Pet Soft Tissue Surgery
Our surgical team at Porter Square Veterinarian performs a range of soft tissue procedures for dogs, cats, and pocket pets in Somerville and the surrounding community. We approach every procedure with precision, care, and a genuine commitment to your pet’s comfort and recovery.
What Is Pet Soft Tissue Surgery?
Soft tissue surgery may be recommended for a variety of reasons, including the presence of a mass or growth that requires removal, a suspected foreign body obstruction, a bladder stone causing urinary issues, or a wound that requires surgical repair. In some cases, surgery is planned in advance following a diagnostic workup. In others, it may be needed more urgently based on your pet’s condition. Our team will always discuss the reason for a recommended procedure clearly and walk you through what to expect before moving forward.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
We believe thorough preparation and clear communication are essential components of a positive surgical experience for both pets and their owners. Before any procedure, our team will discuss the surgery in detail, outline the expected recovery process, and answer all of your questions. Pre-surgical laboratory testing is recommended before procedures involving anesthesia to evaluate organ function and identify any factors that could affect anesthesia safety.
On the day of surgery, your pet will be monitored closely throughout the procedure. We use careful anesthesia protocols and individualized pain management to keep your pet comfortable from the moment they arrive to the moment they go home. Most soft tissue surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning your pet will typically be ready to return home the same day.
After surgery, we’ll provide you with detailed discharge instructions covering wound care, activity restrictions, pain management, and what to watch for during recovery.
Surgical Procedures We Perform
Our team at Porter Square Veterinarian performs a broad range of soft tissue surgeries in-house, giving pet owners throughout the Somerville area access to skilled veterinary surgical care close to home. Procedures we commonly perform include:
Spays and Neuters
Spaying and neutering are among the most commonly performed soft tissue surgeries in veterinary medicine. These routine procedures are carried out with the same level of care and monitoring we apply to every surgical patient. Learn more about our pet spaying and neutering services.
Tumor and Mass Removals
Lumps and masses on or beneath the skin are relatively common in pets, particularly as they age. When a mass is identified, our team will evaluate it carefully—often with the assistance of laboratory testing or pet X-rays and ultrasound—to determine whether surgical removal is appropriate. Prompt removal of suspicious masses allows for more complete treatment and provides tissue for further analysis.
Cystotomies
A cystotomy is a surgical procedure used to access the bladder, most commonly to remove bladder stones that cannot be managed through dietary modification alone. Bladder stones can cause significant discomfort and, if left untreated, may lead to urinary blockages or chronic infections.
Exploratory Surgery
When diagnostic imaging or laboratory results suggest an internal problem that cannot be fully assessed without direct visualization, exploratory surgery allows our team to examine the abdominal organs and address issues as they are identified. This may be recommended in cases of suspected obstruction, internal bleeding, or unexplained illness that has not responded to other treatments.
Wound Repair and Laceration Care
Traumatic wounds, bite injuries, and lacerations may require surgical repair to close properly and heal without complication. Our team assesses each wound individually and determines the appropriate level of intervention based on its size, location, and severity.
FAQs About Pet Soft Tissue Surgery
How do I know if my pet needs surgery?
Is soft tissue surgery safe for my pet?
How long will my pet's recovery take?
Will my pet be in pain after surgery?
Can older pets undergo soft tissue surgery?
What should I do to prepare my pet for surgery?
Skilled Surgical Care Rooted in Experience and Compassion
Surgery is one of the most significant aspects of veterinary care, and it deserves the full attention and expertise of a team you can trust. At Porter Square Veterinarian, we perform soft tissue surgery with a commitment to safety, precision, and individualized care—supporting dogs, cats, and pocket pets through procedures large and small, and helping families throughout our community feel confident in every step of their pet’s surgical journey.