Page 144 - BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Head, Neck and Thoracic Surgery, 2nd Edition

Chapter 10 · Surger y of the thyroid and parathyroid glands
Chapter 10 · Surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid glands

➜ OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE 10.3 CONTINUED
VetBooks.ir Closure

Muscle layers are closed with a simple continuous suture and fat in a separate layer if necessary. Skin can be closed
with skin sutures or a continuous subcuticular layer.

POSTOPERATIVE CARE
Monitor serum ionized calcium closely for several days. If the calcium level does not drop within 12–24 hours
postoperatively, consider multiple adenomas, removal of the wrong parathyroid gland or an incorrect diagnosis.
Maintain oral medication with vitamin D analogues and calcium (see Figure 10.6). If the dog is eating normally, oral
calcium supplements are often not necessary, and vitamin D supplements are gradually tapered over the 4–8 weeks
following surgery. Serum calcium and phosphate should be measured weekly as medications are reduced.

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