As much as we'd like it never to happen, our pets sometimes need surgery. At Hollywood Cat and Dog Hospital, we perform common operations like mass removal and ACL surgery on dogs and cats. We invite you to reach out to us with any questions, but in the meantime, here is an overview of these surgeries and what you can expect.
Mass Removal
When your dog or cat has a mass or lump, it's important to know that this doesn't automatically mean cancer. Our veterinarian will perform a biopsy to determine whether or not it is benign. Sometimes, the mass is located in such a position that a biopsy cannot be performed without its removal. If a biopsy is done on a non-removed mass that is shown to be cancerous, surgery will most likely be scheduled to remove it and improve your pet's prognosis. Sometimes even benign masses will need to be fully removed if they are affecting your pet's quality of life.
Since masses can range significantly in size and type, removal surgeries vary greatly in the level of invasiveness and recovery times. Some mass removals can be done as outpatient procedures where you can take your pet home from the animal clinic on the same day. Other mass removal surgeries will require your pet to stay overnight (or longer) for monitoring.
ACL Surgery
ACL injuries are incredibly common in pets, especially certain dog breeds. The Cranial Cruciate Ligament or Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is the tough band of tissue connecting the two main bones of the knee joint, and tears or ruptures can lead to extreme pain and immobility. In many cases, surgery is the only way to ensure your pet will be able to move freely and comfortably again. Not treating it can also lead to painful arthritis that can hinder your pet's movement even further.
There are several different surgical methods for repairing a damaged ACL. Depending on the location and severity of the damage, our veterinarian will make a decision depending on which is likely to have the best outcome. Many surgeries can be done as outpatient procedures at our animal clinic, though multiple follow-up appointments will be necessary to ensure they are healing properly.
West Hollywood Residents and Beyond, Our Animal Clinic is Here for You!
At Hollywood Cat and Dog Hospital (located in West Hollywood on La Brea Ave), we understand how tough it can be when your pet needs surgery. After all, your pet is a member of your family, but you can't exactly explain to them what is going to happen or why. We hope that by answering your questions and providing you with plenty of information upfront, you can take comfort in knowing your pet is in good hands. For more information on mass removal, ACL surgery, or to schedule an appointment, call us at (323) 469-3000.