Common Soft Tissue Procedures and Mass Removals for Dogs and Cats
Nearly every pet will need some kind of soft tissue surgery at some point in their life. Soft tissues surgeries are those that don’t involve bone or muscle. Everything from spaying or neutering to mass removals to hernia repairs fall into this category. Thankfully, The Vet Gal and Guys have you covered with our full-care mobile veterinary service.
All About Pet Soft Tissue Surgeries
The severity of soft tissue surgeries in pets can vary tremendously. Some are very minor procedures, such as the quick removal of a cyst on a cat or dog. Other procedures, such as an intra abdominal mass removal or bladder surgery to remove stones, can be much more involved.
A soft tissue surgery may be recommended:
- As a preventive measure such as a spay, neuter, or gastropexy
- As an emergency intervention such as for a foreign body removal
- As a diagnostic procedure such as to obtain a biopsy
- To aid in helping a pet feel better and prevent further illness such as a mass removal or a repair for a dog with a hernia
Mass removals in particular are a very common procedure. It is often vital to remove a mass in order to get the most accurate information about what a growth is and if further action is necessary. Likewise, mass removals can help a pet to feel better, particularly if they are in an irritating area such as on an eyelid margin or in the armpit impeding mobility.
High Level Care for Your Pet
If your pet does need to have a surgical procedure, we are proud to attest to the high level of care that we offer. Pets having surgery are treated like our own. We:
- Perform one procedure at a time, focusing on just your pet
- Check appropriate pre-anesthetic labs
- Design an individual plan for each patient, taking into consideration their unique needs
- Monitor your pet closely before, during, and after the procedure
- Utilize a laser scalpel where appropriate to speed healing and minimize bleeding
- Offer a proactive pain management plan for your pet
- Provide excellent aftercare including rechecks, surgical recovery suits, and post-operative laser therapy when indicated
Soft tissue surgeries in pets are often needed but always a little scary for pet owners. If you would like to talk to us about your pet’s needs and expectations for a procedure, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help.