We remove countless cancerous tumors, from all body parts, at LRVSS.
And we also remove masses that were thought to be cancer until the biopsy shows that they were actually benign.
Here are 3 actual patients we recently treated.
1. Booboo and the toe mass
Booboo, a 15-year-old Husky, had a really ugly mass near his toe (note: ugly is top secret code for cancer in vet speak).
After agonizing over the decision to do surgery and risk anesthesia in a 15-year-old, his loving owner elected to move on.
His blood work was actually pretty good, so we took Booboo to surgery to remove the “ugly” mass.
He did well through surgery and anesthesia and went home to rest and heal.
One week later, the biopsy revealed that the “ugly” tumor was in fact benign. It was a plasmacytoma.
2. Frankie and the foot mass
Frankie, an 8-year-old Malinois, had a strange mass deep to the big foot pad behind his wrist.
It was believed to be cancer based on its firmness and unusual location.
Amputation was even a possibility if the mass came back since it was unlikely we would be able to “get it all” in that location.
Despite her dog’s age and the odds, his loving owner wanted to give him a chance.
Frankie did great through surgery, which was definitely a big challenge. The mass was “infiltrative”, meaning that it crept in every direction, invading healthy tissue.
He recovered from anesthesia and went home to be pampered.
One week later, the biopsy revealed that the evil tumor was in fact benign. It was an adenoma, which is a tumor of a gland in the skin.
3. Earl and the anal mass
Earl, a 5-year-old Husky, had an ugly mass near his anus.
Despite the strong impression that it was cancer, his dedicated owner chose to give him a chance and take him to surgery.
Surgery was challenging but uneventful, and he recovered smoothly after anesthesia.
One week later, the biopsy revealed that the “ugly” tumor was in fact benign. It was a perianal gland adenoma, a tumor of small glands around the anus.
I am very grateful that these pet owners loved their pet so much, that they were willing to give them every chance. Rather than believing an impression, they chose to give their pet the benefit of surgery. And they were rewarded by a nice surprise and a happy, healthy pet who returned the favor in hugs and puppy kisses.
If you would like to learn how we can help your pet with cancer surgery and safe anesthesia, please contact us through www.LRVSS.com
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Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, Fear Free Certified