Finding out that your furry friend needs surgery can be an overwhelming experience for any owner. There are lots of uncertainties that can cause extra worry. While an ex lap is a big operation, being clued up on what goes on can be a massive help. This article will enable anxious pet parents to become well-informed before their beloved companion has to go under the knife. Read on to find out more!
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What Exactly is an Ex Lap?
Ex lap is short for exploratory laparotomy. This is a fancy name for a surgical procedure used to investigate or diagnose a problem in your pet’s abdominal cavity. Think of it like a detective getting a closer look at a crime scene. But instead of searching for fingerprints, they’re looking for blockages, foreign bodies, infections, or even tumours. Your vet makes a surgical incision into your pet’s abdomen, this allows them to get a good look at what is going on in there. An ex lap helps diagnose all sorts of abdominal mysteries; from why your furry friend’s tummy hurts to where that bleeding is coming from.
Why does my pet need an Ex Lap?
There are a few reasons your pet might need an ex lap surgery. One of the most common reasons is to remove a foreign body (something your pet has eaten that they shouldn’t have) or to clear a blockage in their stomach or intestines.
If your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have, (which happens more often than you would think!) and it’s causing a blockage or obstruction, this can be a life-threatening emergency. Tests that your vet may perform such as an x-ray, or ultrasound scan may show that an obstruction is present. But it will not necessarily give your vet all the details they need. This is where the ex lap comes in, as an exploratory surgery will enable your vet to get to the bottom of what’s happening. During the ex lap surgery, your vet will also be able to remove any obstructions or foreign bodies, therefore treating the issue at the same time.
An ex lap can also be super useful if your vet needs to examine a mass or other abnormality they have noticed in your pet. They can take samples of tissue called biopsies that can be analysed for certain types of cells to give clues as to what is going on.
Is an Ex Lap a big deal?
All surgery is a big deal in veterinary medicine. This is not said to scare owners but to make them aware and manage their expectations. Many big risks are associated with ex lap surgeries and they require highly trained professionals to carry out the procedures. It is certainly not something to be taken lightly. The recovery period can be extremely difficult too. Lots of owners worry as they are unsure of what the vet will find and what the outcome of the surgery will be. If you are very anxious, it is always a good idea to arrange a chat with your vet beforehand if possible, so that you can ask any questions. Rest assured your vet would never recommend an ex lap unless the operation is absolutely necessary.
What Happens During an Ex Lap?
Prior to the surgery, your vet will go over everything with you. They will discuss the risks and all the potential outcomes in great detail. Your vet will perform some routine blood tests on your pet and they may need to do some diagnostic tests such as x-rays or ultrasound scans if they haven’t already been done.
When it is time for the surgery, your pet will be given a general anaesthetic to make them go to sleep. A team of vets and vet nurses will prepare your pet for the surgery by cleaning their skin and clipping hair away from the skin on their tummy.
Your vet will make a cut into the abdomen to allow them to explore the organs inside. Depending on what they find, they may decide to perform additional procedures such as taking a biopsy or removing a blockage.
Once the surgery is finished, your vet will stitch up your pet and wake them up from the general anaesthetic. They will be monitored by a team of vets and vet nurses and they will check for signs of pain and infection. They may have an IV drip placed to give them extra fluids and medication. Your pet may need a little overnight stay at your vets’, this is completely normal for a lot of big surgeries.
Recovery at home
Once you are able to take your furry friend back home, you have a very important role! You will need to care for your pet and make sure they are as comfortable as possible.
- Make sure they have access to water and are able to drink freely. If not, you may need to help them along. It’s likely they will have a special diet from your vet, make sure that they are fed it at the right times.
- Make sure they are as comfortable as possible, with a thick bed to rest on. Under the instruction of your vet, it may be advised to slowly introduce some walks on the lead a week or two post op.
- Keep up to date with any pain medication your vet may have sent you home with.
- Keep a close eye on the surgical incision. Make sure it is clean and dry and if you notice any discharge or funny smells, contact your vet asap.
- Book in some extra snuggles and cuddles to let them know you are there for them. It will be a big comfort to them and help them relax and rest up. The road to recovery can be a rocky one and it may take a lot longer than expected. Remember to be patient with your pet. If you are at all worried about them, don’t hesitate to contact your vet for advice, they will always be happy to help.
Final thoughts
Finding out that your pet needs an ex lap is always a worrying time for owners. An ex lap can be a daunting prospect, however, it’s often a vital procedure to diagnose and treat serious health issues. It is important to remember your pet is in safe hands. Your vet will be there to support you before and after the surgery. You can play a positive role in your pet’s recovery with your vet’s guidance. If you have any worries or concerns about your furry friend’s health, chat with your vet, they will always be happy to help you.
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