What to Do With Lumps and Bumps on Pets?

Nothing is scarier than discovering your pet has a tumor. Regardless of the size, shape, and location, a tumor can be life-changing for pets and owners too. Old-age dogs are at high risk of developing lumps and bumps. However, younger dogs can get such tumors too. Tumors are of two types, benign and malignant. Benign tumors are non-cancerous, don’t spread, may or may not be painful. On the other hand, malignant are cancerous tumors that spread quickly and are extremely painful in some cases. 

However, you can help your dog get back to normal life by providing them standard veterinary care. The detection at the initial stages of these tumors and appropriate treatment can increase the chances of cure. Many masses or tumors can be cured with a certain surgical procedure. Then these tumors are further sent to the laboratory to know whether the mass is benign or malignant. 

For example, suppose your pet is diagnosed with a skin mass or tumor. In that case, you must have a complete understanding of the causes, symptoms, possible medication, surgical procedures, and potential complications associated with the tumor removal surgeries. In this article, I will try to cover all these aspects briefly that can help pet owners to make wise decisions for the better health of their dogs.  

Which Types of Tumors Requires surgery? 

No doubt, the presence of tumors in dogs is not a medical emergency. But it’s also very important for pet owners to get their dogs admitted to the hospital to treat this condition as soon as possible. Here are the following types of masses and tumors that you must be aware of: 
 
Papillomavirus: These tumors are non-cancerous but can cause discomfort in pets. 

Lymphoma: These tumors can result in a lack of appetite, coughing, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes.

Melanoma: Oftenly dark brown or black, these tumors can cause severe pain and swell as well. 

Hemangiosarcom: Such tumors directly affect the blood vessels. But their presence in the spleen can result in the rupture, which is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment for the pet's survival. 

Histiocytoma: These tumors are common in both cats and dogs. They target the immune system of the pet. Breeds including English Bulldog, Chinese Sharpei, Greyhound, Scottish Terrier, Boston Terrier, or Boxer are more prone to get these tumors. 

Osteosarcoma: These benign fatty tumors are common in dogs and present in the extremities. 

Mast cell tumors: Such tumors can result in skin redness and itchiness in dogs. 

When to Remove Tumors? 

Veterinarians first do a biopsy of a tumor sample. They will get a complete understanding of whether or not the tumor is harmful. If the tumors are benign or non-cancerous, then your pet can survive. If cancerous, then a tumor removal surgery is imperative to prevent the further infection and growth of these tumors. 

What to Expect During Mass Removal

Before administering the surgery, veterinarians give general anesthesia to the dogs, which makes them immobilize during the mass removal surgery. During the procedure, surgeons and anesthetists continuously monitor the blood pressure oxygen saturation with pulse rate, body temperature, breathing rate, heart rate, and respiratory rate. 

Most of the time, electrocautery is used to remove the tumor. Then, the veterinarians close the incision line with suturing, which may be absorbable or non-absorbable. 

The removed masses or material is then submitted to the diagnostic laboratory. Where a certified board of clinical pathologists thoroughly examines the excised tissues. Veterinarians recommend further treatment after the consultation with this board of professionals and histopathologic evaluation.

Post-Operative Care

Dizziness and laziness are common among pets after surgery. However, if you notice un-bearable pain, you should immediately call the veterinarian professional. They will prescribe proper pain management medication to relieve pain. 

To ensure quick recovery and healing after the tumor/mass removal surgery, you should follow all the instructions and recommendations of the surgeon. That includes the ensure rest, avoiding swimming, jumping, brisk walks, playing, and, more importantly, placement of Elizabethan collar.