Lumpectomy

Lumpectomy in Jackson, MI

Welcome to Arbor Hills Veterinary Clinic, where Dr. Miller and our team remove lumps and masses from dogs and cats in Jackson, MI and help you find out what they are.

Understanding Lumpectomy

A lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a lump or mass from the skin or just beneath it.

Many lumps are harmless, but you can’t tell by looking or feeling. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that a veterinarian can check a lump with a fine needle aspirate (a sample of cells) or a biopsy (a small piece of tissue). Source: Merck Veterinary Manual

What to Expect During Lumpectomy

We’ll explain what we know about the lump and help you decide on the best next step.

Checking the Lump

Dr. Miller examines the lump and may take a sample of cells to learn more about it before recommending removal.

Deciding Together

Not every lump needs to come off. Some harmless lumps can simply be watched. Removal may be recommended if a lump is suspicious, growing, bothering your pet or in a spot that gets in the way, such as the armpit.

Removing the Lump

The lump is removed while your pet is under anesthesia, with a plan that fits your pet’s age and health.

Lab Results and Aftercare

The removed tissue can be sent to a lab so we know exactly what it was and whether anything else is needed. Your pet will go home with pain medication, a cone if needed, and instructions for caring for the incision.

Why Lumpectomy is Important for Your Pet

Removing and testing a lump gives you answers, and it can take care of a problem before it grows.

Knowing What It Is

A pathologist can identify exactly what the lump was and whether it was fully removed, which tells us whether anything else is needed. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual

Comfort

Lumps in spots that rub, like the armpit, or that your pet keeps licking can be removed so they stop bothering your pet.

Acting Early

Removing a suspicious lump while it is small can mean a smaller incision and an easier recovery.

Signs Your Pet May Need a Lumpectomy

Let us know about any lump on your dog or cat, especially if you notice:

• A new lump or bump
• A lump that grows or changes shape
• A lump that bleeds or opens up
• Licking, scratching or chewing at a lump
• A lump in a spot that gets in the way when your pet moves

Make a note of where the lump is and its size so changes are easy to spot, then call us so we can check it.

How Often Should Lumps Be Checked?

Have any new lump checked, especially one that grows, changes, bleeds or bothers your pet. If Dr. Miller recommends watching a lump instead of removing it, we’ll check it at your pet’s wellness exams, and you can call us any time it changes.

Practice Highlights

Arbor Hills Veterinary Clinic offers careful surgical care close to home. Here’s what you can expect:

• Proactive medicine that checks lumps early
• Fear Free certified veterinarian, Dr. Laura Miller
• Clear communication and client education at every step
• Treatment plans made with you, with cost in mind
• Care kept local, with specialist referrals only when truly needed
• ADA-accessible facility with convenient parking
• Serving Jackson and surrounding communities