We partner with a board-certified surgeon from the renowned Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine who performs surgeries in our office for pets requiring a surgical specialist. Orthopedic and other complicated surgeries are performed by Dr. Robert McCarthy of Tufts, who is typically available on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Soft tissue surgery is a type of surgery that involves operating on the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, organs, and blood vessels. This type of surgery is commonly performed on pets to treat a variety of conditions, including tumors, injuries, and congenital defects.
Soft tissue surgery is important for maintaining the overall health and well-being of your pet. It can help to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions that may be affecting your pet's quality of life. For example, if your pet has a tumor, soft tissue surgery can remove it before it becomes a more serious issue. Additionally, soft tissue surgery can help to prevent the spread of diseases and infections, which can be life-threatening for your pet.
Common Procedures
There are several common procedures that fall under the category of soft tissue surgery. These include:
These procedures are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of your pet. They can help to prevent serious health issues and improve your pet's quality of life.
Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that involve removing the reproductive organs of a pet. Spaying is the removal of a female animal's ovaries and uterus, while neutering is the removal of a male animal's testicles. These procedures are performed by a veterinarian and are considered routine surgeries.
Why is it Important?
Although spaying and neutering can be done safely as early as 2-4 months old, we recommend it be done at 6 months of age in order to check for deciduous teeth (retained baby teeth) which can be removed during the spay/neuter surgery.
We recommend spay or neuter between 6 and 12 months of age, but we can also discuss the risks and benefits of spaying/neutering at a later age.
As a pet owner, it can be a scary and stressful experience to find a mass on your pet. However, it is important to remember that not all masses are cancerous and that there are options for removal.
What is a Mass?
A mass, also known as a tumor, is an abnormal growth of cells in the body. These can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Masses can occur in any part of the body and can vary in size and shape. Some common signs of a mass include lumps or bumps on the skin, changes in behavior or appetite, and difficulty breathing or moving.
What To Expect If Your Pet Has a Mass?
If your pet has a mass, we will first perform a physical exam and may recommend further diagnostic testing such as blood work, x-rays, or a biopsy to determine the type of mass and the best course of treatment. In rare cases a very small mass can be removed in an initial exam, but more typically surgical removal is recommended for most masses.
During the surgery, your pet will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and do not feel any pain. The mass will then be carefully removed, along with a small margin of healthy tissue to ensure all of the abnormal cells are removed. The incision will be closed with sutures and your pet will be monitored during recovery.
Benefits of Mass Removal
The main benefit of mass removal is the removal of potentially harmful or cancerous cells from your pet's body. This can improve their overall health and prevent the mass from growing or spreading to other areas of the body. Additionally, removing a mass can also improve your pet's quality of life by reducing discomfort or pain caused by the mass.
Veterinary gastrointestinal procedures are surgeries that involve the digestive system of animals. This can include the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and other organs involved in digestion. These procedures are performed by a veterinarian and are often necessary to diagnose and treat various conditions in pets.
Common Veterinary Gastrointestinal Procedures
There are several types of gastrointestinal procedures that are commonly performed on pets. These include:
Why Are Veterinary Gastrointestinal Procedures Necessary?
There are several reasons why a pet may need a gastrointestinal procedure. Some of the most common reasons include:
If your pet has been diagnosed with a splenic tumor or other condition that requires a splenectomy, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect.
A splenectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the spleen, an organ located in the abdomen that plays a role in filtering blood and fighting infection. While it may sound daunting, this procedure is commonly performed by veterinarians and can greatly improve your pet's health and quality of life.
What is a Splenectomy?
A splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen, a small organ located in the abdomen near the stomach. The spleen plays a role in filtering blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells, and fighting infection.
Why is a Splenectomy Necessary?
The most common reason for a splenectomy in pets is the presence of a splenic tumor. These tumors can be either benign or malignant, and can cause a variety of symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and anemia. In some cases, the tumor may rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.
A splenectomy is often recommended in cases of splenic tumors to remove the source of the symptoms and prevent further complications.
Other Conditions
In addition to splenic tumors, there are other conditions that may require a splenectomy, including:
A veterinary foreign body removal surgery is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian to remove foreign objects that have been ingested by a pet. These objects can include anything from small toys and bones to household items like socks or coins. If left untreated, these foreign bodies can cause blockages in the digestive tract, leading to serious health complications.
If your pet has ingested a foreign object, they may exhibit certain symptoms that can indicate the need for a surgical extraction. These symptoms can include:
In some cases, the foreign object may be visible in your pet's stool. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
The first step in a veterinary foreign body removal surgery is a thorough examination of your pet. This may include X-rays or ultrasounds to locate the foreign object and determine the best course of action. In some cases, the object may be able to pass through the digestive tract naturally, but if it is causing a blockage or other complications, surgery may be necessary.
During the surgery, your pet will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure their comfort and safety. The veterinarian will make an incision in the abdomen to access the digestive tract and remove the foreign object. In some cases, the object may have caused damage to the surrounding tissue, and the veterinarian may need to perform additional procedures to repair any damage.
Phone: 978-952-8500
