issues, they may need dental surgery. Common procedures include:

 Dental prophylaxis

 Root canal

 Tooth extraction

 Removal of hyperplasia

 Ophthalmic Surgery

 Ophthalmic surgery is used to correct issues with your pet's eyes. This may include the correction of glaucoma or cataracts, or the correction of more serious issues such as eyelid issues, bulging eyes, or cancer.

If your pet has musculoskeletal issues, orthopedic surgery may be the best option to correct them. This may include:

 Ostectomy

 Osteotomy

 Hip replacement

 Ruptured anterior cruciate ligament repair

 Leg amputation

 Bone fracture repair

When your pet has cancer, surgical oncology may correct it by removing the malignant tumor. It's important to get this surgery done as soon as possible and to get your pet regular checkups afterward so that the cancer doesn't spread.

These are just a few of the surgical procedures that your veterinary surgeon can perform on your pet. Dr. Schexneider will discuss your options if your pet is injured and help you decide if pet surgery is the right course of action.

Some canines develop a condition called "cherry eye,” which causes a reddish protrusion on the lower lid. It is not painful but can be upsetting for owners to see. Your veterinarian can provide a number of treatments to help manage this condition. At Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, CA, we offer treatment for canine cherry eye and other pet eye problems.

What Is Cherry Eye?

That pink or red protrusion at the corner of your dog’s eye is the result of weakness in the tissue that holds the nictitating membrane that holds the tear-producing gland in place. Normally, this membrane lies flat within the eye socket, but when the tissue weakens or is damaged, it becomes prominent on the eye surface, giving the eye an injured appearance. Cherry eye can come and go or be a constant issue.

A large prolapse may make it difficult for the animal to close the eye normally. The condition can also cause dry eyes in dogs. The vet will carefully examine the eye tissue to determine if prolapse of the nictitating membrane is the cause of the problem.

Causes of Cherry Eye

Some breeds of dog, such as Cocker Spaniels and Bulldogs seem prone to cherry eye. There appears to be a genetic component to whether the tissue that holds the membrane in place is sufficiently strong to prevent prolapse. Cherry eye can also be caused by trauma to the eye. The problem can be temporary or permanent. Your vet can help determine the cause of the prolapse and what type of treatment is best for your pet’s needs.

Treatment of Cherry Eye in Canines

Treatment of cherry eye in dogs depends on the severity of the problem. For some dogs, conservative treatment such as warm compresses and gentle massage can help the membrane return to its normal position on the eye. However, more severe cases may require surgical intervention. Veterinarians have developed several procedures to tighten the membrane so that it holds the tear gland in place. Recovery is generally fast with good outcomes in this type of surgery.

Make Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital Your Veterinarian in San Diego

Dr. Schexneider and the team at Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital use their knowledge and experience to provide the highest quality care for their patients in San Diego, CA, and surrounding areas. Our animal hospital offers many services for pets, including vaccinations, preventative care, surgery, dental care, microchipping, and boarding. Call Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital today at (858) 292-6116 for an appointment to learn more about the treatment of cherry eye in dogs.

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Our Tierrasanta Vet Can Spay Your Pet in San Diego

If you have adopted a female puppy or kitten, you obviously love baby animals. But that doesn't mean you're ready to support litter after litter of them, a scenario which may well come to pass if you don't arrange to spay your new family member in a timely manner. The routine operation known as spay surgery can not only help control the animal population; it also conveys some major health benefits while helping to ensure a happier home life. Our Tierrasanta vet, Dr. Schexneider, will be happy to spay your pet in San Diego.

Some Compelling Reasons for Spaying Your Pet

There are more good reasons for spaying a female pet than many pet owners realize. Of course the most obvious of these is pregnancy prevention. Once your pet is spayed, you need not worry about whether there are intact male animals in your neighborhood. Spaying not only makes conception and pregnancy impossible, giving you total control over the number of animals living in your home -- but on a larger scale, it contributes toward controlling the number of pets who must be destroyed each year in shelters due to insufficient housing and resources.

