Tumor is growing rapidly, or growing again after a period of no growth Tumor has changed appearance (smooth to lumpy) or texture (soft to hard) Body functions are affected by tumor size and location (difficulty walking, breathing, or swallowing) or causing pain (from pressure on the nerves) Tumor location (paw, armpit, thigh) makes removal difficult because there may not be enough skin to close the surgical wound Dog is bothering the tumor (biting, scratching), potentially causing skin damage and infection
About how long will the surgery take? Will someone contact me after the surgery is over, or if there are problems during surgery? Can I pick up my dog on the same day of surgery? What care is needed after surgery? Do we need to come back to have the sutures or staples removed? If so, when? Are there any exercise restrictions (e. g. cage rest, leash walks only, no swimming)?
If your dog vomits during surgery, the vomit could enter the lungs and cause a serious condition called aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia requires veterinary treatment. Before surgery, make sure your vet is aware of all medications your dog is taking. If your dog has a medical condition, ask your veterinarian about any special pre-surgical preparations, especially if your dog has diabetes and takes insulin. Your vet will provide you with other pre-surgery instructions, such as when to give your dog vital medications (heart disease medications, insulin) and what time to bring your dog in for surgery. Follow all instructions to ensure your dog is prepared for surgery. If your veterinarian does not provide you with any guidelines for preparing your dog for surgery, take it upon yourself to ask.
Surgical drains are typically left in for three to five days. [2] X Research source Expect your dog to have sutures (either just under the skin or on the skin) or staples that close the incision. Sometimes a pressure wrap or bandage is used to prevent buildup of fluid in the space where the tumor was removed.
Most e-collars are plastic and shaped like a hood. Others are fabric and not shaped like a hood. Your vet will probably place the e-collar on your dog shortly after surgery. E-collars can be awkward for dogs. If your dog is having trouble eating with the e-collar on, consider taking it off during your dog’s mealtime. Just make sure you watch your dog to ensure they don’t begin licking the wound. Plastic e-collars can also get dirty over time. If your dog has a plastic e-collar, wipe the inside of it with a damp cloth when it gets dirty.
Examine the incision site at least once each day. Other than swelling or bleeding, check for green or yellow discharge coming from the incision site. Green or yellow discharge indicates infection. Redness and warmth around the incision site can also indicate infection.
Sometimes, the fluid seeping from the incision can irritate the skin around the drain. [5] X Research source Gently clean the skin around the drain with warm, soapy water and a damp cloth. Your vet may tell you to just examine the drain without cleaning it.
If you have to give your dog a pill, try hiding the pill in a tasty treat. For liquid pain medication, your vet may either pre-fill the syringes or prescribe the amount that you should draw up into the syringes. Place the medication-filled syringe in one of the corners of your dog’s mouth. Once your dog’s mouth opens, gently empty the contents into your dog’s mouth, allowing your dog to swallow the medication. If your dog will not take their medicine or if you think the medication is making your dog sick (vomiting, not eating, diarrhea), stop giving it to your dog and call your veterinarian for advice.
During the follow-up visit, consider asking these questions: Will the fatty tumors come back? Is there any way to prevent more fatty tumors from forming? What should I do if I see more fatty tumors? Does my dog have to keep wearing the e-collar?
