At Brighton Veterinary Hospital, our experienced veterinary surgeons regularly perform a wide range of soft tissue procedures to diagnose, treat, and manage many common and complex conditions. Soft tissue surgery encompasses all operations not involving bones or joints, and plays a vital role in supporting your pet’s overall health and wellbeing.

What is Soft Tissue Surgery?

Soft tissue surgery refers to procedures involving the internal organs, skin, and non-orthopaedic structures of the body. Common surgeries include:

  • Skin and Lump Removal – Excision of growths or masses (benign or malignant), wound repairs, and treatment of abscesses or cysts.
  • Abdominal Surgery – Procedures involving the stomach, intestines, bladder, spleen, liver, or kidneys. Common examples include removal of foreign objects, bladder stone removal, and internal biopsies.

  • Reproductive Surgery – Including desexing (spaying and neutering), treatment for pyometra (infected uterus), and caesarean sections.

  • Respiratory Surgery – Correction of breathing issues, particularly in flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds.
  • Ear and Eye Surgery – Management of conditions like aural hematomas, cherry eye, eyelid abnormalities, and more.

Each case is approached with care and tailored planning. Our team takes the time to fully discuss your pet’s condition and surgical options with you, ensuring you’re informed and confident at every stage.

Advanced Soft Tissue Procedures We Commonly Perform 

In addition to routine surgeries, Brighton Veterinary Hospital is experienced in managing more complex soft tissue cases, including:

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) Surgery

Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs are prone to breathing difficulties due to anatomical abnormalities. BOAS surgery is often life-changing and may involve:

  • Widening narrowed nostrils (rhinoplasty)
  • Shortening the elongated soft palate
  • Removing everted laryngeal saccules
  • In advanced cases, more specialised airway or laryngeal surgery

Our team has extensive experience in BOAS corrective procedures and will discuss the best plan for your pet’s individual needs.

Exploratory Laparotomy (Ex Lap)

An exploratory laparotomy involves opening the abdomen to examine internal organs when the cause of illness isn’t clear. This procedure is commonly performed to:

  • Remove ingested foreign bodies (e.g., toys, bones, BBQ skewers, clothing items)
  • Diagnose internal conditions such as abdominal masses, unexplained fluid accumulation, or gastrointestinal obstruction
  • Collect tissue biopsies for diagnostic purposes

Pre-surgical diagnostics, such as X-rays or ultrasound, are typically performed first to help guide the surgical plan.