We understand that noticing a lump, wound, or abscess on your furry companion can be alarming. These issues often require prompt attention and sometimes soft tissue surgery to ensure your pet remains happy and healthy. Let’s dive into the details of how these conditions are treated and why surgery might be necessary.
What Are Soft Tissue Surgeries?
Soft tissue surgeries refer to procedures that focus on the skin, muscles, and internal organs. Unlike orthopedic surgeries, which address bones and joints, soft tissue surgeries resolve issues like tumors, deep wounds, and abscesses. They are essential for addressing various conditions, preventing complications, and improving your pet’s quality of life.
Lumps and Bumps: What Should You Do?
Lumps are one of the most common reasons pet parents visit us. But not all lumps are created equal—some are benign (non-cancerous), while others can be malignant (cancerous).
We start with a thorough physical exam to assess the lump’s size, shape, and texture. A fine needle aspiration or biopsy is often performed to determine if the lump is harmful. If the lump is large, causing discomfort, or diagnosed as malignant, surgical removal is typically the best course of action. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
Wounds: More Than Skin Deep
Whether it’s from a playful scuffle at the dog park or an unfortunate accident, wounds can sometimes look minor but hide underlying issues like infection or muscle damage.
We carefully clean the area and assess the extent of the damage. Deep wounds may require sutures or even reconstructive techniques to ensure proper healing. Post-surgery, we’ll provide detailed instructions to minimize infection and promote quick recovery.
Abscesses: Painful Pockets of Infection
Abscesses are pus-filled pockets caused by bacterial infections. They often result from bites, scratches, or puncture wounds and are common in both cats and dogs.
Signs of an abscess include swelling that’s warm to the touch, pain or sensitivity in the affected area, discharge of pus, and fever or lethargy. Surgery often involves opening the abscess, draining the pus, and cleaning the wound to remove infected tissue. Post-surgery, your pet may need antibiotics to fight off lingering bacteria, and we ensure your pet is comfortable with medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
Why Soft Tissue Surgery Is Important
Ignoring lumps, wounds, or abscesses can lead to complications like infection, spreading cancer, or chronic pain. Soft tissue surgery not only resolves these issues but also restores your pet’s health and vitality.
What to Expect Before and After Surgery
Before surgery, we may perform blood work and imaging to assess your pet’s overall health. Pets need to fast before surgery to reduce the risk of complications during anesthesia.
After surgery, limiting activity is crucial to allow healing. Keeping the surgical site clean and monitoring for signs of infection are essential. We’ll schedule follow-ups to check healing progress and remove sutures if necessary.
Trust Killarney Animal Hospital for Expert Care
At Killarney Animal Hospital, our experienced team treats every pet with the same care and compassion we’d give our own. Whether your pet needs a lump removed, a wound repaired, or an abscess drained, we’re here to provide skilled surgical care tailored to your furry friend’s unique needs.
If you’ve noticed anything unusual on your pet, don’t wait—contact us today to schedule an appointment. Early action can make all the difference in your pet’s health and happiness!
