This case study highlights the vital importance of regular vet checkups and closely monitoring any unusual lumps and bumps. Early detection and prompt action can make all the difference in ensuring the best outcome for your pet’s health.
About Mini
Mini, a beautiful and sweet natured six year old Dogue de Bordeaux, recently visited us for her annual health check and vaccinations. During the visit, her owner expressed concern about a lump that had developed on her lip (see photo)
Examination and biopsies of Mini
During her visit, Dr. Elle conducted a thorough examination and discovered not only the lump on Mini’s lip but also a mass on her lower right hind leg, near the hock region.
Mini was promptly scheduled for excisional biopsies with Dr. Martine. This procedure involves the removal of the masses and sending them for analysis (histopathology) to determine if further surgery or treatment is needed. Unfortunately, the results were concerning—Mini was diagnosed with two aggressive tumours. The mass on her lip was identified as melanoma, while the one near her hock was a soft tissue sarcoma. Both tumours were located in challenging areas, requiring additional surgery to achieve wide and deep margins of surrounding tissue to give Mini the best chance for a cure. These types of cancers are known to spread both locally and to other parts of the body, so early intervention was crucial.
Given the location and types of cancers, we engaged specialist surgeon Dr Eugene Buffa to conduct this surgery at our Killara clinic.
Surgery on Mini’s hock
Underside of hock with margins marked for surgery
The mass on the underside of Mini’s hock required the removal of a significant amount of tissue to ensure wide margins and complete removal of all abnormal cells. Due to the limited skin available in this area, closing the surgical site presented a challenge. To address this, Dr. Eugene made an additional incision on the top of Mini’s foot, creating the necessary slack to safely close the wound underneath. The incision on the top of her foot was left to heal by “second intention,” allowing the wound to gradually close on its own as new tissue forms naturally.
Top side of hock where skin is released to allow for closure on underside.
Underside of hock now closed
Surgery on Mini’s lip
Dr Eugene also had to take a large section of tissue from Mini’s upper lip. Fortunately, as a Dogue de Bordeaux she has plenty of spare skin around her mouth to allow for neat closure of the wound.
Stitched back together
Recovering from her big surgery
Post Surgery
Mini had to come back for several bandage changes on her foot to optimise wound healing. Everything went well and her wounds healed beautifully. This is her hock 6 weeks after surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Despite these wide surgical margins Dr Martine and Dr Eugene Buffa decided it was best for Mini to see an oncologist to see if radiation therapy would be worthwhile to mop up any remaining cancer cells.
Dr David Lurie and The One Pet Cancer care team gave Mini radiation.
Here she is receiving her radiation treatment.
Mini’s full recovery
While Mini may have grown a bit tired of seeing us so frequently, she never held it against us—always remaining cooperative and full of love during each visit. We’re happy to report that Mini no longer requires any further treatment and is doing wonderfully, back home and enjoying life!
We’ve always loved seeing Mini and wish her all the best as she continues to thrive!!
