Soft Tissue Surgery

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Soft Tissue Surgery in Huntsville, AL 

Your furry family members may develop many of the same types of health problems as you, which are often treated using some type of soft tissue surgery. Here is an overview of soft tissue surgery, some of the most common reasons why your pet may need it, and what caring for your pet before and after these surgeries typically looks like.

What Is Soft Tissue Surgery? 

Soft tissue surgery refers to any type of surgery that only involves tissue. Most surgeries that do not involve your pet’s bones, joints, or neurological system are classified as soft tissue surgery, and most types of pet surgeries fall into this category.

Why Is Animal Surgery Important? 

Soft tissue surgery is an important way to treat and, at times, diagnose a wide range of problems your pet may be experiencing. Some of the most common benefits of this type of surgery include: 

  • Capable of treating several conditions with one procedure or technique
  • Improves the quality of your pet’s life by reducing pain, removing problematic masses, helping injuries heal, or otherwise helping their body to function better
  • Prevents complications 
  • Assists your veterinarian with making a diagnosis if the cause of a problem is unknown
  • Incorporates advanced surgical techniques available to increase your pet’s comfort, help them heal faster, and provide overall higher-quality care 
  • It can be combined with medications and other procedures as part of a multidisciplinary approach to helping your pet

What Are Some Common Soft Tissue Surgeries? 

  • Removing various types of masses, including those that may be cancerous, painful, or otherwise interfering with your pet’s ability to move properly
  • Repairing a wide range of wounds by cleaning and closing them to improve healing 
  • Repairing an umbilical hernia – a hole in the abdominal wall 
  • Gastropexy – attaching the stomach to the wall of the abdomen to keep it from rotating or flipping
  • Cystotomy – accessing the urinary bladder to treat bladder stones.
  • Amputation – removing a limb that cannot be repaired. 
  • Exploratory surgery to determine the cause of abdominal disease
  • Cherry eye repair involves shifting an ocular gland that has moved out of place back to its normal location
  • Treating an ear hematoma – blood that pools underneath the ear’s perichondrium, often related to an injury or other trauma.

What Diagnostic Tests Are Typically Performed Before Soft Tissue Surgery? 

Your vet will perform several diagnostic tests before your pet’s surgery to potentially localize the source of a problem and determine the best way to treat it or to ensure that their risk while under anesthesia is low. Some of these tests may include: 

  • X-rays
  • Ultrasound
  • Bloodwork 
  • Radiographs
  • Other types of diagnostic imaging scans

How Can Owners Be Prepared for Pet Surgery? 

Making sure that your pet is properly prepared before soft tissue surgery is a crucial step in making sure the procedure is safe and successful. Some of the most important steps to take to prepare your pet for surgery include: 

  • Carefully following any preoperative instructions that your veterinarian provides you.
  • Making sure your pet does not eat for the recommended number of hours before surgery 
  • Discussing your pet’s medical history and any medications they are currently taking with your vet
  • Making sure that bloodwork, radiographs, and any other diagnostic tests your vet asks for are completed 
  • Making any needed adjustments to your pet’s living space to make sure it will be functional and comfortable for them as they recover
  • Communicating with your vet as needed throughout the entire process

Choose South Huntsville Veterinary Hospital for Quality Soft Tissue Surgery in Huntsville, AL 

Finding out that your pet needs surgery can be difficult. Our experienced and caring team at South Huntsville Veterinary Hospital is here to help you understand the procedure that your pet needs and make it as easy as possible for both of you. Contact us today to learn more about the most important things to know before your pet receives soft tissue surgery in the Huntsville, AL area or to schedule an appointment.