PET OF THE MONTH

Murphy

Murphy is a 7.5-year-old Greyhound Mix.

On November 27, 2007 Murphy came to the clinic for examination of lameness in is left front leg, ongoing approx 3 weeks.

Through the examination it was decided that Murphy needed x-rays to determine the cause of his ongoing lameness.

The radiographs show a light shadowing in the upper fore arm which suggests a bone tumour (osteosarcoma). This diagnosis leads us to take another radiograph of Murphy’s chest to ensure there is no sign of the tumour spreading to his heart or lungs. His chest x-ray is clear!! That is wonderful news!!

Murphy’s radiographs were sent to the Ontario Veterinary College for examination and a phone consultation to ensure proper diagnosis. Unfortunately Murphy does have an osteosarcoma (bone tumour) and would need major surgery.

Murphy was then sent to the University of Guelph for a second opinion and to decide what the next step would be for treatment.

On December 1st 2007 Murphy had his left forelimb amputated at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic and Referral Centre. 

Murphy returned to us at OMVS one week after his amputation surgery for a postoperative recheck. He was healing quite well, and seemed to be comfortable. At this time we asked that Murphy’s owners bring him back again in one week for a skin staple removal.

When Murphy returned one week later he was moving around great, and seemed to not have been affected by the amputation surgery much at all. His owners were able to taper his pain medication down gradually and he healed up perfectly!

Unfortunately since this report was created Murphy has passed away due to the re-affecting cancer. Our condolences go to his family! You did everything you could!