Soft tissue surgery addresses conditions involving the organs, skin, and structures of the body that are not related to bone or joints. It is one of the most common categories of veterinary surgery and covers everything from tumor removal and wound repair to gastrointestinal procedures and abdominal surgeries. As the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine notes, soft tissue surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures that are essential to managing many of the most serious conditions pets face. For dogs and cats in Montgomery, NY and surrounding Orange County communities, these surgical services are available in-house at Montgomery Veterinary Hospital.
Dr. Melissa Grech-Attard, DVM, performs a range of soft tissue procedures at our Montgomery practice. Our surgery services are designed to handle the cases most commonly seen in general practice, with clear referral pathways when a case requires specialist-level expertise. Honest guidance about what we can handle here versus what warrants a referral is something we take seriously.
Soft tissue surgery is a broad category that includes any procedure involving organs, glands, muscles, skin, or other non-skeletal structures. Common examples include mass and tumor removals, splenectomy, intestinal resection and anastomosis, bladder surgery, wound repair, and procedures involving the liver, pancreas, or stomach. These surgeries are often necessary to address conditions that cannot be managed with medication alone.
Unlike orthopedic procedures, which focus on bones and joints, soft tissue surgery deals with the body’s internal structures and systems. Many of these procedures are time-sensitive, particularly those involving gastrointestinal obstruction, internal bleeding, or organ rupture. Having access to surgical care at a trusted local practice means faster decision-making and less stress for your pet when it matters most.
Mass and tumor removal is one of the most frequently performed soft tissue procedures in general practice. Lumps and growths on or beneath the skin range from completely benign to potentially life-threatening, and the only way to know for certain is pathology. We perform excisions with appropriate margins and submit tissue for histopathology so you have a definitive diagnosis and a clear picture of next steps.
Gastrointestinal surgeries address obstructions, perforations, and other conditions affecting the stomach, intestines, and associated structures. These procedures are often urgent and require prompt diagnosis and intervention. We perform intestinal foreign body removal, resection and anastomosis for damaged segments of bowel, and other GI procedures in-house at our Montgomery, NY facility.
Urinary tract surgeries including cystotomy for bladder stones, urethral procedures, and bladder repair are among the more common soft tissue procedures performed in small animal practice. Bladder stones in particular are a frequent and painful condition in both dogs and cats, and surgical removal is often the most reliable solution. We have the equipment and experience to perform these procedures at our Montgomery practice.
Wound repair and reconstructive procedures address traumatic injuries, bite wounds, skin tears, and defects following tumor removal. These cases vary significantly in complexity, and our approach depends on the extent of the injury, the tissues involved, and what will give the best functional and cosmetic outcome for your pet. Proper wound management from the start reduces complications and healing time.
Montgomery Veterinary Hospital has been performing surgery for pets in Orange County since 1989. Dr. Melissa Grech-Attard brings a practical, transparent approach to surgical care. Before any procedure, she walks you through what the surgery involves, what anesthesia protocols we use, what recovery looks like, and what realistic outcomes to expect. There are no surprises.
Our surgical suite is equipped for general anesthesia with monitoring equipment appropriate for safe soft tissue procedures in dogs and cats. We use pre-anesthetic bloodwork to assess your pet’s overall health before surgery and tailor anesthesia protocols based on age, breed, and condition. Post-operative pain management and structured recovery guidance are standard parts of every surgical case we handle. For pets who need advanced care following surgery, we coordinate that directly here.
The following soft tissue procedures are available at Montgomery Veterinary Hospital for dogs and cats in Montgomery, NY and surrounding Orange County and Hudson Valley communities. If you have a specific case in mind and are not sure whether we can handle it in-house, call us and we will give you an direct answer.
Preparation for soft tissue surgery typically begins a few days before the scheduled procedure. We will provide specific pre-operative instructions based on your pet’s condition and the type of surgery planned. Common preparation steps include fasting from food for 8 to 12 hours before surgery, a pre-anesthetic physical exam and bloodwork to confirm your pet is ready for anesthesia, and a review of any medications your pet is currently taking that may need to be paused. On the day of surgery, plan for your pet to be admitted in the morning and for pickup later in the day in most cases. Our team will walk you through what to expect and answer any questions before you leave.
For questions about specific procedures, referrals from another practice, or to schedule a surgical consultation, contact us or review our surgery FAQ. For pets who have difficulty traveling, our house call service may be available for pre- or post-surgical visits.
Recovery time varies significantly depending on the procedure. A routine mass removal may have your pet back to normal within a few days, while a gastrointestinal surgery or splenectomy typically requires one to two weeks of restricted activity followed by a recheck. We provide detailed discharge instructions for every surgical patient and are available by phone if you have questions during recovery. You can also find answers to common questions on our surgery FAQ page.
Yes, in many cases. For pets who struggle with clinic visits due to anxiety or mobility limitations, our house call service can cover pre-surgical consultations and post-operative rechecks. Surgical procedures themselves require our full facility and equipment, so those are performed at the clinic. If travel is a concern, contact us and we will work out the best approach for your situation.
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. CareCredit and Cherry financing are available to help spread the cost of surgical care. We also offer discounts for seniors, military, multi-pet households, and commuters. Contact us to discuss your pet’s surgical needs or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Grech-Attard.
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