Bone cancer surgery on the rib near the heart in an elderly dog.

Recently, Erawan Pet Hospital received a referral for a 10-year-old dog diagnosed with thoracic cancer that had spread to the ribs. The tumor was located in a complex area, close to the heart and major blood vessels, making the surgery extremely high-risk.

Complexities of this case:
1. Location of the tumor
The large tumor was embedded in the chest muscles and extended to an important rib bone, near the heart and major blood vessels. Even the slightest mistake could immediately affect the heart's function and blood circulation.
2. Age of the dog
At 10 years old, this dog is considered elderly, which increases the risk of complications both during and after surgery.
3. Time constraints for the surgery
Surgery near the heart requires extreme precision and must be completed within a set time frame to reduce the risk of oxygen deprivation.

Treatment Planning
The team of specialized veterinarians at Erawan Pet Hospital collaborated to plan the treatment in detail, starting with the use of a CT scan to clearly identify the tumor’s structure and location.

Steps in the planning process:
- Analyze the location and size of the tumor using CT scan images
- Assess the risks in collaboration with cardiologists and vascular specialists
- Prepare anesthesia and emergency life-support equipment

On the day of surgery, a team of specialists from various fields, including veterinary surgery, anesthesiology, and cardiology, worked closely together.

- The surgery began with careful dissection of the tissue around the rib to avoid damaging the heart.
- Advanced surgical tools were used to precisely cut the rib and remove the tumor.
- The surgery lasted over 5 hours, during which the team successfully controlled blood loss and maintained heart stability throughout.

Outcome of the treatment
After the surgery, the dog was monitored in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) of Erawan Pet Hospital, with 24-hour observation. The veterinary team assessed the dog’s condition, administered anti-inflammatory medications, and supported recovery with appropriate nutrition.

Within approximately two weeks after surgery, the dog was able to eat normally again and began moving without pain.

Key Takeaways from this Case
This case is a clear example of treating complex diseases in pets, requiring both the expertise of the veterinary team and advanced equipment to achieve the best results.

Erawan Pet Hospital is ready to handle such challenging and complicated cases, offering specialized veterinarians and advanced tools to provide the best possible care for your beloved pets.