Dr. Steve Ladd of Hillsboro Animal HospitalNASHVILLE, Tenn. -
A local veterinarian is seeing an increase number of pet owners putting their beloved four-legged family members under the knife to undergo plastic surgery procedures.
"I don't think it's necessary," said Stephanie Siler, a dog owner and client at Hillsboro Animal Hospital, "I think all animals really are adorable the way that they are."
Dr. Steve Ladd, a veterinarian at the Hillsboro Animal Hospital told Nashville's News 2 he has performed countless surgeries which could be deemed plastic surgery.
He said he only does procedures that have a legitimate medical reason, such as eye lifts and facelifts for certain breeds of dogs.
"On dogs that have real droopy lower lids, the eyelash can rub on the eye and cause ulcerations," Dr. Ladd explained.
When dogs with thick folds on their face get dermatitis, the veterinarian said he suggests removing some of their folds.
Dr. Ladd said he has also performed nose jobs for dogs, like pugs, who have trouble with breathing and a tummy tuck for a Labrador who had three litters of puppies.
The local vet said the operation was necessary for the dog since she had loose skin that touched the ground and was chronically infected.
Dr. Ladd told Nashville's News 2 that he and his staff make decisions for the animals with their heads and their hearts.
"We're not going to do it because we can, or because [the owner] wants it, or because the Internet said so," he said.
The Hillsboro Animal Hospital no longer docks the ears of Great Danes and Boxers, because according to Dr. Ladd, there is no legitimate medical reason to do so.
For more information on the Hillsboro Animal Hospital, visit their Web site.
