Hollybank’s Brave Pet of the Month…Connie!

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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.

Age vs Agility

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Arthritis is a term used to describe degenerative joint disease. It can be caused by many things, but by far the most common reason is age-related wear and tear of the joints.  Other causes include trauma, problems during development of the joint or infection within a joint.

Arthritis can affect any animal, of any breed, at any age and in any joint.The most commonly reported signs are stiffness, gait changes, trouble jumping or climbing stairs, muscle loss, behavioural changes and pain!

The aim of arthritis treatment, or more correctly, management, is to reduce stiffness, control pain, slow the development of further arthritis and allow your pet to have a good quality of life.  This involves weight control, exercise modification, physiotherapy/acupuncture and joint supplements, alongside anti-inflammatory pain relief.

Arthritis is a painful and progressive disease.  We cannot reverse it but we can slow down its development and control your pet’s pain thus improving their quality of life. Management is life-long and should incorporate all aspects of management.  However, it is important to remember that every animal is an individual and therefore needs a specially tailored treatment plan to keep them comfortable and happy. 

Click here to download the full advice sheet

We are currently offering an introductory offer for acupuncture with Helen or Richard who are both trained in animal acupuncture.  New patients can receive three thirty minute sessions of acupuncture for a total price of £50 (normally priced at £90).  Please contact the surgery if you would like to find out more about acupuncture or if you have any questions about the causes, diagnosis or management of arthritis.