Beloved Dog Making Big Strides After Removal Of Rare Tumour

Six-year-old Solomon was facing the possibility of losing the use of his back legs due to both the tumour and the complexity of the surgery required to remove it. 

However, the neurology team at Linnaeus-owned Veterinary Specialists Scotland (VSS) were able to not only complete the intricate operation to remove the growth, they also ensured the beloved pet has been able to get back on all paws. 

In a miraculous recovery, Solomon, an American Bulldog weighing 43kg, is now making great strides forward and can walk well on his right back leg and is starting to once again use his left back leg. 

Prior to his referral to VSS, Solomon had started to become weak with a loss of muscle mass in his hind limbs that deteriorated acutely. 

Alexandra Ferreira, the neurologist in charge of this case at popular VSS, said: “Both the tumour and the surgery itself could have led to the permanent paralysis of Solomon’s back legs. 

“The surgery on the middle of his back was technically challenging as it involved opening the covering of the spinal cord and taking the tumour out from within the tracts of the spinal cord itself. 

“It was also a very rare tumour, where kidney cells abnormally grow in the spinal cord, which is not seen often.

“Due to Solomon’s size, nursing him was challenging but his owners are exceptionally dedicated and he is now undergoing physiotherapy to help him get back on his feet. 

“The ongoing success of this case has been the result of fantastic teamwork between neurosurgery, the nursing team who looked after Solomon, his owners and Solomon himself. 

“It has been a fantastic team effort, supported by an experienced team of anaesthetists and diagnostic imagers, with the patient himself making the biggest difference.” 

Solomon’s loving owners were devastated upon learning the initial diagnosis but are now amazed at the progress their determined pet is making. 

Paul Summers, who lives in Glasgow, said: “We were extremely shocked and upset as Solomon had a tumour in his spinal cord and we were very aware of how risky this could to be fix. 

“However, Alexandra was very reassuring and informative about what would happen and the potential outcomes. 

“VSS gave Solomon the best possible care they could and ensured we were happy with how things were going. 

“Now he has had the operation, Solomon is improving every day. He is now able to get around and is starting to regain control of his hind legs and is happier than ever. He has been given a new lease of life.” 

VSS is a specialist-led multidisciplinary referral hospital offering industry-leading services in cardiology, dermatology, internal medicine (feline and canine), neurology, orthopaedics, and soft tissue surgery, supported by specialists in diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia and analgesia. 

For more information about VSS and the services it offers, visit www.vetscotland.co.uk or search for Veterinary Specialists Scotland on social media.