Pet Soft Tissue Surgery
At Montclair Veterinary Associates in Montclair, NJ, our veterinary team is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert care for pets any time they require surgical intervention.
Understanding Soft Tissue Surgery
Soft tissue surgery involves procedures on organs and structures other than bones and joints. These surgeries address issues affecting the digestive system, reproductive organs, respiratory system, and skin. Unlike orthopedic procedures that focus on bones and joints, soft tissue surgeries require precise techniques to work with delicate organs and tissues.
Common soft tissue procedures include spaying and neutering, tumor removal, hernia repair, and gastrointestinal surgeries. Each procedure requires careful pre-surgical evaluation to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery. We perform comprehensive blood work and physical examinations before any surgical procedure to minimize risks and optimize outcomes.
Emergency Situations
Some soft tissue conditions require immediate surgical attention. Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat, is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists and fills with gas. Intestinal obstructions from swallowed toys, bones, or other foreign objects can quickly become fatal without prompt surgical removal.
Internal bleeding from trauma or ruptured organs also demands emergency surgical intervention. These situations require quick decision-making and immediate action to save your pet’s life.
Preparing Your Pet for Surgery
Pre-surgical preparation helps ensure the safest possible outcome for your pet. We typically recommend fasting your pet for 12 hours before surgery to prevent complications during anesthesia. However, water should remain available until a few hours before the procedure unless specifically instructed otherwise.
Pre-surgical blood work helps identify any underlying health issues that might affect anesthesia or healing. This testing includes a complete blood count, chemistry panel, and sometimes additional tests based on your pet’s age and health status. Young, healthy pets may require minimal testing, while older animals or those with known health conditions need more comprehensive evaluation.
The Surgical Process
On the day of surgery, our team performs a thorough physical examination and reviews all pre-surgical test results. We discuss the procedure with you, answer any questions, and obtain signed consent forms before proceeding.
During surgery, your pet receives continuous monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Our surgical suite maintains strict sterile conditions to prevent infection, and we use advanced monitoring equipment to ensure your pet’s safety throughout the procedure.
Pain management begins before the first incision and continues throughout recovery. We use multiple pain control methods to keep your pet comfortable, including local anesthetics, anti-inflammatory medications, and other pain relievers as appropriate for the specific procedure.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Recovery begins immediately after surgery with careful monitoring as your pet wakes from anesthesia. Most pets go home the same day for routine procedures, though more complex surgeries may require overnight hospitalization for observation.
Post-operative care instructions include:
- Restricting activity for the prescribed recovery period
- Monitoring the incision site for signs of infection or complications
- Administering prescribed medications exactly as directed
- Preventing your pet from licking or chewing at the surgical site
- Following up with scheduled recheck appointments
Activity restriction is crucial for proper healing. This typically means no running, jumping, or rough play for 10-14 days after surgery. Leash walks for dogs and confined spaces for cats help prevent complications while allowing necessary movement.
Contact Montclair Veterinary Associates
Your pet deserves the highest quality surgical care when medical conditions require intervention. Dr. Cory Waxman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and has been providing compassionate veterinary care to Northern New Jersey pets since 2011. Our modern surgical facility and commitment to excellence ensure your pet receives the best possible treatment and care.
If your pet needs soft tissue surgery or you have concerns about a condition that may require surgical intervention, we’re here to help. Contact Montclair Veterinary Associates at (973) 576-5062 or schedule an appointment through our contact form to discuss your pet’s needs and treatment options.
The veterinarian at Montclair Veterinary Associates also provides routine dental cleanings, as well as oral surgery, if necessary, to remove damaged or infected teeth in cats and dogs.
Soft Tissue Surgery Services:
- Neuters and Spays
- Biopsies
- Ear Hematoma Repair
- Hernia Repair
- Laceration and Wound Repair
- Minor Eye Surgery
- Soft Tissue Tumor Removal
