A 10-year-old Jack Russell has gigantic breast tumours
Channel: Dr David Sing
Date: 2016-07-19

Monday July 19, 2016

"A gigantic breast tumour grows rapidly in the past 2 months," the lady owner said sadly. Though she lived in North Singapore which has other veterinary clinics, she still took the taxi to consult me. I had vaccinated this dog since she was a puppy. She had stopped coming for yearly vaccinations and so I did not see the breast tumours when they were much smaller.

From the medical records, I noted that this dog had ear infections 2 years ago and also false pregnancy. There were no breast tumours then and usually, I would recommend spaying. 
   
X-rays were taken to check for spread to the lungs and abdomen. 
There were multiple lung nodules in the x-rays. Abdominal tumours were not large to be seen. Ultrasound and CT scan are costly. 
Blood tests to check for health before surgery were normal.

The owner had not spayed this dog. Spaying reduces the incidence of breast tumours  as spayed dogs seldom get breast tumours.

I felt rather sad for the owner and the dog. On July 19, 2016, the gigantic breast tumour was successfully removed by Dr Daniel. No spaying could be done as the large tumour obstructed the site for spay. In any case, blood from the breast tumour removal would have seeped into the abdomen causing peritonitis. So, spaying would be postponed 2 weeks. 

As at Jul 21, 2016, so far, so good. The old dog had survived the anaesthesia.