We recently saw Connie for a routine booster check and to express her anal glands. During the check our vet Sophie felt a small pea sized lump in her anal gland. Connie was bright and well in herself, however the lump didn’t reduce over the next week so we opted to try and take a sample from the lump.

As this is a particularly sensitive area Connie had some sedative drugs, so that we were able to put a needle into the lump. This allowed us to take a sample which we sent off to the lab for analysis. Although the lump was small and Connie otherwise well the results came back as an adenocarcinoma, a type of tumour that can spread to lymph nodes and other body organs. It was therefore important that we ruled out any spread for Connie, before we started treatment for the primary tumour.

Thankfully Connie’s blood results were all normal, and there was no evidence of spread on an ultrasound scan of her abdomen. We also took x-rays of her chest which were clear.
With this type of tumour surgery to remove the initial mass is the most important thing. Chemotherapy can then prolong survival time. Unlike in human chemotherapy, the doses we use for dogs and cats tend to be lower. We aim for prolonging life with minimal side effects. Most of our dogs and cats receiving chemotherapy aren’t even aware that they are poorly,they just come into the practice every few weeks for a good fuss and an injection.

Connie went under an anaesthetic to remove the tumour, along with the associated anal gland. Due to the location of Connie’s surgical incision it was important that she was covered by antibiotics before and after her surgery, as well at pain relief to keep her comfortable.

Connie recovered really well from her surgery so two weeks later we started chemotherapy. Although chemotherapy is aimed at fighting cancer cells, we also have to keep a close eye on the cells in Connie’s immune system that help fight off infection, as these cells can sometimes be affected by the drugs.

Connie is doing really well so far. Her owners report she has a new lease of life at home, and we are really pleased with her progress. Connie has been a great patient and we hope to be able to give her a great quality of life for as long as possible.