Computed Tomography (CT) Scan is one of very important diagnostic imaging procedure nowadays used in humans. It is now also used in animals. It uses x-ray images to create a three-dimensional image of the body and its inside parts and organs.

There are so many uses for CT scan and one of the important use for this is for tumor and or cancer detection of the vital organ , imaging of compound fractures, evaluation of a spinal injury and many others.

I was able to observe several scanning appointments during my stay at AI AMC. In this case, the Dachshund is being evaluated for spinal injury which caused its hildlimb paralysis.

Usually after evaluation of cases like this, then you may be able to tell the possible treatment and therapy that may be employed and the probable outcome of the case.

Capillary hemangioma excision

When I first saw this dog, the clinic (AI Animal Medical Center) smelled like a used shoe which was stored in a closet while still wet. Basically, by his smell, you will know he is nearby. Why? Because of the ears. Apparently the ear has a bleeding wound, dirty,wet and smelly. Biopsy was taken and was found to be a capillary hermangioma.

A hemangioma is a benign (non-cancerous) vascular tumor (versus hemangiosarcoma) which usually affects older dogs. Basically it presents as a solitary slow growing nodule which may be left alone unless it causes a problem. In this dog, it is ulcerated and is non healing with possibility of getting infected thus its only cure is its excision. In this case, an ear capillary hemangioma excision was done.

This is the retriever while prepared for the surgery. Preanesthetics are given through the intravenous catheter.

After induction of anesthesia, the area is clipped, cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. Notice that the ear is soiled due to mixture of exudates and dirt.

The tumor is incised and in this photo, the wound is being cautherized to prevent further bleeding.

This is the ear after excision. Notice the location of the already removed tumor.

After the removal, the wound is carefully stitched to close the skin but not obscuring the ear canal.

After surgery, there was no follow up visit. Most likely, the owner of the dog (who was a medical doctor) removed the stitches at home.

See this Corgi undergo his regular swimming therapy with his doctor, Dr. Matsumoto

Swimming Therapy

See this Corgi undergo his regular swimming therapy with his veterinarian, Dr. Matsumoto.

As an good form of therapy and exercise, swimming stimulates blood circulation and strengthens the muscle and joints without much impact to the bones and associated joints. It is also a good cardio work out.

Water Treadmill

Some may find this amusing. Some won't believe what this would do to your pets, but yes, this is specially designed for your pets that need therapy. This may help your pets to be able to walk again. Though it is entirely a case to case basis if your pet can ever walk again, i think you just have to ask about this with your veterinarian.

This technology is usually employed in countries that are able to afford this facility like Japan. Maybe in the near future, this will be present here in the Philippines. for now, we can still do with the swimming therapy, ultrasound therapy, guided/braced walking and accupunture.

With this Corgi's case, he wasn't able to regain motor function of his hindlimb so he has to be fitted with and use a pet wheelchair.

Way back in 2006, we had a case in the clinic here in the Philippines, a German Shepherd. he was fitted with a wheelchair and is roaming the owner's premises happily. He regained his motor functions though and was able to walk again on all fours.

this japanese domestic cat

about 2 days before i left japan, this cat was presented at the clinic. unable to stand, weak and dehydated. owners told us that the cat went missing for several days and when they found her (cat), she was in this condition. radiograph revealed comminuted fracture of the proximal third of the right femur, we suspected hit by car incident or trauma/blow. blood tests were also done and we found out that the cat was positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) aka Feline Aids (another story). This cat underwent surgery 2 days later which i wasn't able to see coz i was on my way back to manila.

If this happened here in the philippines there are several ways this cat will end up.

1. an individual who can afford the surgery and loves this cat will have a go for surgery and confinement.

2 an individual will bring this cat to the clinic but declines surgery, opts for other choices and may have the cat euthanized.

3. a person will bring this to the clinic and abandon it.

3. will end up on the streets to die.

Anyway, since this took place in japan, it was brought to the clinic and care was given.

I did some follow up through e-mail to Dr. Toshi (hi doc!) and he said that she got well, she was able to walk. Apparently an infection occured at the limb with the implant and they need to remove the implant (not the limb!) and it became better.