Mass removal in pets
It can be scary to hear the word “mass” when discussing your pet’s health. However, masses are a fairly common occurrence in pets and can be quickly and easily dealt with - when caught early.
While many masses on pets are benign (harmless), it is still important to have it checked out by a veterinarian. If a lump has grown or you've noticed any other changes in your pet, investigation is crucial. Book a lump examination appointment with your primary care veterinarian and they can determine if it poses a risk to your pet’s health through a process called fine needle aspiration (read more below).
Depending on your pet’s diagnosis, your veterinarian may recommend surgical removal of the mass. This prevents the mass from causing problems like growing too large, damaging surrounding tissue or spreading to other places within the body.
Mass removal surgery at Thrive
Many lumps found on pets are on or just below the surface of their skin. In these cases, mass removal can be completed at your Thrive Pet Healthcare primary care clinic through a quick and easy surgical procedure.
When a mass is located within a more complex area of the body, like near the eyes, or seems to be interacting with other organs, a referral to one of our veterinary specialists may be required.
Our Board-Certified veterinary surgeons have specialized training to perform more intensive mass removal surgeries and our specialty hospitals have the capacity to care for your pet during a longer recovery period if necessary.
With any mass removal surgery, we will recommend that the removed tissue is sent to our lab, so our pathologists examine the growth and determine if surgery was curative or if any other action needs to be taken.
If more action needs to be taken after mass removal surgery on your pet, our leading oncology specialists will be brought onto the case. Together with you, your family, and primary care veterinarian, an appropriate treatment plan will be created.
Just remember, many types of cancers in dogs and cats can be cured simply by being diligent about having your pet's masses examined and removed as soon as possible.
