Soft Tissue Surgery Benefits Dogs

As pet lovers, we understand how much our furry companions mean to us. Regarding their health and well-being, nothing matters more than ensuring they receive the best care possible. Sometimes, standard treatments aren’t enough, and surgical intervention becomes essential. Soft tissue surgery for dogs in Portland addresses various critical health issues, from abdominal conditions to tumors, helping pets lead healthier, pain-free lives.

In this blog, we share insights into what this surgery involves, when it might be necessary, and how it benefits dogs. We also emphasize why choosing a top-tier Portland veterinary surgery center, staffed with experienced professionals, is key to giving your pet the best possible outcome.

What Is Soft Tissue Surgery for Dogs?

The term “soft tissue surgery” refers to procedures involving the body’s soft tissues—including muscles, skin, fat, organs, and blood vessels. While orthopedic surgeries focus on bones and joints, soft tissue surgery addresses a wide range of internal and external issues that affect vital organs and other soft structures. This type of surgery plays a crucial role in helping pets overcome health challenges and maintain a better quality of life.

Soft tissue surgery might be necessary for several reasons, such as:

Tumor removal:

Tumors, whether benign or malignant, can develop in various organs or beneath the skin. In many cases, surgical removal is necessary to prevent complications and ensure a pet’s continued health and comfort.

Gastrointestinal issues:

We know how curious pets can be—sometimes a little too curious. When they ingest foreign objects or face gastrointestinal obstructions, surgery often becomes essential. These procedures help clear the blockage or repair the affected area, giving pets the chance to bounce back and enjoy life to the fullest.

Trauma:

Accidents and injuries can happen when we least expect them. In some cases, they lead to internal bleeding or damage to soft tissues, making immediate surgical attention essential to safeguard a pet’s health and well-being.

Urinary or Reproductive Issues:

Certain health conditions, such as bladder stones, pyometra (a serious uterine infection), or other reproductive system issues, may require surgical intervention. Addressing these problems promptly helps ensure dogs can recover comfortably and maintain long-term well-being.

Skin or wound repairs:

Cuts, bite wounds, and other soft tissue injuries are more than just surface-level concerns. In many cases, surgical treatment is needed to ensure proper healing and help pets get back to feeling their best.

Why is soft tissue important for dogs?

Soft tissue surgery plays a crucial role in veterinary care, helping pets live healthier, happier lives. If your dog needs this type of surgery, it’s not just about relieving discomfort—it can be a life-saving procedure. Soft tissue surgery for dogs has many benefits.

Let’s take a closer look at how soft tissue surgery can benefit dogs.

1. Improved Health and Quality of Life

It’s amazing to see how much a dog’s well-being can improve after surgery. Dogs dealing with gastrointestinal issues like bloating or constipation caused by an obstruction often make a full recovery. Once the blockage is resolved, they usually regain their appetite and energy, enjoying a much better quality of life.

2. Pain Relief

When dogs suffer from conditions like abscesses, tumors, or injuries, surgery can offer much-needed pain relief. These issues often cause ongoing discomfort, making it hard for dogs to play, eat, or fully engage with their families. Soft tissue surgery addresses the root cause, helping dogs heal and return to a pain-free, active life.

3. Prevention of Further Health Complications

In some cases, soft tissue surgery isn’t just about treatment—it’s about prevention. Removing a tumor, for example, can stop it from spreading and causing more serious damage. Likewise, addressing gastrointestinal issues like bowel obstructions early can prevent life-threatening complications such as perforation or sepsis. In these situations, Portland veterinary surgery can be a lifesaving solution for your beloved pet.

4. Faster Recovery with Proper Care

Many dogs bounce back quickly after soft tissue surgery, especially when the procedure is performed by experienced veterinarians at a specialized surgical center. With modern surgical techniques and advanced postoperative care, pets experience less discomfort and a faster healing process, helping them return to their happy, active selves sooner.

Why Choose a Veterinary Surgical Center in Portland?

If your dog needs soft tissue surgery in Portland, choosing a veterinary surgical center with the right expertise and experience is essential for a safe and successful procedure.

Here are some reasons why specialized care is crucial:

1. Advanced Surgical Expertise

Portland’s top veterinary surgical centers are staffed with veterinarians who specialize in surgery. These experts are highly trained and experienced in soft tissue surgeries, from simple procedures to more complex operations. Choosing a dedicated veterinary surgery center in Portland ensures that your dog receives focused, expert care from start to finish. At Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care, our board-certified veterinary surgeons work closely with BOARD-CERTIFIED VETERINARY and support staff to guide your pet through every stage of the surgery and recovery process.

