Common Soft Tissue Surgeries in Pets: Indications and Results

Pet soft tissue surgery involves a surgical procedure that manipulates or alters its soft tissues. Soft tissues are the body tissues that do not entail bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, skin, or other connective tissues. Common soft tissue surgeries in pets vary. They depend on the type of condition and pet getting treated.

Spaying and Neutering

Spaying is the removal of the uterus and ovaries in female pets. Neutering is the removal of testes in male pets. The procedures help prevent unwanted breeding and manage behavioral problems like roaming and aggression. They also lower the risk of some cancers.

These routine surgical procedures can happen on pets as young as six months old. They are safe, and recovery lasts for a few days. Expect your pet to experience mild inflammation and discomfort after surgery. Monitor them closely to ensure they heal properly.

Tumor Removal

Pets can develop benign or malignant tumors. These can affect their soft tissue like skin, spleen, liver, and mammary glands. The primary treatment is often surgery for these soft tissue tumors. The success rate depends on the stage and type of tumor growth.

Surgery involves removing the entire tumor and a small margin of the surrounding tissue to prevent cancer from spreading. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can be necessary for some cases after surgery. It helps ensure that the cancerous tumor is eradicated.

Cherry Eye Surgery

The condition commonly affects some dog breeds like bulldogs. It occurs when the gland in your pet’s third eyelid prolapses. As a result, it becomes visible like a red, cherry-like mass in the corner of the eye. It causes eye dryness, irritation, and discomfort.

The surgery involves removing or repositioning the affected gland to prevent it from prolapsing again. The veterinarian can perform it under general anesthesia. It should take about half an hour to complete. Recovery after this surgical procedure often takes a few days. Your pet may have to wear the Elizabethan collar to prevent them from scratching or rubbing their eyes.

Bladder Stone Removal

Pets—especially dogs—commonly suffer from bladder stones. The condition occurs when minerals in urine crystallize and stick together to form small, hard stones in the bladder. They can cause urinary tract infections, discomfort, and blockage of the urinary tract.

A bladder stone removal procedure involves making an incision in the pet’s abdomen and removing the stones from the bladder. Recovery can take a few days, and your furry friend may have to wear an Elizabethan collar. It will prevent them from biting or licking the surgical site.

Wound Repair

Wounds in pets can occur for various reasons, such as surgical incisions that do not heal, bites, or trauma. Surgical repair may be necessary, depending on the severity of the wound. It helps prevent infection from occurring, reduces scarring, and promotes healing.

Wound repair involves cleaning and debriding the wound. The vet will remove any foreign objects and suture the edges together. A drain may be necessary in some cases. The veterinarian can place it to prevent fluid buildup. Recovery time after wound repair can last a few weeks. During this time, pets need close monitoring for proper healing.

For more about soft tissue surgeries in pets, visit Van Lue Veterinary Surgical at our office in Oviedo, Florida. Call (321) 348-6300 to book an appointment today.