Masses on pets are growths or lumps that develop on their bodies. These masses can appear in various forms and locations, and they can be identified as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Discovering a lump or mass on your furry friend can be a cause for concern, but in many cases, a mass removal procedure can provide relief and improve their health. Our veterinarians at Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital will evaluate and perform the proper diagnostics to determine the next steps.
Why get a mass removal done?
Having a mass removal procedure performed on your pet can be beneficial for several reasons:
- Removing a mass and sending it to a pathologist for closer examination often provides a definitive diagnosis. Knowing whether the mass is benign or malignant helps guide further treatment decisions.
- Masses can cause discomfort or pain for pets, depending on their size, location, and type. Discarding the mass can prevent any further growth or infection, likely improve mobility, and overall help them enjoy their everyday activities.
- In cases where the mass is malignant, indicating it's cancerous, timely removal becomes imperative to limit the cancer cells from stretching to other areas of the body. Early intervention gives a greater chance of halting the cancerous spread and improving the pets prognosis.
Take an active role in monitoring your pet's health. If you notice a lump or mass, prompt evaluation is important, especially if it has grown, changed appearance, or causes discomfort. When considering surgery, discussing the potential risks, benefits, and outcomes of mass removal with your veterinarian ensures an informed decision tailored to your pet's specific needs.
Preparing a pet for surgery involves several steps to ensure their safety, comfort, and successful recovery.
- Before the surgery, our veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination of the pet to assess their overall health. This evaluation may include blood work and other diagnostic tests to identify any underlying medical conditions that could affect the surgery or anesthesia. A cytology will typically be done before undergoing any surgery to determine if the mass contains cancerous cells.
- Patients are required to fast starting the night before surgery to stabilize the digestive system and reduce the likelihood of postoperative nausea and gastrointestinal issues. Our staff will provide specific instructions regarding when to withhold food and water prior to the procedure.
- The surgical veterinarian will have an anesthesia plan tailored to the pet's individual needs, taking into account factors such as age, breed, weight, and medical history.
- Pet owners will be informed about what to expect before, during, and after the surgery, including any post-operative care instructions. This may include restrictions on food and water intake after surgery, medication administration, wound care, and activity restrictions during the recovery period.
Following the completion of the procedure, we’ll give you a call to notify you when your pet is ready to be picked up. We closely monitor their recovery from anesthesia post-surgery and provide comprehensive discharge instructions to ensure proper care at home. Our team is available to address any questions or concerns that may arise, providing ongoing support for your pet's well-being.
