ChaCha is a 13 year old spayed female Pomeranian who has complicated heart disease. Unfortunately she also presented to us for evaluation of a tumor growing on her chest. Although it appeared to most likely be a malignant form of cancer, her heart disease made the prospect of removal under anesthesia much more complicated and risky.
After discussion with their Pinehurst veterinarian, ChaCha’s family had her heart evaluated by a veterinary cardiologist, or heart specialist, to better assess whether the risk of anesthesia for ChaCha was bigger than the risk of her cancer spreading. While there were some definite anticipated challenges, ChaCha’s cardiologist gave some helpful recommendations for an anesthetic plan that would present the least risk to ChaCha while undergoing her procedure.
This week, back at Pinehurst, she had that tumor removed and she was an anesthetic trooper! Our incredible staff had several plans in case of disaster, but she ended up being so stable for the tumor removal that we were also able to address her severe dental disease. ChaCha had numerous extractions due to abscesses, broken teeth, cavities, bone loss, and general decay.
As is the case with many geriatric animals, ChaCha had a lot of concurrent health challenges, but with some thoughtful preparation, the help of a cardiologist, and our team of intelligent and skillful professionals, she can continue to live her best life. ChaCha is thriving at home post-op and her family is actually having quite the job to keep her quiet while her incision heals!
Many clients are worried about anesthesia in their pets, and rightly so. But we want you to know that at Pinehurst we recognize that your pet is not the same as everyone else’s pet. There are many things that we can adjust and account for in an anesthetic procedure depending on your pet’s needs. We have hired the smartest, most skillful and caring support staff to make every procedure run as smoothly and safely as possible. We believe in proper preparation and thoughtful planning. Does all of that remove the risk? No. But it sure can make it more manageable.