A DOG rescued from Romania has made a remarkable recovery from a rare cancerous tumour thanks to specialist treatment at Solihull’s Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service.
The stricken Corgi-crossbreed had only been in his new UK home a week when he developed worrying symptoms, including breathing difficulties and an increasing flow of discharge and blood from his nose.
Owners Kathryn and Brian Dean, from Kings Heath, took their new pet, which they had christened Mr Pickles, to their local vets who, in turn, quickly referred him for award-winning care at Linnaeus-owned Willows.
The unusual case was handled by top Willows vets Mark Dunning and Megan Work.
“Mr Pickles had reduced air flow through his nostrils and experienced pain when the front of his nose was touched,” said Megan.
“A CT scan confirmed there was a large mass inside his nose and we were concerned this could be cancerous.
“After special testing, it was confirmed Mr Pickles had what is called a Transmissible Venereal Tumour (TVT) inside his nose.
“Dealing with a TVT is quite unusual for us, as they are usually confined to tropical and subtropical areas and are uncommon in the UK.
“The positive news was that, unlike other nasal tumours, TVTs have an excellent prognosis when treated with chemotherapy, so we started Mr Pickles on a six-week course in January.
“The results were excellent and within three treatments, the nasal discharge had stopped completely.
“He was no longer experiencing pain around his nose, and air flow through his nostrils returned to normal and we’re pleased to say he is now a very happy chap with a nice clear nose!”
The Deans are delighted with the transformation in Mr Pickles and he has now become an established part of the family, along with their long-time Dalmatian, Relish.
Kathryn said: “The treatment Mr Pickles received at Willows was fabulous. I cannot speak highly enough about their outstanding care.
“His life has been transformed. His snore, which was so loud it was laughable, has gone and he can breathe through his nose now.
“He’s stopping to smell everything now, too, in the garden and on our walks, and he particularly likes sniffing the flowers.
“It’s quite joyful to see.”
For more on Willows, visit www.willows.uk.net.
