4208 Lind Ave, SW Renton, WA

Tumor Removal Surgery for Cats and Dogs

It can be worrying to discover a lump or bump on your pet. Some masses are harmless and pose no issues, but others require more attention and treatment to keep your pet healthy and comfortable.
 
At Boreal Animal Surgery, we evaluate and remove many types of tumors and soft tissue masses in dogs and cats. We aim to find the best treatment, remove unhealthy tissue when needed, and help your pet enjoy a good quality of life.
 
We team up with your family veterinarian, imaging providers, and specialists as needed to make sure your pet gets complete care and support during treatment.
Tumor Removal What is it

What is Tumor Removal Surgery?

Tumor removal surgery means taking out abnormal tissue or masses from the body. The reason for surgery depends on the tumor’s type, size, and location. It may be done to diagnose the problem, treat it, ease discomfort, or prevent the disease from worsening.
 
Tumors may be benign, which means they are not cancer, or malignant, which means they are cancer. Some tumors grow slowly and stay in one place, while others can grow quickly or spread to other areas.
 
Often, surgery is the best way to treat a tumor. The aim is usually to take out the whole tumor and, when needed, some of the tissue around it. This helps lower the chance that the tumor will come back.
 
Some of the tumors and masses that are often removed with surgery include, skin and subcutaneous masses, mast cell tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, mammary tumors, oral masses, certain abdominal tumors, and other benign and malignant growths.
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Why Choose Boreal Animal Surgery

Compassionate Surgical Care Backed by Experience

Board-Certified Surgical Expertise

Tumor removal often requires careful surgical planning and attention to important surrounding structures. Dr. Duane Robinson is a board-certified veterinary surgeon with advanced training in soft tissue surgery and experience treating a wide range of benign and malignant tumors in dogs and cats.

Advanced Surgical Techniques

Successful tumor removal involves more than simply removing a mass. We utilize modern surgical techniques and careful treatment planning to maximize the likelihood of complete removal while preserving normal tissue and function whenever possible.

Personalized Treatment Planning

Every tumor is different. We evaluate your pet's medical history, diagnostic testing, tumor type, location, and overall health before recommending treatment. Our goal is to develop a personalized plan that supports both effective treatment and your pet's long-term comfort and quality of life.

Recovery & Communication

Clear communication is an important part of cancer and mass removal surgery. We provide detailed post-operative instructions, discuss pathology results when available, and work closely with both pet owners and referring veterinarians throughout the recovery process. Our team is committed to supporting you at every stage of your pet's care.

Tumor Removal Our Approach

Our Approach

At Boreal Animal Surgery, we know it can be worrying to find a lump, bump, or tumor on your pet. We are here to offer clear information, helpful advice, and caring support as you and your pet go through the evaluation and treatment process. We aim to create a plan that prioritizes your pet’s comfort, health, and happiness.
 
Here’s what you can expect during our evaluation and treatment process:
 
  • We review your pet’s medical history, run diagnostic tests, and look at the tumor location and size.
  • We talk with you about possible treatments, the results you can expect, and any long-term considerations.
  • If needed for surgical planning, we may refer you for advanced imaging such as ultrasound or CT scans.
  • We create a surgical plan tailored to your pet.
  • We give you clear instructions and guidance to help your pet recover after surgery.
  • If your pet needs additional treatment, we work with other veterinary specialists to ensure they receive the best care.
 
If your pet’s case is more complex, we may suggest more imaging or tests before surgery. When treatments like chemotherapy or radiation are needed, we team up with trusted veterinary oncologists and specialists to ensure your pet receives comprehensive care.
 
Our goal is to provide your pet with the best possible treatment and keep you informed and supported at every stage.
Tumor Removal What to Expect

What to Expect During Recovery

How your pet recovers after tumor removal surgery depends on the tumor’s size and location, how complex the surgery was, and your pet’s general health. We want to keep your pet comfortable and help them heal well.
 
Most pets go home soon after surgery and do well with the right care and monitoring.
Recovery often involves the following steps:
 
  • Pain management and supportive medications
  • Monitoring and care of the surgical incision
  • Restricted activity during the initial healing period
  • Follow-up examinations to assess recovery and healing
  • Review of biopsy or pathology results
  • Additional treatment recommendations when appropriate
 
If required, once we have the pathology results, we will review them with you, explain what they mean for your pet, and discuss any next steps. Depending on the results, this could mean more monitoring, additional treatment, or referral to a different veterinary specialist.
 
Our team will be here to guide and support you during your pet’s recovery, so your pet has the best chance to get better.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tumor Removal Surgery in Cats and Dogs

Review some FAQs on Tumor Removal Procedures to get a better understanding, or contact us to discuss further. If you’d like to learn more about the process as a pet owner, click below.

Tumor Removal surgery costs depend on your dog’s size, health, the tests needed, and recovery care. We will provide you with a clear estimate and discuss all recommended care before the surgery. At Boreal Animal Surgery, providing expert care at affordable pricing is our ultimate goal.

Not always. Some masses are benign and may simply require monitoring. Others may benefit from removal to obtain a diagnosis, prevent growth, or treat cancer. Evaluation by a veterinarian is the best way to determine the appropriate course of action.

In many cases, testing such as a fine needle aspirate, biopsy, or pathology examination is needed to determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant.

Some complex tumors benefit from advanced imaging before surgery. If a CT scan is recommended, we can help coordinate imaging with a trusted local facility.

For some tumors, complete surgical removal may be curative. Other cancers may require additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or ongoing monitoring.

Boreal Animal Surgery focuses on surgical treatment. When chemotherapy or other oncology services are needed, we work closely with trusted veterinary oncologists to coordinate your pet’s care.

Recovery varies depending on the type of tumor and procedure performed. Many pets recover within a few weeks, although more extensive surgeries may require additional healing time.

Concerned About a Lump or Mass on Your Pet?

If you’ve noticed a lump, bump, or your pet has been diagnosed with a tumor, we’re here to help. We’ll check your pet’s condition, discuss treatment options, and help you decide whether surgery is the right choice.
 
At Boreal Animal Surgery, we offer surgical consultations and tumor removal for dogs and cats across Western Washington. From the first visit to recovery, you’ll get expert advice, clear updates, and care that puts your pet’s comfort and well-being first.