Soft tissue surgery includes surgeries not associated with bone. Examples of soft tissue surgeries and their benefits are listed below.
Probably the most common soft tissue surgery performed at our clinic is the removal of masses or ‘lumps' on animals. Most of these masses or ‘lumps', once removed and tested, are benign (non-harmful); however, occasionally they are more serious. Early removal and accurate diagnosis of a ‘lump' is necessary to improve the outcome in your pet if the mass is cancerous. Lacerations are also common in pets and suturing will reduce the chance of infection, improve healing time and reduce scarring.
Many breeds of dogs are susceptible to ear infections. With certain ear infections dogs or cats can develop an aural hematoma of the pinna (outer ear flap). This happens when a blood vessel bursts inside the pinna usually secondary to scratching or shaking the head. Aural hematomas often require surgical repair in order for the ear to heal properly.
Tearing in your pet's eyes can mean an infection is present or it may be a sign the cornea (outer layer of the eye itself) has been damaged. A damaged cornea may require soft tissue surgery to repair the cornea or eyelids so the eye can heal faster with less scarring. Less scarring will improve the ability of your pet to see. In some animals, the cornea (outer layer of the eye) may be damaged by the eyelid hairs surrounding the eye. Surgical intervention involving the eyelid improves the comfort in these animals. It also reduces the chances of corneal scarring and enhances the animal's vision in the long term.
When a pet ingests an object they aren't supposed to eat, surgery may be required to retrieve the object from the stomach or intestines. Once the object is removed, the intestines and stomach will heal and allow food to pass once again.
