Mass/Tumour Removal

Before the procedure takes place, we ask that you, (the owner) read this information carefully as it provides you with knowledge ready for the elected procedure. All surgical procedures undertaken carry associated risks and complications. Although rare, we want you to be fully informed before you proceed.

Starving is required for patients undergoing a general anaesthetic. We recommend feeding dinner as normal, but then no food to be given after midnight, and no breakfast on the morning of the surgery. Water is allowed and can be removed when you get up in the morning.

Please read the following list of complications that can result from this procedure and ask a member of staff if you have any questions or concerns. This list is not exhaustive. We will discharge your pet with a buster collar to be worn at all times which can help reduce the incidence of post-operative complications. Should an accepted complication arise, owners are liable for the costs associated with the complication.

1. Anaesthetic death
2. Haemorrhage (bleeding) both during and after the procedure
3. Wound break down partial or complete
4. Wound infection
5. Bruising and swelling
6. Seroma (pocket of fluid)
7. Damage to other structures such as nerves, ligaments and tendons
8. Pain
9. Suture material reaction
10. Clipper rash or skin reaction to surgical scrub
11. Risk of injury on recovery post-operatively
12. With a large mass in an area with little skin it may not be possible to close the skin edges. It would therefore, be managed as an open wound with bandaging materials.
13. It may not be possible to achieve clear margins due to the size or location of the mass or because the mass has already seeded cells into the surrounding tissues. It is possible that the mass could re-grow at the site of removal or at another location(s). We always recommend histopathology.

We take precautions to minimise these risks, however on occasion complications do arise. We do offer post-operative checks at 3 and 10 days post-surgery to monitor your pets’ recovery.