Veterinary SurgeryRefer a case
Soft-tissue surgery · Kentucky & Southern Indiana
Mass and tumor removal in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky
Dr. Joshua A. Bruce, DVM, DACVS-SA provides board-certified mass and tumor removal surgery through KVS partner veterinary clinics.
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What is mass removal surgery?
Lumps and masses can grow on the skin, under the skin, or on internal organs such as the spleen. Some are harmless, while others, such as mast cell tumors and soft-tissue sarcomas, can be cancerous. For many masses, surgery is the most effective treatment, and the goal is to remove the mass completely the first time.
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When is surgery recommended?
Your veterinarian may recommend surgery for a mass that is growing, cancerous on a needle aspirate or biopsy, bothering your pet, or in a difficult location such as a leg, the face, or near the anal area. Board-certified planning matters most for tumors that need wide margins or for internal masses. Imaging such as chest radiographs or abdominal ultrasound may be advised first to check for spread; the staging needed depends on the type of mass. KVS removes both external and internal masses, including splenic, liver, thyroid and parathyroid, oral, and anal gland masses.
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What surgery involves
The surgical plan depends on the type, size, and location of the mass. For many cancers, surgery removes the mass with a margin of normal-looking tissue around it, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes. Larger removals may require skin flaps or other reconstruction to close the wound. The removed tissue is sent to a pathologist, whose report confirms the diagnosis and whether the margins are clear. KVS can perform reconstructive flaps and grafts and limb amputations. Lymph node mapping isn't offered, but affected lymph nodes can be removed.
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How the KVS referral model works
Your veterinarian evaluates your pet and submits a referral.
KVS reviews the records and plans the case.
Surgery stays with the local team at the participating clinic, followed by a coordinated recovery and recheck plan.
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Recovery
Most pets go home the same day with pain medication and an e-collar or garment to protect the incision. Activity is limited until the incision heals, and sutures usually come out in about 2–3 weeks, depending on whether reconstruction was needed. Your primary veterinarian will follow up with you on the biopsy results and whether any further treatment, such as referral to an oncologist, is recommended.
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Service area
Louisville Metro and surrounding Kentucky communities; Lexington and Central Kentucky partner practices; Southern Indiana. KVS is not a walk-in hospital. Availability is coordinated with participating veterinary clinics.
Common questions
Common questions about mass and tumor removal surgery
Who performs this surgery for KVS?
Dr. Joshua A. Bruce, DVM, DACVS-SA, an ACVS board-certified small-animal surgeon and the owner of Kentucky Veterinary Surgery.
Where is surgery done?
At participating veterinary clinics in Louisville, Lexington, surrounding Kentucky communities, and Southern Indiana.
Will my pet need a biopsy before surgery?
Often a needle aspirate or biopsy helps plan the surgery, especially how much tissue to remove. Your veterinarian and KVS will decide what is needed for your pet.
Does surgery cure cancer?
For many tumors, complete removal can be curative. Some cancers need more treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation. The pathology report helps guide next steps.
How do I get started?
Begin with your primary veterinarian, who can examine the mass, perform any tests, and submit a referral to KVS.
Sources
References
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Mast Cell Tumors. https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/mast-cell-tumors/
- American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Splenic Masses. https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/splenic-masses/
Next step
Start with the veterinary team who knows your pet.
Pet owners: ask your primary veterinarian to submit the referral.
Find a partner clinic