Everything to Know About Growth and Mass Removal for Pets

You may notice an unusual or new mass on your pet when you pet them. Any time a new bump or lump arises on your cat or dog, it's cause for concern. They are often unattractive and bothersome for the pet. In some instances, they can be cancerous. The best way to address unusual growths or masses on pets is through surgical removal by a veterinarian. At Summit Dog and Cat Hospital in Summit, we offer world-class pet care and treatment, including mass removal. 

Types of Growths Pets Can Have

There are two primary types of growths your pet can have, which are:

• Benign: This type of mass is often harmless as it’s not cancerous. They can include warts, skin tags, cysts, and fatty tumors (lipomas). Although they are unlikely to result in any major issues, benign masses can grow quickly, interfering with the pet's normal functioning.
• Malignant: These growths are often cancerous and fast-growing. They can destroy nearby tissues and are prone to spreading all over the body.

It can be difficult to tell whether the growth on your pet is benign or malignant just by looking at it. This is why it’s critical you take your pet to the vet immediately after you notice it has a lump or bump.

What to Expect During Growth Removal for Pets

For most tumors, it’s useful to know what type it is to aid in planning the mass removal surgery. The vet will remove a few cells from the growth using a needle and send them for a biopsy. If the pet has aggressive cancer, the vet will determine its stage. This will involve radiographing the lungs for signs of secondary tumors, draining the lymph nodes to find evidence of spread, and examining the liver and abdomen.

The vet will also perform blood tests to discover any underlying issues and determine the need for supportive intravenous fluids during the anesthesia. Before the surgery, the vet will administer anesthesia to the pet and clear the skin area around the mass. Once the growth removal surgery is completed, they will close the incision using sutures and add dressing where necessary. The success of the surgery will be influenced by:

• The type of growth
• How early the mass was caught
• Accessibility
• How much tissue surrounding the tumor is removed
• The surgical technique used

The veterinarian will give you advice on post-operative care for your pet. You can expect the pet to be somewhat groggy for a day or two after the surgery.

Need First-Class Pet Care and Treatment in New Jersey?

Welcome to Summit Dog and Cat Hospital, serving Summit and the surrounding areas. We have some of the state's most proficient veterinarians. Call our team today at (908) 273-2200 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.