 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
In this Episode:
Series 1 Episode Guide:
Super Vets
Hannah was brought to the RVC's Sefton Equine Hospital to investigate a swelling on the right side of her face midway between her nostril and eye.
There was some discharge from her right nostril and eye and no air coming through her right nostril each time she breathed. This suggested that the swelling might extend to inside Hannah's nose causing a blockage.
A small camera was passed up Hannah's nose which enabled the vets to identify a large internal nasal mass. Radiographs (x-rays) and ultrasound examination provided further initial information before a CT scan revealed just how far the swelling had spread. Hannah was briefly anaesthetised for the scan, as it's unrealistic to expect a horse to lie motionless on a table with their head in our scanner.
The scan showed that the mass extended a considerable way into the side of Hannah's head. There was evidence of spread around the roots of three teeth as well as through the bone on the side of her nose and into her sinuses.
Attempts to take samples large enough for diagnosis through Hannah's skin were unsuccessful. The concern among the team was that the mass was caused by some form of cancer. In an attempt to reduce the facial swelling and nasal blockage, as well as obtain larger samples of tissue for laboratory analysis, it was decided to perform surgery on her nose.
The surgery was performed with Hannah standing after she was sedated and local anaesthetics used to prevent her feeling the incisions. A section of bone on the side of her nose was removed to allow surgeons access to the mass. As it had invaded the bone and the teeth roots it was not possible for the surgeons to remove it all.
A compromise was made between the ideal surgery where no mass is left, and the patient's welfare, as to eradicate the entire mass large parts of Hannah's jaw and face would have to be removed. In human medicine multiple further surgeries are used to reconstruct the face and jaw, during which time the patient is unable to eat normally and is in pain. This level of suffering is not acceptable with our animal patients.
The laboratory confirmed the mass was a tumour that had developed from nerve tissue. Radiotherapy can reduce the chance of the tumour re-growing, or slow the rate at which the tumour re-grows, and was discussed with Hannah's owner who had the final decision on further treatment.
Hannah's owner decided to take her home and not pursue any further treatment. The chances of success were low and she felt Hannah had suffered enough distress. When the tumour grew sufficiently large again to affect Hannah's happiness, instead of putting her through further rounds of treatment she would have Hannah put to sleep, the most humane thing she could do.
Hannah's owner :
" I will never forget the fantastic treatment and care she received in the two weeks that she was there. I am eternally grateful that I was able to bring her home and spend the remaining 4 months of her life with her. The professionalism of all the staff that helped Hannah was second to none and I know that she was in the best possible hands.
Thank you. "
