As a pet owner, it can be bothersome to see a new lump on your furry friend. Fortunately, here is a simple guide to learning more about growths and pet tumor removals.
It is worrisome anytime a new bump appears on a pet. Some growths can be bothersome and even cancerous for the pet. The treatment solution for many types of bumps on pets is tumor removals. Depending on the size and location of the wound, mass removals can be costly. Alexander Animal Hospital is here for you to learn more about these growths and pet tumor removals.
Types of Bumps on Canine Skin
During their life cycle, most pets will develop a bump. Many of these are a growth, an infection (abscesses), or a reaction (granulomas) to something. Growths may be:
- Benign – Generally harmless and not cancerous, this type of growth includes skin tags, warts, cysts, or fatty tumors. Even though they are unlikely to cause significant issues, some of these benign tumors may be rapidly growing, irritating, or in a location that hinders normal functioning.
- Malignant – Malignant bumps are cancerous. They grow uncontrollably and spread to nearby tissues. If growth continues throughout the body, it can become life-threatening for the pet.
Any bump that is growing, changing, or irritating is recommended to be removed and analyzed to determine the source and need for further therapy.
Pet Mass Removals
A biopsy must be completed to know the growth’s origin on a pet’s skin as well as answer the following questions:
- What type of tumor was eliminated?
- Was the entire tumor removed?
- Is the tumor likely to return?
- Is the tumor likely to have spread into the bloodstream?
- Are there other treatment options?
- Will the tumor likely affect the pet’s life cycle?
Pet tumor removals are performed under general anesthesia to be effective and painless for the pet. The margins (borders of normal tissues that surround the abnormal area) are removed from the abnormal tissue to reduce the chances of leaving abnormal cells behind.
Post-Surgery Pet Recovery
Once the tumor is taken out, the area of concern is closed using sutures or staples. Other techniques such as skin grafting or open wound healing may need to be used for large tumors or tumors detected in an area with extra tissue. After surgery, proper pet care is vital for the cut to heal. Pet tumor removals can sound scary, but it’s an essential part of maintaining your furry friend healthy, active, and happy!
We Would Love the Opportunity to Care for Your Furry Friends!
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment.
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