Tag Archive for: Healing

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How To Help Dogs With A Spinal Tumor Diagnosis

polypropylene meshAccording to the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology, spinal tumors in dogs are uncommon, but when they do happen, 90% of spinal tumors occur in large-breed dogs. Meningioma is the most common and presents most often in the cervical spinal cord. Regardless of the type of spinal tumor a veterinarian may face treating at some point in their career, it’s always best to be prepared. Recommending the best treatment plan for a dog with a spinal tumor diagnosis is critical, as spinal tumors are slow-growing and may need more time to respond to treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Tumors

Signs and symptoms of spinal tumors that dog owners may notice that require an immediate examination by a veterinarian include:

  • Changes in movement
  • Changes in coordination
  • Limb weakness
  • Neurological changes
  • Pain

These signs can include lethargy, difficulty getting up and down, dragging limbs or limping, depression, decreased appetite, or difficulty going potty. If a dog presents with any of the above symptoms, a vet may order some diagnostic tests for spinal tumors, such as:

  • CT Scan
  • MRI
  • Ultrasound
  • Chest X-ray
  • Bloodwork
  • Urinalysis
  • Biopsy

Spinal Tumor Treatment Options

A spinal tumor diagnosis can be frightening, but many treatment options are available for dogs today. The tumor type, location, and grade determine the best course of treatment, but these are the most common ways to help dogs with a spinal tumor diagnosis:

Surgery

Surgery for a spinal tumor can be complicated based on the tumor’s location. However, regarding veterinary neurologist technologies, Vetrix is an industry leader. Vetrix BioSIS for neurology is a platform technology that can be used for several surgical applications, including as a dural graft for spinal surgeries and spinal tumor surgeries. When used for these applications, the contact between BioSIS and the surrounding tissue allows cells to migrate, separate, and differentiate within the bio-scaffold. This matrix is easy to handle and simple to use but strong enough to hold sutures and support weakened tissue. If the tumor can be removed without impacting the functionality of the spinal cord, surgery is an excellent treatment option.

Chemotherapy

Chemo treats spinal tumors in dogs that have already spread or are at high risk for spread. Veterinarians make specific and informed recommendations based on the tumor type.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy may be used alone or with surgery as part of a dog’s spinal tumor treatment plan. Again, this recommendation will be specific to a dog’s tumor type.

Palliative Therapy

Palliative therapy includes things like antibiotics and painkillers that help maintain a dog’s quality of life but does nothing to slow the progression of the spinal tumor. Palliative therapy is meant to keep a dog comfortable when no other treatment options are available or have been exhausted.

Spinal Tumor Prognosis

As with any cancer, the prognosis varies by case, type, and tumor location. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances treatment will be successful. It also helps to have the best veterinary science technology and tools at your fingertips. 

For more information on any Vetrix technologies, contact us with your questions.

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Dr. Herrington- August’s Featured Case

August 2018

This months’ case comes to us from Dr. Mike Herrington DVM. He leverages Healion, Vetrix’s amnion wound particulate to close a mass removal.

Dr. Herrington practices at Englewood Animal Health Center in Englewood, FL. Read below to learn why he used Healion and his results utilizing this technology.

Case background: “Gracie is a 6yr old F/S Boxer mix who presented for removal of about a 1.5cm dermal mass on the dorsal mid shaft R forelimb. The mass removal was the easy part, but closure was difficult. The mass was directly over the cephalic vein, so I did not want to leave it open. I had to undermine completely around the circumference of the leg and make about 2 dozen mesh incisions, as well subQ anchors just to get the skin apposed. Even so it was tight, so I splinted it and applied a modified Robert Jones bandage. I performed daily wet-dry bandage changes, using Entederm (nystatin-neomycin-triamcinolone) ointment, mainly for the anti-inflammatory properties. The skin just didn’t stretch as much as I was hoping, and the cephalic vein was being compressed, so her foot became edematous and the skin around the incision is showing some focalized necrosis. On April 7th I made 2 releasing incisions under bupivicaine, taking great care to leave the cephalic vein covered. I was able to massage a good amount of the edema out. I replaced the splint & bandage, this time switching to silvadene cream. She is also on carprofen and cephalexin orally BID.” – Dr. Herrington

Initial Healion Application

Healion was initially applied on 4/11/18, 8 days after surgery, to the releasing incision sites. Gracie got her bandage off 3 days later and licked the Healion off the wound.

Reapplying Healion

Healion was reapplied per suggestion from Vetrix on 4/16/18. No further complications occurred.

4 Days Post Second Application

Healing proceeded well, a healthy granulation bed formed by 4/19/18. The splint was removed from the bandage on 4/20/18 (4 days post Healion application), with Gracie able to fully bear weight on the affected leg.

5/4/2018 (18 Days post Healion application)

Bandaging was maintained to protect the healing wound.

5/14/2018 (28 days post Healion application)

Epithelialization proceeded well, and was complete on 5/14/18. Carprofen and cephalexin therapy was maintained until 5/14/18.

Know someone who could benefit from these treatments? Send them our way and ask about our new customer referral program!

Do you have a case that you would like featured? Contact us and let us know!

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