A food-mad golden retriever is back enjoying her meals after our expert team successfully removed a cancerous mass the size of a tennis ball which had left her unable to eat.
Ten-year-old Lily from Telford began coughing and bringing up her food around a year ago, but initial tests came back clear, leading owner Alix Brown to request further investigations.
Lily was then referred to us here at Willows, where we were able to diagnose her with a large mass at the front of her chest. It was also impacting the beloved pet’s oesophagus and causing her to regurgitate food.
Our European Diplomate and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery Erika Villedieu carried out keyhole surgery to remove the cancer in a less invasive operation than traditional surgery.
This minimally invasive surgery ensured food-mad Lily was able to tuck into a meal again the evening after her procedure, before returning to her grateful family just two days later.
Specialist Erika said: “When we looked at the mass on a CT scan, we decided the best way to proceed would be through keyhole surgery in several small sites.
“The standard approach would usually have been a long cut to access the tumour and splitting the breastbone, which would have meant more pain and a longer recovery period.
“Thanks to the keyhole approach, Lily was comfortable and eating well the evening after her operation and was sent home a couple of days later with pain relief and instructions to rest for two weeks.”
Owner Alix said that while the family were concerned about Lily’s surgery, it was the travel to and from Willows which proved to be the most challenging aspect for them, as Lily has a fear of being in the car.
She said: “We were really concerned when we knew it was cancer, but the Willows team were really reassuring and helpful.
“The worst bit for us was taking her to and from Solihull, as she hates the car. She almost didn’t want to get in after her surgery when we came to collect her and cried all the way home.
“As soon as we got back, she settled and our other two dogs were really pleased to see Lily as they had missed her, too.
“It only took a short time before she was back to her old self and she is now enjoying her food again.
“We’d recommend Willows to anyone, they kept us informed the whole time about what was happening and helped us get our old, happy Lily back.”
