Mass and Tumor Removals
Have you noticed a new growth or lump on your pet? A tumor or growth isn’t always a medical emergency. Skin and subcutaneous masses are often benign, though you should always bring your pet in for an evaluation to be sure.
At VetNaturally in Mandeville, LA, we provide mass removals for dogs and cats for many types of excess tissue growths. We can test the mass for malignancy, determine surgical removal requirements, and perform the procedure right at our clinic.
Understanding different lumps under your pet’s skin isn’t easy. Your dog or cat cannot tell you when they feel other symptoms. Coming in for a full exam anytime you notice something new with your pet’s health is the best way to have peace of mind that your pet is receiving the care they need.
In the case of malignant tumors, early diagnosis is critical. The moment you notice a new growth on your animal, call our office for an exam so we can test it and determine the best treatment option moving forward.
How We Evaluate Your Pet
When you bring your pet in, we will perform a comprehensive, gentle exam to understand what type of growth they have. We start with a visual examination and gently feel the lump. We often collect a sample to determine whether or not the mass is benign or malignant. Benign refers to harmless growths, while malignant refers to cancerous tumors.
The most common types of masses we see include the following:
- Benign lipomas
- Air- or fluid-filled cysts
- Mast cell tumors
- Mammary tumors
We can diagnose the type of growth depending on its location and presentation. Regardless of the type of growth your pet has, we typically recommend removal to test the cells for malignancy. Skin mass removals are simple same-day procedures that allow us to send the skin cells to our laboratory for further testing. Once we receive the results, we use the confirmed diagnosis to create a tailored treatment plan.
What to Expect During the Mass Removal Procedure
Prior to surgery, we give your pet general anesthesia or sedation to keep them relaxed and comfortable. The procedure involves a simple incision through the skin and around the mass. We typically remove the mass and some of the surrounding skin to examine any microscopic growths forming around its perimeter.
During the procedure, we monitor your pet’s oxygen saturation levels, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature to ensure that everything goes smoothly. After removing the mass, we close the site using sutures. Your pet may have internal and external sutures, depending on the procedure’s complexity.
Our trained surgeons and veterinary technicians have years of experience performing mass removal, so you can rest easy knowing your pet is in good hands. After completing the procedure, we submit the sample to the diagnostic laboratory, where a board-certified clinical pathologist will evaluate it. Your pet can come home with you the same day since the simple procedure does not require a long recovery.
Mass Removal Post-procedure After Care with Our Vet
After the mass removal, your pet may have to wear a cone, depending on the surgery site location. The cone prevents your pet from licking the wound. We may send you home with pain medication, antibiotics, and further care instructions, depending on the incision size and location.
You will hear from our team as soon as we receive the results. We may recommend further treatments depending on the histopathologic evaluation. If the results return benign, we still recommend keeping an eye on the area, as some masses can re-grow or spread to new locations.
At VetNaturally, we specialize in safe and stress-free mass removals. Your pet will be in excellent hands with our trained team. If you notice a new lump on your pet, call VetNaturally in Mandeville, LA, at (985) 718-9991 to schedule an appointment with our team so we can diagnose and treat it.
