A happy story for Sweet Cassie
Learn how early detection, expert care, and a lot of love helped her beat toe melanoma and get back on her paws.
When Cassie visited The Village Vet with a sore toe, her owners never imagined it would lead to a cancer diagnosis. This is the story of how a routine check turned into life-saving treatment for canine toe melanoma—and how early intervention made all the difference.
🚨 From Sore Toe to Diagnosis: Early Signs of Melanoma in Dogs
On 31 December 2024, Cassie came to our Pymble clinic with a painful, swollen toe. Initially suspected to be a torn nail or nail bed infection, we cleaned the area and scheduled further diagnostics.
At her follow-up on 2 January, we took samples from the toe and an enlarged lymph node, and performed X-rays. Using our advanced in-house cytology platform, Imagyst, we diagnosed digital melanoma—a malignant skin cancer in dogs.
Dog Toe Amputation Surgery for Melanoma
Cassie underwent toe amputation surgery on 3 January to remove the affected digit and lymph node. Histopathology confirmed melanoma and recommended further treatment due to the risk of spread.
Specialist Consultation for Advanced Canine Melanoma Treatment
On 16 January, Cassie had a post-op consult with Dr Eugene Buffa from The Pet Specialist. We discussed more aggressive options to ensure all cancerous cells were removed while preserving her ability to walk. The plan: amputate digits 3, 4 and 5 up to mid-metatarsal and relocate the paw pad for function.
Advanced Paw Reconstruction Surgery at The Village Vet Killara
Cassie’s second surgery took place on 24 January at our Killara clinic, led by Dr Buffa. It was a success, and histopathology confirmed clear margins—meaning the cancer had been completely removed.
One week after surgery – clean surgical site and excellent healing.
Canine Paw Pad Transposition Recovery
At her 7 February recheck, Cassie was already adapting well to her reconstructed foot. The paw pad transposition was healing nicely, and she could walk comfortably.
Post-op recovery – Cassie walking well on her new paw structure.
Immunotherapy for Dog Melanoma: Melanoma Vaccine
To lower the risk of recurrence, Cassie began a canine melanoma vaccine course on 18 February, receiving four doses over eight weeks.
💚 A Successful Outcome for a Much-Loved Pet
Thanks to early diagnosis, expert surgery, and advanced immunotherapy, Cassie is now cancer-free and thriving. Throughout her journey, she showed incredible resilience, adapting beautifully to each stage of recovery. Her sweet nature and bravery won hearts across both our Pymble and Killara teams. Cassie’s story is a powerful reminder that even small symptoms—like a sore toe—can lead to big discoveries. With the right care and quick action, pets like Cassie can go on to enjoy happy, healthy lives.
Notice a swollen toe, torn nail, or lump on your dog? Don’t wait.
Early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve outcomes for conditions like dog toe cancer and melanoma.
📞 Book a consultation today with our experienced veterinary team at The Village Vet – proudly serving Pymble, Killara and the North Shore.
Special thanks to Kylie, one of our incredible nurses, for helping bring this case study together so beautifully. 💚