Today, we’re focusing on a significant topic for dog owners: mass removal surgery for dogs. If you ever wondered what the surgery involves or what to expect with your own dog’s upcoming procedure, we can provide some general information to help you better understand the process. If you have any questions for our team or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us at (303) 469-1616!
What is Mass Removal Surgery?
Mass removal surgery for dogs is a procedure where veterinarians remove lumps or masses from a dog’s body. These lumps, also known as tumors, can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Along with removing the mass, your veterinarian may also need to diagnose its nature. This involves thoroughly examining the mass post-op, which might include a biopsy or cytology to understand its type and potential risks for your pet. This procedure is often recommended to dogs as a way to improve quality of life and prevent further and more serious health conditions.
When Is Mass Removal Surgery Recommended?
Mass removal surgery is typically recommended when a mass is suspected to be malignant or is interfering with your dog’s quality of life. This could be because the mass is growing rapidly, causing pain, obstructing normal movement or bodily functions, or showing signs of infection. Our veterinarians at Arrowhead Animal Hospital can conduct a detailed assessment, which may include X-ray imaging and biopsies to determine the type of mass and decide the best course of action. This thorough evaluation helps us ensure that surgery is the right choice for your dog.
Preparing Your Dog for Surgery
Preparing your dog for surgery is a critical step. We advise owners to follow a set of pre-surgery instructions, which typically include fasting your dog for a certain period before the surgery. This is to ensure their stomach is empty, reducing the risk of complications during anesthesia. We also recommend limiting your dog’s physical activity a day before the procedure to lower their stress levels. Our team will provide you with all the necessary guidelines and answer any questions to ensure your dog is fully prepared for the surgery.
The Surgery Process
During the surgery, the veterinarian makes an incision near the mass and carefully removes it. The focus is on minimizing tissue damage around the mass and ensuring complete removal of the mass itself for thorough examination and testing later. Our state-of-the-art surgical facilities are equipped to handle such intricate procedures, ensuring your dog is in safe hands. We also closely monitor vital signs and pain levels throughout the surgery to keep your dog as comfortable as possible.
Recovery and Aftercare
After surgery, your dog will be moved to recovery for attentive care and monitoring. Your dog will have a calm and comfortable space to rest. As they awaken from the anesthesia, our team will make sure your dog can stand, walk, and go to the bathroom without issue. Once we believe they are ready to return home to you, we will contact you and have you come in to go over post-care instructions.
Our instructions cover every aspect of your pet’s recovery, including caring for the surgery site, managing pain, and recognizing signs of potential complications. It’s important to keep your dog from licking or scratching the incision site, which might require the use of an Elizabethan collar. We will also schedule follow-up visits to monitor the healing process and discuss the results of any tests conducted on the removed mass. If you have questions, feel free to let us know and we’ll be happy to keep you informed.
Contact Us for More Information
For more information on mass removal surgery for dogs, or to discuss your pet’s specific needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Arrowhead Animal Hospital in Westminster, Colorado, at (303) 469-1616. Our team is ready to provide the care and support your dog needs for a successful surgery and recovery.
