A CT scan demonstrated a rather uncommon tumor, whose name
has changed multiple times over the years and is referred to today as a
Multilobulated Osteochondroma (MLO). These tumors usually arise from the flat
bones of the skull. Although they are typically evident on the outside of the skull,
they tend to grow just as aggressively on the inside, often compressing the
brain.
This tumor was exceedingly large and besides the extensive
nature of the mass, my concern was that its removal might compromise the
drainage of blood from the brain, thus leading to Louis’ death. We fortunately
have very specialized equipment that not only allows us to look at a mass from
all directions but has the ability to construct an accurate three dimensional
model giving us specific landmarks for growth removal.
I have included 3-D reproductions of the mass from the
front, the side and the top. I’ve included a cross sectional view that shows the
mass compressing Louis’ brain. I colored the brain red-brown and the mass in
green so that you can appreciate the amount of pressure exerted.
The surgery involved removing the entire boney mass and then
additionally, to ensure wide margins, removing a significant portion of the
left boney orbit that holds the left eye, the left frontal sinus and much of the
right frontal sinus. Closing the surgical incision so the brain is protected
and adding material to insure no access for infection from Louis’ nasal
passages to his brain, are problems we have seen and solved many times in the
past. Several techniques I learned, while rotating with human neurosurgeons, were
helpful.
Included is a picture of Louis the day after surgery and one
week after surgery. We are going to
remove his staples in about two weeks and may have to trim the extra skin which
developed as the mass slowly stretched the area out of shape.
This tumor, even with the finest of excisions, does tend to
grow back. However, this
may occur years from now. I have removed the same type of
tumor from some dogs two, three and four times while they continued to live a normal,
happy life. Louis looks pretty darn handsome already and is back to behaving
like his usual sweet self.
When faced with extremely complicated cases, VCA VRA is
known for its excellent results over the past three decades. Our experienced
staff and cutting edge technology are available 24/7 should your furry friend
be in crisis.