Soft Tissue Surgery

We perform many types of soft tissue surgeries at our clinic, which may benefit your pet. The most common soft tissue surgery performed is the removal of a mass or lump. Masses, once removed, can be tested (biopsied) to check for cancer. Many masses are found to be benign (nonharmful). However, sometimes they can be more serious. Early removal and diagnosis of a mass is essential to improve your pet’s outcome if the mass ends up being cancerous. Biopsy is a useful tool, and can give you additional information such as the type of mass, the nature of it (will it grow back), and if it may spread.

We also commonly perform urinary stone removal (cystotomy). Certain patients are prone to developing bladder stones. Sometimes, these stones can be dissolved by feeding a specialized prescription food, but if this is unsuccessful, surgery is the next option. If left in the bladder, urinary stones can cause inflammation and damage to the bladder, as well as blocking your pet’s ability to urinate – a life-threatening condition. If your pet is unable to urinate, call the hospital immediately!

Occasionally, animals eat things they shouldn’t (toys, rocks, socks, etc!). If your pet has swallowed a foreign object that becomes stuck, surgical intervention is necessary. Common signs of foreign body obstruction are lethargy, vomiting food and water, and having no bowel movements.
Please contact us if you’d like to discuss how soft tissue surgery might be able to help your pet.