Spaying also makes your pet happier, more comfortable and more agreeable. Intact females are subject to heat cycles, with hormonal changes that can create frustration, aggressive behavior, and a compelling desire to explore potentially dangerous areas in search of mates. Best of all, it conveys important health benefits. Spaying eliminates your pet's risk of uterine or ovarian cancer while significantly lowering the risk of breast cancer, potentially extending your pet's life.

Spay Surgery From Our San Diego Veterinarian: What to Expect

While sterilization is considered major surgery, your pet is in good hands at Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital. The standard form of spay surgery is ovariohysterectomy. Our San Diego veterinarian makes an incision in the abdomen, then removes the uterus and ovaries. Depending on your pet's size, age, and whether she is currently in heat, this procedure may take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. The anesthesia may take a few hours to wear off and later that day you take your pet home.

Our Tierrasanta vet clinic can provide you with the necessary post-operative instructions on feeding, limiting activities and watching the wound for any complications that might call for a return visit. We can also provide post-operative necessities such as pain medication and a neck collar to keep your pet from licking or biting the incision as it heals.

Call Our Veterinarian in San Diego to Schedule Spay Surgery

It's great to know that your trusted veterinarian in San Diego is always ready to provide your beloved pet with a lifetime of necessary care, from important preventative procedures such as sexual sterilization. If your female pet needs to be spayed, call (858) 292-6116 to get more information and schedule that surgery!

Five Reasons to Neuter Your Pet in San Diego

Our Tierrasanta vet, Dr.Schexneider, highly recommends that all pet owners considering spaying and neutering their pets for a number a reasons. However, there are quite a few reasons for the owners of male pets to give additional thought to viewing neutering beyond helping control the pet population. Neutering is actually an essential health benefit for your furry friend that can extend his lifetime, and we can perform this quick and affordable in-office procedure as early as four weeks of age, although 16 weeks is ideal. Here are five reasons to neuter your pet in San Diego.

1. Pets are Often More Content

After your pet recovers from the procedure, many owners notice that their buddies seem more content. Male cats tend to lay off of the nasty habit of spraying their turf, and both dogs and cats seem to lose their desire to respond when they catch the whiff of a female in heat. This is likely due to the halt of testosterone production after the neutering process.

2. Reduces Chances of Getting Lost or Harmed

Another benefit of pets with less ‘roaming’ tendencies is that they are not continually stalking doorways awaiting a chance to escape and find a willing female. When your dog or cat has their mind set upon their goal, it’s easy for them to get lost, encounter non-friendly animals or get hit by an automobile.

3. Preventing Testicular Tumors and Cancer

Neutering is a simple surgical procedure involving the removal of the testes. Hence, you will eliminate your pet’s chances of developing malignant tumors or cancer within the testicular region by neutering them at an early age.

4. Fewer Chances of Developing Prostate Disease

Male dogs are more statistically likely to develop prostate conditions than cat are. The removal of the testes drastically decreases your pet’s risk of developing prostate disease and other related conditions like abscess, cysts and prostatic enlargement.

5. Reduce Risks of Painful Perineal Hernias

Our San Diego veterinarian sees a few cases of perineal hernias each year, and the majority of them involve male dogs who haven’t undergone the neutering procedure. This condition occurs when certain parts of the internal stomach herniates through weakened pelvic muscles. This results in an unsightly and often painful bulge by the anal opening. Perineal hernia development is associated with the presence of testosterone, which neutered males no longer produce.

Get More Information from Our San Diego Veterinarian

Our veterinarian in San Diego and our dedicated team of animal lovers are ready to answer your questions and help you decide if you should neuter your pet. Contact our vet at Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital today at (858) 292-6116 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We look forward to meeting you and your pet soon to discuss ways to keep your furry friend healthy and happy throughout their lifetime. Your Veterinarian in San Diego also serves the surrounding communities of Tierrasanta, San Carlos, Clairemont and Kearny Mesa.

