Daisy is a 12-year-old, historically healthy patient that presented to Meadow Branch Animal Hospital on February 5th for a sudden onset of lethargy and decreased activity. Physical exam, bloodwork, and ultrasound findings contributed to a diagnosis of a liver mass as the cause of Daisy’s condition. A 6.5 x 9 cm tumor within the left medial liver lobe and secondary peritoneal effusion was identified on ultrasound. Dogs can present with a myriad of symptoms attributable to liver tumors, so a detailed physical exam and diagnostic work up is imperative for proper diagnosis. We are grateful that her astute owner pursued evaluation of Daisy despite vague and acute symptoms.

Surgery for certain liver tumors results in significantly improved survival times for patients. It is the treatment of choice for large, solitary liver tumors. Dogs have six liver lobes, and the left division of the liver is more amenable to surgical removal. Dogs tolerate removal of a large portion of their liver, and the remaining portion of their liver can grow to achieve almost normal capacity within 6-8 weeks. With a solitary tumor affecting a majority of a single lobe, liver lobectomy is often performed.
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Most hepatocellular tumors in dogs are associated with a good prognosis following removal, even if malignant. Hepatocellular carcinomas are associated with low metastatic rates (less than 5% at time of surgery), low chance for recurrence (less than 6% of cases) and, in our opinion, incredible median survival times. Following surgical removal, typical median survival times for hepatocellular carcinomas are greater than 4 years! 

Daisy underwent anesthesia for exploratory celiotomy and liver lobectomy. Her condition remained stable in the perioperative period and is recovering well. Biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. We expect Daisy to fully recover and return to normal life as a pet and a therapy dog.
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About Daisy from her owner:
Daisy is a 12-year-old Aussiedoodle who lives with her owner and her ‘sister', a Westie named Bridget.  Soon after the dogs and their owner moved to a senior living community recently, her owner discovered that Daisy has an innate affinity for older people, especially those who are impaired in some way.  She shows endless affection for them when her owner takes her to the long-term and memory care residence where they live, and Daisy's friends look forward to her weekly visits. Here are Daisy and Bridget with their owner and then Daisy with some of her dear friends, whom she visits almost every week.

Bob, a 1 year, 9-month-old, neutered male Domestic Shorthair, presented to Meadow Branch Animal Hospital in early January for chronic sneezing and nasal congestion that was not responsive to antibiotic therapy. A subsequent infectious disease panel was unremarkable and rhinoscopy was recommended. Rhinoscopy is a procedure where a small camera is inserted into the nasal passage(s) to visualize tissues and structures. This is an important diagnostic tool that allows us to obtain tissue samples, visualize masses and/or foreign material. In Bob’s case, we found and removed an approximately 1 3/8” long, 1/4” diameter, seed head that appears to be from Virginia Wildrye grass. This is quite a large nasal foreign body for any pet, but especially so for a feline. Bob recovered wonderfully from the procedure and is once again active and playful, living his best life! We thank Bob’s family for being vigilant and taking such wonderful care of him.  
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Here's a note from Bob's family:
Bob is back in his element after a month of not being able to go outside and the respiratory illness that was determined to be from the "object" extracted from his sinus.  Bob came to us a year and a half ago from the road and had been slightly injured.   His tail was broken and had to be amputated.   He was actually named Bob before we knew the tail had to come off!  He is a spark of adventure to our lives and always in to something.   We are very grateful to you all for your excellent care and caring atmosphere.

​Bentley came to MBAH for vomiting and lethargy a few days after getting into his family's Christmas decorations. It was quickly determined that Bentley had a foreign body and had surgery that afternoon. Bentley is doing well at home. He would like to remind everyone that Christmas decorations are for enjoying with your eyes, not your mouth.

Peaches H. is a sweet 1 year old Domestic Shorthair kitten. She was brought in to the clinic due to having a distended abdomen, not wanting to eat, and lethargy. Our relief veterinarian, Dr. Liskey, discovered pyometra and free fluid in the abdomen after performing an abdominal ultrasound. Surgery to remove the infected uterus and flushing out the abdomen was promptly performed. After surgery, Peaches was taken to Valley Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center to have continued hospitalization throughout the night. On November 20, Peaches was brought back to the MBAH for a follow-up and has shown an amazing level of recuperation.

Leo F., an English Bulldog, is a spunky six year old big boy.

Leo was first diagnosed with radiolucent stones at Valley Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center, then came to Meadow Branch Animal Hospital in need of further care and a cystotomy.

Upon induction for surgery Leo developed hypoxia and was soon diagnosed with pneumonia. The procedure was halted immediately and he was prescribed medication to treat the pneumonia. Leo, after his antibiotic therapy, was then brought back to the clinic undergo examination and evaluate his readiness to proceed with the surgery.

​Once cleared for surgery, Leo's stones were removed, and the he responded beautifully to anesthetic. Leo is healing nicely from his operation; like many dogs, he dislikes his medicine, but his mother has been taking excellent care of him.