Chest (Thoracic) Surgery for Dogs and Cats in Scottsdale, AZ
Surgery within the chest requires specialized training, equipment, and anesthesia support because it involves the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our board-certified surgeons treat lung and chest wall tumors, chylothorax, congenital heart and vascular abnormalities, and pericardial disease, with careful planning and close post-operative monitoring.
Thoracic Conditions We Treat
- Lung tumors and lung lobectomy – Removal of the affected lung lobe for primary lung tumors, abscesses, or other localized lung disease. Pets typically breathe comfortably with the remaining lung tissue.
- Chest wall tumors – Removal of tumors involving the ribs and chest wall, often with reconstruction to restore a stable chest.
- Chylothorax and thoracic duct ligation – Chylothorax is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the chest that makes breathing difficult. Surgery, often combined with pericardectomy, redirects lymph flow to reduce fluid buildup.
- Congenital heart abnormalities (PDA and PRAA) – Patent ductus arteriosus is an abnormal blood vessel that strains the heart, and persistent right aortic arch is a vascular ring that traps the esophagus, causing regurgitation in puppies. Surgical correction can be life-changing.
- Pericardectomy – Removal of part of the sac around the heart for recurrent pericardial effusion, including some cases related to Valley Fever.
Signs of Chest Disease
Pets with thoracic disease may show rapid or labored breathing, coughing, exercise intolerance, weakness, collapse, a swollen belly, or regurgitation. Any pet having trouble breathing should be seen immediately at an emergency hospital.
Diagnosis Before Surgery
Our team uses thoracic radiography, cardiac and thoracic ultrasound, and advanced imaging to identify the problem and plan surgery. Fluid samples from the chest are analyzed to determine the cause of effusions. Puppies that regurgitate may be evaluated with swallowing studies to distinguish a vascular ring from megaesophagus. Coughing pets may also need bronchoscopy.
Recovery After Thoracic Surgery
Pets undergoing chest surgery are hospitalized after the procedure for pain management, oxygen support if needed, and monitoring of a chest drain. Our team provides detailed home-care instructions and coordinates rechecks with your family veterinarian. Learn more about our surgery department, cancer surgery, and upper airway surgery, or explore all conditions we treat.
Chest Surgery FAQs
Can my pet live normally after lung lobe removal?
Yes. Most pets breathe comfortably and live normal lives after removal of a single lung lobe.
What is chylothorax?
Chylothorax is a buildup of lymphatic fluid in the chest that makes breathing difficult and may require surgery when medical management fails.
What is a PDA?
A patent ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that should close after birth but remains open, straining the heart. It is often corrected surgically.
Why does my puppy regurgitate food?
Regurgitation in puppies can be caused by a vascular ring anomaly such as PRAA or by megaesophagus, which are distinguished with imaging.
How long will my pet stay in the hospital after chest surgery?
Most pets are hospitalized for one to several days for pain control and monitoring.
Is chest surgery painful?
Our team uses comprehensive, multimodal pain management to keep pets as comfortable as possible during recovery.
What tests are needed before chest surgery?
Chest radiographs, ultrasound, bloodwork, and sometimes advanced imaging are used to plan surgery safely.
Specialized Thoracic Surgery for Your Pet
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 or request an appointment online to schedule a surgical consultation.