You need to consider some criteria to decide if a procedure on an animal is a significant surgical procedure. You must think about whether the procedure could cause significant pain or distress, or serious harm if not done by a veterinarian. You also need to think about the nature of the procedure, including whether it involves surgery below the skin or interference with sensitive tissue. You have to consider if the procedure involves a surgical or operative procedure below the surface of the skin, mucous membranes, or teeth. You also need to think about if it involves physical interference with sensitive soft tissue or bone structure. You must consider if the procedure involves significant loss of tissue. When you are determining this, you are looking at the potential for the procedure to cause harm or pain. You are also looking at what the procedure actually involves. This helps you decide if the procedure is significant or not.