Soft Tissue Surgery

Surgical treatment for a wide range of conditions

Our veterinarians perform soft tissue surgery on a daily basis. Combined with our fully equipped surgical facilities, diagnostic imaging and in-house laboratory services, we are able to perform the vast majority of soft tissue procedures that dogs and cats commonly require.

Soft tissue surgery refers to surgery involving organs, skin, muscles and other body tissues rather than bones and joints.

Every patient receives an individual treatment plan based on their age, health status, condition and surgical requirements.

What conditions can be treated with soft tissue surgery?

Soft tissue surgery encompasses a very broad range of procedures, including:

  • Lump and tumour removals

  • Skin biopsies

  • Wound repair and reconstructive surgery

  • Abscess treatment

  • Exploratory abdominal surgery

  • Foreign body removal from the stomach or intestines

  • Bladder surgery

  • Liver biopsies

  • Eye and eyelid procedures

  • Ear surgery

  • Anal gland surgery

  • Hernia repair

  • Desexing procedures

  • Intestinal surgery

  • Bladder stone surgery (cystotomy)

  • Tail amputations

  • Digit (toe) amputations

  • Splenectomy (spleen removal)

  • Cryptorchid (retained testicle) surgery

Not every procedure is suitable for every patient, and some complex cases may benefit from referral to a specialist surgeon. During your consultation, we will discuss the options available and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your pet.

Lump Removal & Cancer Surgery

One of the most common soft tissue procedures we perform is the removal of lumps and tumours.

Not every lump is cancerous, but it is impossible to determine the significance of many masses simply by looking at them. Early assessment allows us to determine whether monitoring, biopsy or surgical removal is the most appropriate option.

In some cases we may recommend:

  • Fine needle aspiration

  • Biopsy prior to surgery

  • Surgical removal with appropriate margins

  • Laboratory analysis following removal

Early diagnosis and treatment often provide the best opportunity for successful management, particularly when cancerous tumours are involved.

If you discover a new lump or notice an existing lump changing in size, appearance or behaviour, we recommend arranging an examination with one of our veterinarians.

Foreign Body Surgery

Dogs and occasionally cats sometimes swallow objects that become lodged within the stomach or intestines.

Common examples include:

  • Toys

  • Balls

  • Corn cobs

  • Bones

  • Clothing

  • String or thread

  • Children's toys

Foreign body obstructions can quickly become life-threatening and often require emergency surgery.

Signs may include:

  • Vomiting

  • Loss of appetite

  • Abdominal pain

  • Lethargy

  • Diarrhoea

  • Difficulty passing faeces

Prompt veterinary attention is important if you suspect your pet has swallowed something they should not have.

Anaesthesia & Surgical Safety

Patient safety is our priority.

Depending on your pet's age, health status and procedure, recommendations may include:

  • Pre-anaesthetic examination

  • Pre-anaesthetic blood testing

  • Intravenous fluid therapy

  • Modern anaesthetic medications

  • Continuous patient monitoring

  • Temperature support during surgery

  • Pain relief before, during and after the procedure

Our veterinarians and veterinary nurses closely monitor patients throughout their procedure and recovery period.

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery requirements vary depending on the procedure performed.

Many soft tissue surgeries are day procedures, allowing patients to return home later the same day. More complex procedures may require hospitalisation, ongoing monitoring, intravenous fluids or additional nursing care before discharge.

Before your pet goes home, we will discuss:

  • Activity restrictions

  • Feeding instructions

  • Medications

  • Wound care

  • Follow-up appointments

  • Signs that require re-examination

Do You Need a Surgical Consultation?

If your pet has a lump, wound, injury, abdominal problem or other condition that may require surgery, we recommend booking a consultation with one of our veterinarians.

Early assessment allows us to discuss treatment options, expected outcomes and costs before problems become more serious.

Call Bankstown Veterinary Hospital on 9790 1101 to arrange an appointment.
 
Please see our desexing page for more details about this surgery.