Veterinary surgery

Veterinary surgery has roots in ancient civilizations, with early records from India (c. 600 BCE) describing procedures on elephants and horses, and later Greek and Roman texts addressing livestock care.² The modern era began in the 18th century with the founding of veterinary schools in Lyon (1761) and London (1791), which initially focused on horse and farm animal surgery. Over the 20th century, the field expanded to companion animals, and the establishment of specialty boards like the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) in 1965 formalized advanced training and certification.

Routine surgeries include ovariohysterectomy (spay), castration, and dental extractions, which are among the most frequently performed procedures in small animal practice.³ Advanced techniques now include minimally invasive laparoscopy and thoracoscopy, which reduce pain and recovery time, as well as joint replacement (e.g., hip prosthetics) and fracture repair using plates, screws, and external fixators.⁴ Oncologic surgeries, such as limb-sparing tumor resections, and soft tissue procedures like hernia repair and wound reconstruction are also common.

Safe anesthesia is critical in veterinary surgery, with protocols tailored to species, age, and health status; modern monitoring includes pulse oximetry, capnography, and electrocardiography.⁵ Perioperative pain management has advanced significantly, incorporating multimodal analgesia (opioids, NSAIDs, local blocks) to improve outcomes.⁶ Postoperative care involves wound management, infection control, and nutritional support, which are essential for recovery.

Veterinary surgery extends beyond pets and livestock to exotic animals, wildlife, and even fish, with specialized techniques for each.⁷ Historically, veterinarians performed early experimental surgeries that contributed to human medicine, such as the first successful kidney transplant (1950s, in dogs).⁸ Additionally, veterinary surgeons have pioneered techniques in limb-sparing for osteosarcoma in dogs, which later informed human orthopedic oncology. The field also includes forensic veterinary surgery, where surgical findings are used in animal cruelty investigations.

Ovariohysterectomy

Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus; commonly called a spay.

Laparoscopy

Minimally invasive surgery using a camera inserted through small incisions.

Multimodal analgesia

Use of multiple pain-relief methods to achieve better control with fewer side effects.