Specialized surgery in geriatric patients
- Molly Benoît
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Our pets are living longer than ever before, which is excellent news. Thanks to regular medical checkups, a suitable diet, and special attention to their well-being, they now enjoy a good quality of life well into their old age.
Just like humans, aging can bring its share of health problems that require specific care... sometimes even specialized surgery. For many owners, the idea of surgery on an elderly animal raises questions and concerns. This is only natural: increased fragility and age-related diseases require tailored care.
Fortunately, numerous advances in veterinary medicine now make it possible to offer rigorous, tailored, and safe anesthesia protocols for each patient, making procedures under general anesthesia much safer.
Common reasons for consultation among seniors
Skin and subcutaneous masses
It is not uncommon for older animals to develop lumps on or under the skin. Some are benign, while others require prompt treatment because they are malignant, growing rapidly, or located in a problematic area.
An analysis of the mass (by fine needle aspiration or biopsy) will help determine the best course of treatment. It is best to intervene early: surgery on a small mass is simpler, requires less anesthesia time, and promotes rapid healing.
Learn more about this topic in our fact sheet on masses:
Joint pain and orthopedics
With age, the joints of some of our companions wear out and become painful, especially cats! Osteoarthritis is very common, but since it is usually secondary to a primary orthopedic problem in pets, surgery can often restore comfort and mobility (TPLO for cruciate ligament rupture, hip dysplasia correction) to the affected patient.
Coupez offers these procedures at your regular clinic to limit changes in surroundings and facilitate recovery.
Abdominal or reproductive surgery
Certain internal conditions (spleen tumors, pyometra, ovarian cysts) require immediate surgery. Regular veterinary checkups often allow for intervention before the situation becomes urgent.
The importance of preoperative assessment
Anesthesia in senior animals requires careful preparation. Before any surgery:
A complete clinical examination is performed.
A geriatric blood test (renal and hepatic function, diabetes screening) is carried out.
A cardiac evaluation (echocardiography, X-ray, or ECG) may be recommended if a heart murmur or arrhythmia is detected during auscultation.
These steps are taken to customize each anesthetic protocol. The Coupez team tailors its recommendations and practices to each patient, with the support of the referring veterinarian.
A gentle recovery and a return to a better quality of life
Pain management
Multimodal pain management is essential: several medications (analgesics, anti-inflammatories, dietary changes, supplements) are administered at different times to ensure the patient's comfort. After surgery, the animal is closely monitored, kept warm, and assisted as it wakes up.
Home monitoring
At home, a few adjustments (rest, administration of prescribed medication, a safe environment) promote a speedy recovery. Good planning often helps our seniors who have undergone surgery to regain their appetite, vitality, and good spirits.
Conclusion
Age is not a disease or a fatality. With the support of the Coupez team, each geriatric patient receives personalized and safe care: surgical expertise, modern technology, and attention to patient well-being come together to give your pet a real chance to regain comfort.
Consulting a specialized team like Coupez means choosing safety and peace of mind, from preoperative assessment to post-operative follow-up. Our procedures are performed at your pet's trusted clinic, in collaboration with their regular veterinarian, helping to make the experience less stressful and more humane.
Please don't hesitate to contact us or talk to your veterinarian to find out if specialized surgery could improve your elderly companion's quality of life.