We perform many types of soft tissue surgery at St. Lawrence Valley Animal Hospital. Soft tissue surgery in animals refers to surgical procedures that involve the manipulation or alteration of tissues other than bone, such as skin, muscles, organs, blood vessels, and the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary systems. These surgeries are common in veterinary medicine and are performed for various reasons, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Soft tissue surgery is often used to remove tumors, cysts, abscesses, or other abnormal growths. Procedures like gastrotomy (stomach surgery), enterotomy (intestinal surgery), and resection and anastomosis (removal of a section of the intestine followed by reconnection) are performed to address conditions like foreign body obstructions, tumors, and gastrointestinal injuries. Surgical interventions may be necessary to treat urinary tract obstructions or bladder stones. Soft tissue surgeries on the respiratory system can involve removal of nasal polyps or tumors. Reproductive soft tissue surgeries can include cesarean sections for difficult births (dystocia) or surgery to address reproductive issues like pyometra (uterine infection) in females. Repairing wounds, lacerations, or traumatic injuries, as well as addressing skin conditions like abscesses and hematomas involve soft tissue surgery. Soft tissue surgery may be performed to obtain biopsy samples from organs for diagnostic purposes.
Soft tissue surgeries are typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure the animal is unconscious and pain-free during the procedure. Monitoring during surgery includes tracking vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature to ensure the animal’s safety.
Soft tissue surgery can help diagnose and treat various medical conditions, alleviate pain and discomfort, and improve the overall health and quality of life of the animal. In some cases, soft tissue surgery may be the best or only treatment option available to address specific conditions.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss if soft tissue surgery might be able to help your pet.