Discovering an unusual lump or mass on your pet's body can understandably cause alarm. While some lumps may indicate swollen glands or minor issues, others may be abnormal growths known as tumors. Only a veterinarian can determine whether a tumor poses a genuine threat to your pet's health. Fortunately, at Sunset Lakes Animal Clinic in Miramar, we offer tumor biopsy and removal as part of our comprehensive services.
Understanding Pet Tumors
A tumor is essentially an abnormal mass of cells. Many pet tumors are benign, while others can be cancerous. However, even benign tumors can create problems if they interfere with normal bodily functions or affect your pet's comfort. Left unchecked, a tumor can grow larger and become more obstructive. Additionally, some benign tumors may eventually turn cancerous, making early removal a wise decision.
Veterinarians typically classify tumors based on the part of the animal's body they affect. Common types of pet tumors include lipomas, which are benign fatty growths; lymphomas that develop in lymph glands; histiocytomas, which can impair immune system function; and mast cell tumors that can cause skin irritation. Examples of cancerous tumors include melanomas, which manifest as dark spots on the skin, and osteosarcomas, which invade bone tissues.
What to Expect from Your Pet's Tumor Removal
Our veterinarian, Dr. Schooley, can use diagnostic techniques to identify the nature of your pet's lump or growth. Biopsy involves taking and analyzing a tissue sample, while radiography can reveal internal tumors. If the tumor is determined to be benign, you may not need to take immediate action unless it grows uncomfortably large. However, if the tumor is cancerous, prompt removal is recommended.
Many external tumors can be effectively removed with anesthesia, including excising the entire tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue for safety. If the tissue analysis indicates cancer or if the cancer has spread beyond the tumor, your pet may also require radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Following tumor removal surgery, your pet may need a few days to fully recover from the anesthesia, and prescribed painkillers can help manage postoperative discomfort.
Schedule an Appointment Today
As mentioned earlier, the best time to address and remove pet tumors is before they progress into a serious health concern. If you're concerned about a growth on your pet, schedule an appointment with Dr. Schooley promptly so that we can diagnose the issue and take care of the troublesome tumor. Are you looking for a veterinarian near me? Contact Sunset Lakes Animal Clinic in Miramar today to learn more or schedule an appointment.