The Importance of Spay & Neuter

Your decision on whether to spay or neuter your pet will be one of the most vital choices for your pet’s future. Spaying and neutering bring multiple benefits and limited risks for most dogs and cats. Some of these benefits include preventing unwanted pregnancy and several significant health issues related to the reproductive organs. Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, CA, performs these routine procedures to protect your pet’s health and well-being. Continue reading to learn about the importance of spay and neuter surgery and how it can benefit you and your pet.

Why Spay and Neuter?

The decision to spay your female pets or neuter your male pets helps the general animal population and offers medical, behavioral, and financial benefits to you and your pet. Some of these benefits include:

 Population: Spaying and neutering prevent unwanted births. Many of these unwanted animals roam the streets without a home and get euthanized at shelters.

 Medical: Spaying reduces your pet’s risk of uterine infections and breast cancer, while neutering prevents testicular cancer and prostate issues. Pets also face fewer dangers outside the home due to these procedures reducing their urge to roam. Spayed and neutered pets also live longer than pets that do not get these procedures.

 Behavioral: Spayed and neutered animals do not go into heat, have a reduced urge to roam, and are less likely to spray. Pets also mount less often and are less aggressive after these surgeries.

 Financial: The cost to spay or neuter an animal is less than treatments for the health issues more common to untreated pets and the cost of caring for a litter of kittens or puppies.

Procedures and Timing

Spaying removes your female pet’s ovaries, while neutering removes your male pet’s testicles. Some spaying procedures also remove the fallopian tubes and uterus. Some owners prefer to retain the hormone-producing gonads, so they opt for a hysterectomy for females or a vasectomy for males.

You should spay or neuter your pet as early as possible to avoid unwanted pregnancies and behaviors, some of which may linger if the procedures occur later. Spaying or neutering can begin at eight weeks for cats and dogs, though the recommended timing can differ based on your pet’s breed and health.

Pre- and Post-Operative Care

Your veterinarian will provide instructions to prepare your pet for the procedure. Some instructions may include not feeding your pet after midnight before surgery and bathing it before its procedure. Similarly, your veterinarian will give you post-operative instructions for your pet, such as providing a quiet resting place and methods to care for the incision site.

The decision to spay or neuter your pet is important for several reasons. If you believe you are ready to have your pet spayed or neutered, we can help. At Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, CA, our veterinarian provides spaying and neutering and will answer your questions about the procedures. Here are some commonly asked questions about spaying and neutering.

Why Are Spay and Neuter Surgeries Important?

Spayed or neutered pets are not able to reproduce. Most people do not want the burden of additional pets, and they cannot provide adequate care for them. Your pet will also avoid cancer of the reproduction system. Also, significant positive behavioral changes result from the surgery. For example, the pet may be less aggressive, less vocal, and have less tendency to run away from home.

What Occurs Before the Surgery?

Our veterinarian will perform a full examination before your pet's surgery. A procedure is scheduled if your pet is healthy. We can also provide treatment for your pet if there is a medical issue that would prevent the procedure. Pets are usually dropped off early in the morning, and they are monitored for several hours after surgery to ensure there are no complications. Your pet will need to refrain from food and water for several hours before the surgery.

What Should I Do After the Surgery?

It's recommended to keep your pet at home and away from activity for a few days following surgery. Your pet should be in an isolated area to recover. Also, you should check for any signs of inflammation or discharge. Contact our office should you notice any signs of infection. It's also normal for your pet not to have much appetite after the surgery.

When Are Pets Spayed or Neutered?

Most dogs and cats are spayed or neutered between the ages of six and nine months. However, it's best to consult with our veterinarian to determine the best time to get the procedure done. We will evaluate the medical history of your pet and determine if it is safe to move forward.

Visit Our Veterinarian in San Diego, CA for Spay and Neuter Services

Spaying and neutering are important procedures that benefit pets and owners. At Tierrasanta Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, CA, we can answer all of your questions and concerns about the procedures. Call our office today to learn more about the process or to book your pet’s procedure.