2. State-of-the-Art Facilities and Equipment

A veterinary surgical center is equipped with the latest technology and tools to perform surgeries with precision and safety. Advanced imaging equipment like ultrasound and CT scans, along with specialized surgical tools, help ensure procedures go smoothly. With these resources, your dog receives the highest quality care throughout the surgical process, giving you peace of mind when it matters most.

3. Comprehensive Care and Aftercare

Veterinary surgical centers go beyond performing surgeries—they provide comprehensive care at every stage of the process. From thorough pre-surgery testing to careful anesthesia monitoring and attentive postoperative care, these centers ensure your dog stays comfortable and on the path to a smooth recovery. They also offer expert guidance on at-home care, helping prevent complications and supporting faster healing.

4. Personalized Attention for Your Dog

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a specialized Portland veterinary surgery center is the personalized care your dog receives. These centers understand that every pet is unique, tailoring their approach to fit your dog’s specific needs. Whether it’s a minor procedure or a complex surgery, your furry companion is treated with the highest level of care and attention every step of the way.

PVESC is the best veterinary specialty care for soft tissue surgery for dogs in Portland.

Make the Right Choice: Soft Tissue Surgery for Dogs in Portland for Optimal Health

Choosing a veterinary surgical center with experienced dog surgeons play a crucial role in helping your pet recover well. Expert care not only supports a smoother recovery but can also contribute to a longer, healthier life. Whether your dog needs surgery for an injury, tumor, or stomach issue, proper care makes all the difference. Reach out to a Portland veterinary surgery center to learn how soft tissue surgery can improve your dog’s health and happiness.

Registration for this event has closed.

PVESC’s next Continuing Education dinner event is scheduled for November 3, 2025, at The Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine.

Schedule of Events

Check-in: 5:30 to 6:00pm
Dinner Lecture: 6:00pm to 6:45pm
Door prizes at 6:45pm!
Lectures: 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Dinner Lecture

Time: 6:00pm to 6:45pm
Title: Diagnosis of GI Foreign Bodies
Presenter: Jonathan Plenn, DVM, MS, DACVR

This presentation will provide an overview of the imaging modalities used in the identification of GI foreign bodies. Additionally, we will discuss common types of GI foreign body obstructions and how imaging modalities can be best utilized to guide diagnosis.

Objectives:

  1. Be familiar with advantages and disadvantages of each imaging modality;
  2. Recognize how imaging modalities can complement each other;
  3. Know the imaging features of foreign bodies on different modalities.
  4. Cases include pyloric obstruction, small intestinal obstructions, and linear foreign bodies.
  5. Discuss surgical Vs medical management options (from a radiologists perspective)

CEU Credits for Maine Veterinarians: One Hour

Time: 7:00 to 8:00pm 

Title: Baby Got Back Pain: A General Practitioner’s Guide to LS Disease
Presenter:
Kelly McMullin, DVM, CCRP, CVA, CVSMT, Residency Trained in Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation

Degenerative lumbosacral disease (DLSD) is a common yet underdiagnosed cause of pain and neurologic dysfunction in middle-aged to older large-breed dogs. This lecture is designed to equip general practitioners and veterinary support staff with a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and non-surgical treatment options for managing DLSD in the general practice setting.

We will break down the complex anatomy and pathophysiology of the lumbosacral junction, detailing how degenerative changes lead to nerve root compression, pain, and mobility issues. Attendees will learn to recognize subtle early signs of the disease and differentiate DLSD from other causes of hind limb weakness or lameness.

The lecture will focus on a practical diagnostic approach using history, physical and neurologic examination findings, radiography, and when referral for advanced imaging (MRI/CT) is appropriate. Emphasis will be placed on the role of medical management—including analgesia, anti-inflammatory therapy, activity modification, and physical rehabilitation—as a viable option for many patients in general practice.

CEU Credits for Maine Veterinarians: One Hour

Time: 8:00 to 9:00pm 

Title: Integrating Electrochemotherapy into Multimodal Cancer Therapy in Veterinary Medicine
Presenter: Kelvin Kow, DVM, DACVIM, Oncology

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is rapidly gaining traction as a minimally invasive, cost-effective, and highly targeted modality for treating cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors in companion animals. This lecture will explore the principles, protocols, and practical applications of electrochemotherapy in small animal oncology.

ECT combines the use of permeabilizing electric pulses with chemotherapeutic agents to enhance drug uptake and tumor cell death. Participants will gain insight into how ECT can complement existing oncology treatments, including surgery, radiation, and systemic chemotherapy, and where it fits within a multimodal treatment plan. Case studies will be shared to highlight successes, challenges, and clinical decision-making processes.

CEU Credits for Maine Veterinarians: One Hour

For any questions, reach out to Kristine Suszczynski at kristines@pvesc.com.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Sponsored by IDEXX Laboratories
Drinks Sponsor: Best Pet Rx