When your pet is diagnosed with a condition requiring surgery, the news can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a mass that needs to be removed, a stomach that has twisted, or a bladder issue that won’t resolve with medication, the path forward raises questions. What kind of surgery does my pet need? Who should perform it? What should I expect? Soft tissue surgery covers a broad range of procedures involving the internal organs and body systems, and knowing what it entails can help you feel more confident as you navigate your pet’s care.
At Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness, our team brings over 20 years of experience in caring for pets in Roseville, CA, and the surrounding community. We are a family-owned, non-corporate practice where every patient receives the same veterinary care and dedication we would give our own pets. When it comes to surgery, board-certified surgeon Dr. Erin Paster leads our surgical team with a depth of training and a commitment to patient safety that sets the standard for what pet owners deserve.
What Is Soft Tissue Surgery?
Soft tissue surgery refers to procedures performed on the body’s organs and tissues that are not related to bone. It is one of the most versatile areas of veterinary medicine, addressing a wide range of conditions that affect a pet’s quality of life and overall health. From the digestive system and urinary tract to the skin, respiratory system, and beyond, soft tissue procedures vary significantly in complexity and scope.
Some of the most common soft tissue surgeries performed in veterinary practice include the following:
- Mass or tumor removal
- Gastrointestinal surgeries, including treatment for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)
- Bladder and urinary tract procedures
- Reconstructive skin and wound surgeries
- Splenectomy and liver procedures
- Respiratory tract surgeries
Each of these procedures requires careful planning, precise technique, and the right level of anesthetic and pain management support throughout the process.
Why a Board Certified Surgeon Matters
Not all veterinary surgeries are created equal, and not all veterinarians who perform surgery have the same level of training. In addition to four years of veterinary medical school, and a one- or two-year internship, board-certified veterinary surgeon has completed an accredited three-year residency program and passed rigorous examinations to demonstrate mastery of surgical principles and techniques. Board-certified surgeons are truly surgical specialists, upon completing this rigorous and demanding training program. This ensures surgical precision is performed with the highest standard of care.
Dr. Erin Paster is a board-certified surgeon and brings an extraordinary depth of training to every procedure she performs. In addition to her rigorous surgical training, her background also includes work as a PennHIP postdoctoral fellow, where she ran the PennHIP clinic at the University of Pennsylvania, and performed countless evaluations on dogs of all breeds and sizes. She was also part of the Nestle-Purina lifelong study in Labrador retrievers, contributing to peer-reviewed research that helped redefine how joint conditions are viewed and managed throughout a dog’s lifetime. This level of involvement in veterinary research reflects the commitment to evidence-based care that she brings to every patient. Dr. Paster’s training and surgical excellence are evident in the countless surgical success stories of her patients.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
Preparation and recovery are just as important as the procedure itself. Before surgery, our doctors conduct thorough evaluations to ensure your pet is a good anesthetic and surgical candidate, and to identify any underlying concerns that could affect the outcome. We also consult with a veterinarian certified in pain management to develop the most appropriate pain management protocol for your individual pet.
Anesthesia and Monitoring
Your pet’s safety during anesthesia is a top priority for our surgical team. Our state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and experienced anesthesia team ensure that your pet’s vital signs are tracked closely throughout the procedure and into recovery. Warming devices, a heated surgery table, and heated blankets are used to maintain body temperature during surgery, a detail that makes a meaningful difference in how safely and comfortably, pets recover.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
After surgery, clear communication with you, the pet owner, is essential. Our team provides detailed discharge instructions, answers questions about activity restrictions, wound care, and medication, and remains available to address concerns as your pet heals. Recovery timelines vary depending on the specific procedure and your pet’s overall health, and we are here to support you through every phase of the process.
When Should You Consider a Surgical Consultation?
Some conditions respond well to medications and conservative management, while others ultimately require surgical intervention to resolve. If your pet has been diagnosed with a mass, is experiencing gastrointestinal issues that have not improved with treatment, has a chronic or non-healing wound, or has been referred by another veterinarian for a more involved procedure, a surgical consultation is the right next step. Early evaluation allows our doctors to explain your options fully and create a plan that prioritizes your pet’s comfort and long-term well-being.
Our meet the team page gives you a closer look at the people behind our surgical and wellness services, and our about page provides more background on what makes our practice different from larger corporate clinics. If you are a new client looking to establish care, we welcome you to learn more about getting started with us.
Trust Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness With Your Pet’s Surgical Care
At Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness, we understand that surgery is never a decision made lightly. Our team brings together board-certified surgical skill, evidence-based techniques, advanced monitoring capabilities, family- owned hospitality, and a genuine love for the animals in our care. Dr. Paster’s credentials and training, combined with our commitment to individualized pain management and attentive recovery support, reflect a standard of care that goes well beyond the routine. We are proud to be a family-owned practice where every pet is seen as more than a patient.
If your pet has been recommended for surgery or you have concerns that may require further evaluation, we encourage you to reach out to our team. You can submit your information and questions directly through our contact form, and a member of our team will follow up with you promptly.
