Abdominal Surgery for Dogs and Cats in Scottsdale, AZ
The abdomen contains many vital organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our board-certified surgeons treat a wide range of abdominal conditions, from tumors and gallbladder disease to bloat and intestinal foreign bodies, using advanced surgical techniques and careful anesthesia and pain management.
Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Bloat (GDV) and prophylactic gastropexy – Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a life-threatening twisting of the stomach in large, deep-chested dogs. A gastropexy tacks the stomach to the body wall to help prevent twisting and can be performed preventively, sometimes laparoscopically.
- Intestinal foreign body and enterotomy – Objects that pass beyond the stomach may require surgical removal. Objects still in the stomach may be candidates for endoscopic foreign object removal instead.
- Gastrointestinal tumors – Masses of the stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum are removed with appropriate margins.
- Megacolon and subtotal colectomy – Removal of a non-functioning colon in cats with severe chronic constipation.
Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas Surgery
- Gallbladder disease and cholecystectomy – Removal of the gallbladder for gallbladder mucoceles, stones, or infection.
- Bile duct obstruction – Surgery to relieve blockages that prevent bile from draining.
- Liver tumors and liver lobectomy – Removal of affected liver lobes. Learn more on our liver disease page.
- Portosystemic shunt – Surgical attenuation of abnormal blood vessels that bypass the liver.
- Pancreatic tumors and insulinoma – Removal of tumors that can cause dangerously low blood sugar.
Spleen and Kidney Surgery
- Splenic tumors and splenectomy – Removal of the spleen for masses, which may rupture and cause internal bleeding.
- Kidney tumors and nephrectomy – Removal of a diseased kidney when the other kidney functions well.
- Adrenal tumors and adrenalectomy – Removal of adrenal masses, including those causing Cushing’s disease.
Urinary and Perineal Surgery
- Stones in the urinary system – Surgical removal of large or numerous stones. Many pets are candidates for laser bladder stone removal without incisions; learn more on our bladder stones page.
- Bladder tumors and partial cystectomy – Removal of part of the bladder affected by a tumor.
- Perineal urethrostomy for blocked cats – Surgery to widen the urethra in male cats with recurrent urinary blockages.
- Perineal hernia – Repair of weakened muscles beside the rectum, most common in intact male dogs.
- Anal gland tumors and anal sacculectomy – Removal of anal sac masses and affected glands.
Diagnosis and Planning
Before surgery, our team uses bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound, and chest radiographs to diagnose the problem and check for spread of disease. When a diagnosis is unclear, laparoscopic biopsies may be recommended first. Learn more about our surgery department and cancer surgery.
Abdominal Surgery FAQs
What is a prophylactic gastropexy?
It is a preventive surgery that attaches the stomach to the body wall to help prevent life-threatening twisting in dogs at risk for bloat.
Can a swallowed object be removed without surgery?
If the object is still in the esophagus or stomach, it can often be removed endoscopically. Objects in the intestines usually require surgery.
Can dogs live without a spleen?
Yes. Dogs and cats can live normal lives after a splenectomy.
What is a gallbladder mucocele?
It is a buildup of thick mucus in the gallbladder that can cause rupture and is often treated by removing the gallbladder.
How long is recovery after abdominal surgery?
Most pets need about two weeks of restricted activity while the incision heals, though full recovery varies by procedure.
Will my pet stay in the hospital?
Many abdominal surgery patients are hospitalized for one or more nights for pain control and monitoring.
Why is my cat a candidate for perineal urethrostomy?
Male cats with recurrent urinary blockages may benefit from this surgery, which widens the urethra to prevent future obstructions.
Expert Abdominal Surgery for Your Pet
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 or request an appointment online to schedule a surgical consultation.