Exploratory Surgery in Dogs and Cats

Exploratory surgery, also known as an exploratory laparotomy, is a procedure that allows veterinarians to examine your pet’s internal organs directly when other diagnostic tools—like bloodwork, x-rays, or ultrasounds—don’t provide clear answers. Though it may sound intimidating, exploratory surgery can be both diagnostic and life-saving, especially in urgent or unresolved medical cases.

When Is Exploratory Surgery Needed?

Exploratory surgery may be recommended when your dog or cat is showing serious or ongoing symptoms that haven’t improved with treatment or when imaging is inconclusive. Common reasons include:

  • Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
  • Suspected foreign body ingestion
  • Unexplained abdominal pain or bloating
  • Masses, tumors, or abnormal findings on imaging
  • Persistent weight loss with no clear cause
  • Internal bleeding or fluid accumulation
  • Suspected organ torsion (e.g., spleen or stomach)
  • Abnormal liver or kidney function requiring biopsy

What the Procedure Involves

Under general anesthesia, a surgical incision is made into the abdomen to allow full visual and manual access to the internal organs. During the procedure, we may:

  • Inspect and palpate the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs
  • Remove foreign objects
  • Take biopsies of abnormal tissues for lab testing
  • Remove tumors or diseased tissue
  • Repair damaged organs, intestines, or blood vessels

The procedure is performed in a sterile environment with full anesthesia monitoring and pain control.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery depends on the reason for surgery and what was done. Most pets require:

  • 10–14 days of rest and restricted activity
  • Pain management and antibiotics as needed
  • E-collar use to prevent licking the incision
  • A recheck appointment to assess healing and review biopsy results

We provide detailed at-home care instructions and remain available to answer any questions during your pet’s recovery.

When to Be Concerned and Seek Care

You should contact us or seek emergency veterinary care if your pet is:

  • Vomiting persistently
  • Not eating for more than 24 hours
  • Showing signs of abdominal pain (hunched posture, whining, guarding the belly)
  • Having difficulty passing stool or showing signs of obstruction
  • Rapidly losing weight or energy
  • Showing signs of internal bleeding (pale gums, collapse, rapid breathing)

These symptoms can be signs of serious internal problems, and prompt evaluation can make a critical difference.

Compassionate Surgical Diagnostics When It Matters Most

Exploratory surgery can be a vital tool in both diagnosing and treating complex internal conditions. We only recommend surgery when necessary—and always with your pet’s safety and quality of life as our top priorities. If you're concerned about unexplained symptoms in your dog or cat, call us today at (337) 893-8522. We’re here to provide answers, peace of mind, and expert care every step of the way.