Our team at On the Spot specializes in elective orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries. If you’re curious about the difference between elective and non-elective procedures, read on for a brief explanation.
Elective
Elective surgeries correct injuries or impairments that impede your pet’s health and/or mobility. If this course of treatment is advised, you have time to research your options and the operation itself, and can select the optimal care facility and timing.
Surgeries that are not a medical emergency but are likely to become life-threatening with time are sometimes referred to as semi-elective. You still schedule such operations, but with more urgency.
In short, with elective (and semi-elective) procedures you maintain control over the surgical care process and have time to weigh options.
Common elective surgeries for pets include:
- TPLO (tibial-plateau-leveling osteotomy)
- Lateral Suture Correction
- Luxating kneecap correction
- Hernia removal
- Splenectomy
- Amputations
- Mass/tumor removal
- Cystotomy
- Cherry Eye Tucks
- Spay/Neuter
- Much more!
Elective procedures help your pup get back to a healthy, active lifestyle!
Non-elective
On the opposite end of the spectrum is emergency surgery – procedures that must be performed immediately to stabilize a patient that is critically ill or injured. These surgeries are not scheduled in advance, and proximity of the hospital is often the priority. As the pet owner you have little control over the situation aside from the initial decision to seek immediate care, and acting quickly to save your pet.
Incidents like being hit by a car or ingesting something dangerous are the types of situations that call for non-elective, emergency surgery. We advise you to contact a nearby animal hospital rather than a veterinary clinic if your pet is experiencing sudden or serious injury or illness. Hospitals are often open during non-business hours, and you can call ahead to let them know what to expect when you arrive.
In a perfect world your pets would never need surgical care beyond the traditional spay or neuter procedure. Unfortunately, though, they aren’t invulnerable to physical ailments; we can only hope they don’t require emergency surgery.
For any elective needs that may arise, our skilled and compassionate surgical team will be there every step of the way!