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Understanding Pet Problems

About a year after I purchased my dog, I realized that he was really struggling with his health. He just wasn't his lively self, and I was concerned that he was slowly dying. I decided to take him to a veterinarian to have his condition diagnosed, and we were able to learn a lot about his health. Within a few short months, he was on the road to recovery, and I was really grateful that I had done the work to make things better. This blog is all about understanding pet problems and knowing when to seek professional veterinary help.

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Understanding Pet Problems

The Removal Of A Tumor From Your Pet's Body Could Be Life Saving

by Ann Nelson

A tumor is an abnormal growth that can be diagnosed as benign (harmless) or malignant (life threatening). If you have noticed a prominent lump on your dog's back, it needs to be checked by a veterinarian such as those at Spring Hill Veterinary Clinic. The veterinarian may recommend that the lump be removed surgically via an incision that is made near the abnormalcy.

Skin Cells Will Be Checked

During an appointment at a pet clinic, a veterinarian will visually inspect the size, shape, and location of the lump. A needle will be used to collect skin cells from the affected area. These cells need to be tested to determine if the lump could be threatening to your pet's life. If cancer is present, the veterinarian will need to know how far advanced the disease is and whether any other body parts are affected.

Try to remain optimistic during the initial testing phase. Just because a lump is present does not mean that your dog is going to die or that cancer is running rampant in your furry friend's body. If the growth is cancerous and the disease has not spread outside of the confines of the tumor, the lump can be surgically removed, which could save your pet's life. 

Your Pet Will Be Required To Remain On The Premises

During a surgical procedure, your dog will receive anesthesia prior to the removal of the tumor. Your pet's breathing will be closely monitored while the procedure is underway. Nearly all surgeries are performed successfully, so you do not need to worry needlessly that your pet will not survive.

Of course, surgeries are offered only when a pet is deemed healthy enough to undergo one. This will be discussed during your initial appointment, and the veterinarian will determine any risk factors that could interfere with a successful surgery. After the tumor is removed, your dog will need to remain on the premises while they are recuperating.

The veterinarian will make sure that the surgery was a success and will see to it that your pet receives the rest needed to recover. After a day or two, you will be able to bring your pet home.

Your dog will need to wear a plastic cone around its neck for the time being. This will prevent your dog from licking the area where the incision was made. After the injured area has healed, the stitches that were used to close the incision will need to be removed by the veterinarian. 

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