Soft Tissue Surgery
Giving you confidence when your pet needs soft tissue surgery.
What is veterinary soft tissue surgery?
Soft tissue surgery is a bit of a catch-all term for any surgery that isn’t for bones or joints. It includes surgeries for hernia repairs, lump removals, bladder surgery, airway support and even delicate work around organs. These surgeries help fix injuries, support chronic conditions or just keep things working the way they should.
Some procedures are quick and straightforward. Others need a bit more planning and aftercare. Either way, our goal is always the same; to reduce discomfort and improve function to give your dog, cat and other pets a long, happy life.
Common Soft Tissue Surgery for Dogs
While many soft tissue surgeries for dogs are planned, like desexing or soft palate correction, others might come up because something isn’t quite right, like removing a lump, urinary blockages or even a sock they shouldn’t have eaten and isn’t passing. Whatever brings you and your dog in, we’ll give you both all the support you need.
Bladderstone Surgery for Dogs
It may sound obvious, but bladder stones are little mineral clumps, or stones, that build up in the bladder and cause your dog pain, blockages or even infections. Some dogs will pee more often when they have bladderstones, strain to go to the bathroom or show blood in their urine.
If the stones are too big to dissolve with diet or too risky to leave alone, surgery is the next step. This is where we put your mind at ease, handling the surgery carefully and helping your dog return to their normal selves within a few days.
Abdominal Surgery for Dogs
Abdominal surgery for dogs can mean a few things, and really just refers to any surgery performed on the abdominal region. It may be to remove foreign objects (like that sock we mentioned) that won’t pass, tumours that need removing or internal bleeding that needs urgent attention.
Any surgery, abdominal operations included, shouldn’t be taken lightly. But sometimes, it’s the best way to give your dog the best shot at a healthy future. Everything is done with as little disruption as possible, with an aftercare plan tailored to your dog and their lifestyle.
Dog Hernia Surgery
Hernias happen when something, i.e. your dog’s organs, start to push through a weakness or tear in the muscle wall that normally keeps them in place. If your dog has a hernia, you might notice a squishy lump near their belly, groin or chest.
Surgery gently pops everything back in place and repairs the opening to help stop it from happening again. It may sound intense, but dogs usually recover well and go back to normal with some love, rest and care.
Canine Soft Palate Surgery
Some dog breeds have a lot of love to give but not a lot of breathing room themselves. That’s where the soft palate comes in, aiming to shorten and reshape the soft tissue at the back of the throat to open the airway and help your dog breathe easier.
Bulldogs, pugs and other short-nosed breeds are the usual candidates for this surgery, but any dog with snorting, gagging or heavy breathing also might benefit. It’s one of those surgeries that can seriously improve your dog’s quality of life with less huffing, puffing and snoring to keep everyone up at night.
Types of Cat Soft Tissue Surgery We Often Perform
While cats may hide pain well, it doesn’t mean they don’t feel it. Soft tissue surgeries for cats tend to focus on comfort, prevention and removing anything that’s causing a problem.
Urinary Tract Surgery for Cats
Blockages in the bladder or urethra can quickly become serious in cats. So, if you notice your cat straining, crying or not using their litter box, it can often be a sign of a problem that needs to be checked out by a vet as soon as possible, particularly in male and older cats.
Urinary tract surgery might be the required option to help remove stones or open up narrowed parts of the tract. They are sensitive areas though, so we make sure it’s not gentle. However, recovery is generally fast, especially when we can catch it early.
Foreign Body Removal
If it fits in their mouth, it’s fair game for your cat. Strings, hair ties, sewing needles, toys, socks — we’ve seen cats swallow it all.
When something gets stuck in a cat’s digestive track, it needs to come out. Time is everything, and we will move fast and carefully to get whatever it is removed. Although you’ll be pleased to know the surgery is typically straightforward and cats normally recover well with a few days of rest and a bland diet.
Respiratory Surgery for Cats
Like dogs, some cats struggle to breathe easily. Polyps, narrowed nasal passages or soft palate issues can all cause respiratory issues in cats, causing them discomfort in many ways.
Surgery can help gently remove or adjust many of these common respiratory issues in cats. The goal is to give them more airflow and reduce the risk of ongoing infections, as well as snoring. It can be life-changing for your cat, and we’ll give you the information you need to help make a decision for your cat’s best future.
Spaying & Desexing
Spaying and desexing is one of the most common soft tissue surgeries for cats, and is recommended for both male and female cats around 4 months of age. But it’s important to remember this is still a surgery, and should be treated with care.
Desexing helps reduce the risk of certain cancers and unwanted litters of kittens (however cute they may be). It also tends to mellow out any ‘frisky’ behaviour. Most cats bounce back within a day or two, with small stitches that cause minimal fuss.
The Plus One Vet Difference
Multilingual Team
Good communication matters when it comes to your pet’s care. Some things are easier to explain in your first language, so our multilingual team can switch between English, Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese as needed to remove any room for confusion.
Video & House Call Options
Not every pet loves the clinic, no matter how welcoming we make it! That’s where video consults and house calls can be available when urgent attention or surgery isn’t needed, removing stress and allowing you to show us any concerns first-hand in the home.
Pet-First, Affordable Care
Care for your furry friend should never be out of reach. With Plus One Vet, you’ll always get full transparency, clear pricing and flexible payment options. The priority is your pet’s wellbeing and helping you feel confident in the plan for their soft tissue surgery.
Education-Focused
Knowing what to expect can make the whole surgery process a lot easier on you, creating a more peaceful environment for your pet. We explain everything clearly, using photos, diagrams and examples where it helps. You’re always kept in the loop every step of the way.
Exceptional Pet Care
Why The Locals Choose Us For Soft Tissue Surgery for Dogs & Cats
Maria Martins
Customer
“Really friendly, helpful and caring staff, my dogs always feels comfortable coming to the vet and doesn’t get scared. Would definitely recommend.“
Dylan Fewings
Customer
“The practice were very kind and helpful, Dr Leo is a professional and helped me understand what was going on with my little fella”
Miranda Huang
Customer
“Best Vet in Brisbane. Dr Leo always asked me about my cats situation. And also congratulations about Leo’s second baby born.”
Dido Woo
Customer
“Best vet ever! Staff are very caring and friendly, Dr Leo is super professional. Thx for looking after my senior boi Million, definitely will come back for next year’s vaccination.”
