Poppy is a 12 year old Cross Breed who was referred to us for a CT scan as she had an ongoing forelimb lameness that had become progressively worse over a 6 month period. Radiographs taken by the referring vet were unrewarding. Poppy was sent to Dr Martin Hobbs for a CT scan to investigate further.
Following specialist interpretation, the CT report was highly suggestive that Poppy had a tumour within her brachial plexus (Nerve roots of the leg) and radial nerve in her right forelimb. Poppy’s owners consented to surgery. During surgery the affected forelimb was amputated including her shoulder blade to allow Martin to remove her brachial plexus
During the surgery, Martin ligated the large blood vessels and used diathermy to cauterize the smaller vessels within the muscles and soft tissue to reduce the risk of bleeding. The swelling and hard tissue that was noted in the CT report was identified, and the brachial plexus was removed.
Poppy was hospitalised overnight so that her pain management could be monitored. By the following morning, Poppy was bright in herself, eating well, and was using her remaining forelimb to get around. She was discharged later that day.
Poppy’s pathology results confirmed the presence of a nerve sheath tumour, clear margins were identified, showing that the whole tumour had been removed.
