Understanding Masses in Pets and When to Remove Them

Pets can sometimes develop bumps, lumps, or other masses, especially as they age. While many of these are non-cancerous, your veterinarian may recommend pet mass removal surgery if they interfere with your pet’s health and well-being. Your pet’s masses could also become malignant and require prompt treatment to prevent significant health complications. Middle Plantation Animal Hospital in Williamsburg, VA, offers pet mass removal procedures to ensure your pet remains healthy and happy. Our team is here to explain the different masses in pets and when your pet may require mass removal surgery.

Types of Masses in Pets

Masses close to or on the surface of your pet’s skin are often benign or non-cancerous. Your pet may not require mass removal surgery if the benign mass does not interfere with its health and well-being. For example, if your pet’s benign mass does not affect its everyday life, our veterinarian may recommend simply keeping an eye on it. However, your pet may require mass removal surgery if the mass causes discomfort.

Malignant masses are cancerous masses that typically need removal to prevent cancer from spreading. Examples of malignant masses include melanoma and lymphoma. Your pet’s benign masses can sometimes become malignant. Contact your veterinarian if your pet’s mass grows or changes color since this can indicate the mass has become malignant and requires removal.

When Is Pet Mass Removal Surgery Needed?

Your pet requiring mass removal surgery depends on whether the mass is benign, malignant, or impacts its well-being. Benign masses that cause discomfort or other issues may need removal. Malignant masses tend to require removal to prevent cancer from spreading. Our vet will tell you if your pet’s mass necessitates surgery.

What to Expect From Mass Removal Surgery

Your pet will be under general anesthesia for mass removal surgery. Our veterinary team will monitor your pet’s respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs during the procedure to ensure safety. The technique and tools used to remove masses may vary. Some procedures may use traditional surgical tools, while others require lasers or advanced tools. After removing your pet’s mass, our veterinarian will suture the incision and monitor your pet’s recovery from anesthesia.

Recovery From Mass Removal Surgery

Your pet will need time to recover after mass removal. Pets often have less energy and appetite when they wake up from surgery. We will tell you how to care for your pet’s incisions, what to watch for, and when to call us if you have concerns.

Contact Our Animal Clinic in Williamsburg, VA, for Mass Removal Surgery Today

Mass removal surgery may be necessary to treat benign masses causing discomfort or prevent malignant masses from spreading, so contact Middle Plantation Animal Hospital in Williamsburg, VA, to determine whether your pet needs this procedure to keep it healthy and happy. Call us and schedule an appointment today at (757) 345-6566.