To parents of diabetic pets, odds are your veterinarian has explained their increased risk of developing infections — postsurgical or otherwise. But that doesn’t mean you should shy away from surgery if it’s the standard of care.

Diabetes causes cellular changes, including some that impact the immune system. These can weaken the body’s ability to fend off infections. But with proper planning, well-managed diabetics still have a relatively low risk of post-op infections.

In some cases, such as ulcerated skin masses, the risk of infection may be greater without surgery than by surgically removing the problem. Your pet will be more comfortable as well.

You might even ask if this would be a good time for teeth cleaning too. After all, that would remove one more possible source of infection.