Tumor Removal
We offer tumor removal services at Gull Point Animal Hospital, along with tissue testing (histopathology) to determine the nature of the tumor. Dr. Ernest is a skilled surgeon with decades of experience. Entrust your pet's care to us!
Tumor Removal FAQ
Are all tumors cancerous?
NO. Many of the tumors that we see are simple fatty tumors, which do not pose a threat to your pet's health. We can typically determine whether or not a tumor is a simple fatty tumor in the exam room. Other tumor types have the potential to harm your pet, and we usually recommend that they be removed, especially if they appeared suddenly, grow rapidly, or seem to be bothering your pet.
Does this tumor need to be removed?
We recommend removing tumors from your pet if they appear suddenly, grow rapidly, are not classified as a fatty tumor, are very large, inhibit your pet's normal activities, or are otherwise bothersome to your pet.
How much will the tumor removal cost?
Tumor removal costs vary widely depending on the tumor type, the size of the tumor, and the location of the tumor. We can provide you with a tumor removal estimate during your appointment with us.
Should I get histopathology done on my pet's tumor?
Yes, if recommended by our staff. Although we do not recommend histopathology for all tumors, it may be helpful in providing a diagnosis under other circumstances. When we do histopathology a sample (or sometimes even the whole tumor) is sent to our reference lab for analysis. We typically get results back within 7-10 business days. This information can be helpful because it can tell us how serious the tumor is, if it is likely to reoccur, and whether or not the excision was complete.
Will my pet need a cone after their tumor removal?
Depending on the type of sutures your pet goes home with and their behavior following the procedure they may need a cone to ensure their complete recovery. If your pet has subdermal sutures they will not need a cone, and if they are not chewing their sutures or licking them excessively they will not need a cone. Pets that are paying excessive amounts of attention to their suture line, licking, or chewing may need a cone as a precaution, since it is impossible to watch your pet 24/7! We recommend the "doughnut" style cones because they are less cumbersome and overall more pleasant to the pet.
Are all tumors cancerous?
NO. Many of the tumors that we see are simple fatty tumors, which do not pose a threat to your pet's health. We can typically determine whether or not a tumor is a simple fatty tumor in the exam room. Other tumor types have the potential to harm your pet, and we usually recommend that they be removed, especially if they appeared suddenly, grow rapidly, or seem to be bothering your pet.
Does this tumor need to be removed?
We recommend removing tumors from your pet if they appear suddenly, grow rapidly, are not classified as a fatty tumor, are very large, inhibit your pet's normal activities, or are otherwise bothersome to your pet.
How much will the tumor removal cost?
Tumor removal costs vary widely depending on the tumor type, the size of the tumor, and the location of the tumor. We can provide you with a tumor removal estimate during your appointment with us.
Should I get histopathology done on my pet's tumor?
Yes, if recommended by our staff. Although we do not recommend histopathology for all tumors, it may be helpful in providing a diagnosis under other circumstances. When we do histopathology a sample (or sometimes even the whole tumor) is sent to our reference lab for analysis. We typically get results back within 7-10 business days. This information can be helpful because it can tell us how serious the tumor is, if it is likely to reoccur, and whether or not the excision was complete.
Will my pet need a cone after their tumor removal?
Depending on the type of sutures your pet goes home with and their behavior following the procedure they may need a cone to ensure their complete recovery. If your pet has subdermal sutures they will not need a cone, and if they are not chewing their sutures or licking them excessively they will not need a cone. Pets that are paying excessive amounts of attention to their suture line, licking, or chewing may need a cone as a precaution, since it is impossible to watch your pet 24/7! We recommend the "doughnut" style cones because they are less cumbersome and overall more pleasant to the pet.